Battle of Edington, 878 ⚔️ How did Alfred the Great defeat the Vikings and help unite England? Pt2/2

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🚩 After the Battle of Ashdown, the Viking army was reinforced and continued the invasion, subjugating all Saxon kingdoms, except Wessex. But Alfred took on the Vikings once again, in perhaps one of the most important battles in the history of England.
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📢 Narrated by David McCallion
🎼 Music:
EpidemicSound.com
Filmstro
#vikings #history #ragnar

[@HistoryMarche]

Go to sponsr.is/cs_historymarche and use code HISTORYMARCHE to save 25% off today. Thanks to Curiosity Stream for sponsoring today’s video.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your work!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@eldersmufcat]

What does skaldborg mean?

[@user-abdulazizkhdr1]

@@PressTV4Lifeابو قضية!😂

[@secuter]

Yet another amazing video. The x3 subscribe reminder through the video is a but much. Once sufficed.

[@wavebuilder14udc75]

@@danielsantiagourtado3430iiuSdtdt tree a a r E t🎉😢 0:01

[@Zaeyrus]

For the Algorithm!

[@jimbojangles9056]

Haooh!

[@dirtysand7700]

Haooh!

[@whoareyouyouareclearlylost323]

Haooh!

[@LookHereMars]

Haooh!

[@dmgdondada]

Haooh!

[@darthveatay]

Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Alfred’s secret weapon

[@InglouriousFrogs]

The hero who made alfred 'the great'

[@Salah-vg4tn]

it's just a fiction.

[@darthveatay]

@@Salah-vg4tn I know. Just had to say something for the algorithm

[@thegreendragoninn8730]

Destiny is all!

[@harrymills2770]

Wyrd byth, ful arad.

[@calwells5612]

"I embrace the purpose of God and the doom assigned." That is an unbelievably awesome quote. Alfred was going to do what he felt was the will of God, come what may. Just brilliant!

[@spasjt]

Means he was fully committed and a true man.

[@LukaszVT40k]

Agreed! I had to pause and reread that after hearing it first. Epic quote.

[@leod-sigefast]

It is a cool quote but bear in mind that in Old English doom meant judgement. The 'God' and 'doom' words make a bit more sense in that case.

[@calwells5612]

@@leod-sigefast Thanks for the additional knowledge. I appreciate it. It does add to my understanding of the quote. Makes it even better in my eyes.

[@assyriancrusader3760]

​@leodesiefast wow, thank you for the knowledge. Now its very clear qoute for me 😊

[@KyleWalters126]

“But King Alfred was not most men!” had me hearing “But it is not this day! This day we fight!”

[@Crunch2327]

As a Wessex lad whose family Saxon surname translates to mighty/brave spearman, and was first recorded in the somerset rolls 800+yrs ago and apparently never left. Its not beyond the bounds of possibility that an ancestor of mine spent a weekend kicking the heathens out of Wessex. 😁

[@andrewgarrett7100]

Are you a Garrett by any chance?

[@pauldirac808]

It’s time we kicked the bastards out again difference being dingies rather then Longboats .

[@MH-jz4kr]

Hahahahaha

[@peterwemyss6490]

Both my Aunt and my brother did some extensive research on our family history during Covid. It turns out my Mother’s side, we are 14 generations of London. Directly before that; we all came from Somerset… So I’ll raise a goblet of Wessex mead and say ‘Cheers’ to our ancestors kicking out the Vikings!

[@fgoogleinthea7475]

Language skills elude you.

[@michaelsinger4638]

Even more impressive when you consider that Alfred likely suffered from Crohn’s Disease. Which is very nasty.

[@HistoryMarche]

Indeed, he was plagued by it his whole life.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

​@@HistoryMarchehe was indeed great🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@tedcrilly46]

@@HistoryMarche or his hole life.

[@Ghostrex101]

What's that?

[@tedcrilly46]

@@Ghostrex101 its a disease which makes people be too lazy to use google.

[@bolapromatoqueejogodecampe8718]

Simply excellent video. Thank you 👍 How cool that Alfred, instead of becoming bitter after years of war and treachery, forgave Guthrum and became his godfather. In the process he turned a foe into an allie.

[@mccleod6235]

He was a very clever man, always saw the wider picture.

[@fandzejka9540]

Yeah, very clever move. This is why people call him the great. If I had been in his place I would have probably just disemboweled this pagan snake 😅

[@williamromine5715]

The time frame is so alien to today, it's hard to understand how becoming Christian could change the former enemy. We would assume he would have violated his becoming conversion, and returned to his old ways. But, apparently he remained faithful to his agreements. Great video, as always. Loved the vultures gathering overhead at the beginning.

[@fandzejka9540]

@@williamromine5715 Probably he had been much weakened by Alfred, there were no perspective of substantial help from Scandinavia and it would have been too risky . It was safer for Guthrum to accept the new situation. To the contrary, baptized dukes/lords of Lithuania or western Slavs returned to their old beliefs as soon as chistian army vanished behind horizon. I guess they knew they could afford it.

[@bolapromatoqueejogodecampe8718]

@@williamromine5715 The idea of grace, grace capable of changing hearts, is completely lost on people today. Same with the idea of virtue. It required plenty of brainwashing through clever use of the media since this is natural to man (a look at history will show it).

[@paulgaskins7713]

23:36 That’s amazing, to think of all the suffering that Guthram and his people had done to Alfred and not only his kingdom but the other kingdoms of the island and how angry and unforgiving you would be and out for a revenge against those who had defiled your land and people that only ends when you’ve taken everything from them that they took from you but Alfred over here decides instead to help save the souls of enemies rather than damn to hell is truly worth the title of ‘the great’

[@genghisthegreat2034]

Like John Hume The Great

[@gordonfrickers5592]

Alfred is the only king in all English history to have the title 'The Great' and the title has not been given just for the battles he won.

[@masterplokoon8803]

This way Guthrum does not become a martyr for the vikings, nobody would try to avenge him this way, Alfred broke him demonstrated his superiority and then used him to keep the East Anglian Vikings in peace for decades allowing Wessex time to get stronger and deal with other threats.

[@3lullabies]

My hats off to Odda....the hero of a very pivotal moment.

[@janekduda7548]

Just watched The Last Kingdom. Truly an Era of legend.

[@radreaxnoh4038]

And a great book series.

[@bbogdanmircea]

When I saw Guthrum I thought of Uthred son of Uthred instantly

[@magnushorus5670]

it is really good... until the last couple seasons... I mean they have vikings following a literal pregnant lady into battle... but the first couple seasons are amazing story telling and the books are great

[@01ment]

@@magnushorus5670 Somehow to me, each season was better than the previous one, even though I wouldn't expect that watching only the beginning. Climax is what matters, and just look the last scenes of the last season, with the Wessex and Scots fight on the cliff. Pretty creative...

[@JIMMORGAN-jx6ft]

I enjoyed the books. Disliked the TV series.

[@teddydatroop]

This channel is euphoria for my soul and every historian’s heart. Truly appreciate the hard work and long live History Marche!!!

[@angus2060]

I am Uhtred son of Uhtred, born a Saxon but raised by danes, born in Bebbeaburg but now in the service to King Alfred of Wessex. Destiny is all!

[@dickcheese7612]

🎶EEEEEE YAAAHHH AAAAAAAAAA EEEE🎶

[@jonbaxter2254]

*Wails in Viking*

[@troyjamison]

Born an Angle?

[@adventussaxonum448]

​@@troyjamison Yes, and therefore, nowhere near this battle or dynasty.

[@bradenedwards1172]

Alfred the great - pffft, we all know Uhtred did the hard slog!!

[@user-tt6gp4gs4v]

Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Alfred’s secret weapon. It's unfortunate that Alfred's remains were desecrated..

[@TD402dd]

It was said that Alfred was a sickly man growing up, but when he went to battle he was the greatest of leaders, and a fierce warrior. He didn't get the title of Alfred the Great for no reason.

[@saxtonhalegaming]

16:38 This image goes hard and fully encapsulates Alfred's mindset of "Either I win fully or die fully." And I think that he did indeed win fully.

[@knoll9812]

Alfred was not that gung ho.he was a thinker . He wanted to win it all eventually but was patient enough to wait and get stronger.

[@1urie1]

"I need arrows, not a ship to Rome" -Alfred, probably

[@HistoryMarche]

Pretty much, the guy was relentless.

[@grandimperialmajestyoftheg4704]

We shall make the ground RED with their BLOOD, we shall strip them of what they have plundered, we shall make them cry out for MERCY, and there will be none!

[@emperor355]

I loved the show The Last Kingdom but never knew the actual historical events, thank you for this video!

[@sonovagod]

you should read bernard cornwell books, the way he puts fantasy into real events is always an entertaining read.

[@2o1745]

Last kingdom is just like Vikings, it's a romance...

[@gordonfrickers5592]

A good brief account, thank you and congratulations. For those of you new to the story of King Alfred, Alfred is the only king in all English history to have the title 'The Great' and it's been not been given just for the battles he won. His is a great story and lesson from history for us all.

[@chikn6814]

He was one of two to win that title, with the other being Cnut.

[@SuperOdyss]

He also founded the Royal Navy.

[@thomaswayneward]

The lesson to be learned is to trust in the Lord your God.

[@sebe2255]

He was definitely a good ruler, but he didn’t really have the title himself. Given that it was only attributed to him broadly by Victorian era Britons. And the earliest reference to him being “Great” is from the 16th century. So unlike Charlemagne for example he wasn’t called the great in his own time

[@sebe2255]

@@SuperOdyss He built ships, but he didn’t found the institution of the royal navy

[@ratboysrule]

Alfred in the end essentially saying f*ck it and going for the neck of the enemy, makes me proud to be an Englishman.

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

It's unfortunate that Alfred's remains were desecrated.

[@mercianthane2503]

Really? What happened?

[@bryanmatos3994]

@@mercianthane2503 The religion wars especially during the reigns of of the 16th century where the protestants decided to purge everything Catholic and the included the churches were he was buried.

[@mercianthane2503]

@@bryanmatos3994 Bruh, now that is terrible. :(

[@bryanmatos3994]

@@mercianthane2503 yes it was such a disgrace and a shameful part of english history

[@philipr1567]

@@jzsbff4801 Oliver Cromwell was 17th century. Do you mean Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII's Reformation?

[@silla-je9od]

The Last Kingdom series is a good reenactment of this historic period, really brought it alive.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

YEESIR! I requested this battle Last time! The grand triumph of Alfred the Great! Thanks For this!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HistoryMarche]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

@@HistoryMarche i really did!

[@zer0freed0m]

I literally finished The Last Kingdom and even Seven Kings Must Die and this comes up on my recommended videos. Thank you so much KZbin this is the perfect video for me to feast on my love for this show :)

[@greenfawkes]

Always a pleasure to see history unfold before my eyes in such detail. Never stop!

[@vectorstrike]

This reminds me of The Last Kingdom's Alfred. THAT was a great man and king. I was quite moved when he died

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

Sir, I 'm impressed- and a retired historian thank you. Your history is easier to grip because your'e an island and I tell you, the eurasian Völkerwanderung is a hell to track. Bernard Cornwell to read about this does'nt hurt. Go your way, God's Blessings from Northern Germany Ludwig.

[@LostDisciple24]

I love these videos. You all do great work. As a Roman and Medieval historian, I often tell people (or show them) HistoryMarche's videos to get a visual idea of what is being discussed or to get a better understanding. Something about David McCallion's voice makes videos like these so much better. :)

[@prinz5816]

Please cover Norwegian battles, more specifically some from the Norwegian civil war like the Battle of Illevollene, or Fimreite. They have long and accurate descriptions from sagas on how they were fought and what happened, its really intresting.

[@bbaker4117]

They left out how Uhtred of Bebbanburg, also called Uhtred Ragnarson, single-handedly broke the shield wall to avenge the murder of his lover, Iseult, by the sword Dane, Skorpa.

[@joshuaperry7199]

Fictional character woven between historical events buddy. But your hearts in the right place!

[@Hope-Truth-Light]

​@@joshuaperry7199lol he was joking dude

[@raskolnikov6443]

One of the dumbest characters imaginable.

[@markmayfield2228]

All I had known about the campaigns was the retreat to the swamps. Good to see the full campaigns of my ancestor, Alfred.

[@nitrinium]

Bratton camp "an Iron age hill fort" is also the location of the "Westbury white horse" the original horse before the modern replacement was created to commemorate Alfred victory at the battle of Edington, to the west of Chippenham farmers used to talk about a burial mound still visible today on farmland that was rumoured to be a Viking burial.

[@chrisstrider]

As a Wessex lad I have always loved this part of history A great depiction 😊

[@HistoryMarche]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@KHK001]

Amazing work as always HM!

[@dustintacohands1107]

Keeping Guthrum alive shows Alfred was a stable intellect person.

[@oguntekinOG]

why didnt he kill him and his army

[@Akkordeondirigent]

Just discovered your channel: I love the permanent overview and clear descriptions of what happened between who and where. So interesting to watch!

[@jimparsons6803]

Enjoyed the presentation. Thanks. I've done a little reading about this time in early English History, and what was not mentioned, but might have been, was that Alfred was a 'man of the people.' He had observed the Vikings and their habits and noted that the Vikings were largely a hit-and-miss bunch, in a manner of speaking. He had begun to advise those that would listen to constructing palisades around their towns and villages, where they could. The raiders, after figuring out that they would have to spend more time in siege tactics than they would have liked, moved off to find easier prey.

[@skeletorlikespotatoes7846]

For glory and God... "I submit to the purpose of God and the doomed assigned" damn

[@HistoryMarche]

Agreed, powerful stuff.

[@laurarules3642]

That was such an incredible story I have only watched part 2 and not the first part but wow as somebody who only has a basic knowledge of history that was thrilling, exciting and informative. I love a good underdog story and it seems like the odds were against Alfred even though he was on his own territory That was awesome thanks

[@luketheunlucky7632]

And that day, England was born

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

It was informative and enjoyable watching thank you history Marche channel for sharing

[@ajcbean]

I’ve learned more from this man than I have in 12 years of high school

[@dirtfarmer7070]

You went to high school for 12 years?! Outstanding!

[@ajcbean]

@@dirtfarmer7070 you know what I meant goober

[@wardaddyindustries4348]

Embrace the purpose of God and the Doom assigned. That quote mixed with the music gave me the chills!

[@anthonybrownhovelt]

obviously a huge subject but was surprised you didn't mention one of his key policies for success, which was the Burg system of defending a Town and how he worked out the number of men required to defend a location (one for every 5ft of wall/palisade. So Wilton had a mile of Wall to defend, so needed 1,000 men!) This system made it very difficult for the Vikings to raid, take slaves and pillage effectively as communities had a strong point to withdraw into.

[@tax1643]

At the very end of the video (around 24:30 and on) you'll see Alfred's men asking him "How many more Burh's do we need to build" and Alfred replying "I'll let you know when to stop".

[@delskioffskinov]

Love the Narrators voice! perfect for this kind of content! keep up the great work I hung on every word lol!

[@RushlockMedia]

Loving this series! Curiosity has me even more tempted now

[@Lionheart1157]

Thank you, loved this video. Excellent work.

[@theamericanviking1835]

Look, I'm team Viking all day obviously, but you gotta admit that Alfred was a great man in this particular instance. Weather you like him or not he never gave up, always fighting ever onward. He manages to rally his people and channeled the warrior spirit, defeating his enemy while simultaneously uniting his lands. Absolutely an epic story that commends respect and offers inspiration.

[@bravo2966]

Whether

[@dextew69]

Cringe

[@MorgothBagluir]

@@dextew69 How is that cringe?

[@joshuaperry7199]

Fair enough buddy, even though you've chosen a side "even enemies can show respect" said a great king once. I don't necessarily have a side, im team truth lol. Loved the viking series but the misportrayal of the saxons was boderline criminal lol.

[@raskolnikov6443]

No one sane backs the Vikings

[@davidcunningham2074]

fascinating. I have more respect than ever for Alfred!

[@robbabcock_]

Thanks for another wonderful video! 🪓🔥⚔

[@thepunadude]

THIS IS THE BATTLE THAT GOT HIM THE TITLE, 'THE GREAT'

[@makasuacinum5060]

I can't wait to see the end of this series. Thank you HistoryMarche for providing us this wonderful video.

[@mrhockey0214]

Loving this series on Alfred and the Vikings. Would love to see more Viking videos!

[@tassiehandyman3090]

9:25 - on the map, just south and west of Exeter, is marked "Halwell"... I now live on the other side of the world, but I grew up about 5 miles from Halwell; it's a tiny hamlet, maybe 6 houses? Odd place to mark on any map, let alone a HistoryMarche one! Awesome work! 👍💪🇦🇺

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Historymarche always bring us brilliant docs. This one is amazing . Alfred the great the only anglo saxon who was able to defeat the great menacing army of vikings. Brilliant doc. A huge fan of you from Sri Lanka. Also i always appreciate your hard work and dedication to this videos . Hurrah for the algorithm. ❤️🔥🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤝

[@jaymanishere13]

Alfred was a beast

[@Kaptain13Gonzo]

Another great bit of history. Thank you.

[@chuckdegoal3264]

Always excellent stuff... Thank you!

[@adamburke1088]

Im loving this Alfred guy!! Thanks KnGs!

[@brianivey73]

Great video as always!

[@christopherthrawn1333]

Well done here Sir and your Team

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Any idea how accurate these troop movements are? They help to visualize a lot and I love the style of these videos yet I am always interested in as many details as possible. A great work!

[@twonumber22]

I need this narrator to give my eulogy.

[@johndough1703]

You must EARN IT through battle.

[@dntakemesrs]

Great video! I love how you visually show the story. Although, it was Uhtred of Bebbanburg himself that slayed Ubba at Cynuit and burned his fleet. He then played a pivotal role in the Saxon army's victory at the Battle of Ethandun returning all of Wessex to Alfred. 😃

[@NR-rv8rz]

I wonder what emotional state Guthram was in to be treated so well by Alfred. And if any aspect of his nature became actually Christian or if he at least felt any admiration for the Christian spirit.

[@starhalv2427]

Considering how little he valued any previous agreements, he likely had some psychopathic tendencies and laughted at those who thought he'd keep his part of the deal.

[@NR-rv8rz]

@@starhalv2427 Well I just Googled it and it seems he did rule well for the next ten years until he died. He honoured agreements and trade with Wessex and he ruled as a Christian king to the Christians in his realm and a Pagan king to the pagans. Actually, throughout history there are multiple figures who were murderous and brutal but once they gained power they became fair and good rulers.

[@jonbaxter2254]

He was known to question the Christian faith on campaign. The loyalty it inspired in the men he fought.

[@HannibalBarca137]

Such a excellent and well done video. I this channel.❤ Also I love for that how cool Alfred is and how amazing he is and how he still fought through this gr some video. Also you are taking a little to many sponsors from curiosity stream.

[@peterhunt135]

Excellent video -- thank you,

[@devereuxbirdzell]

I cheered win Alfred won the battle. This is one of the finest history channels in all of youtube. Outstanding!!

[@bigsarge2085]

Awesome. Always learn something new.

[@svenkaahedgerg3425]

Great work, as usual 👍

[@weon_absoluto]

love this time period ,anglo saxon england

[@crazyreciver21]

Newer viewer but I love the content! Also I’d love to see a series over the battle for Texas (the Alamo, battle at San Jacinto, ect)

[@BodoAmat-uk7qj]

Im so glad I found this channel😁 you make a very good animation, and explanation👍

[@HistoryMarche]

Thank you so much 😀

[@LookHereMars]

Thank you again for all of the great productions, comment for the algo.

[@EpicCBgamerOfficial]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@nealeadams9744]

Thank you for taking us back in time.

[@omnius28]

Any History video made with David McCallion narrating is amazing. He should go into Audiobooks! I love these video, they are my life blood for any history junkie such as much,. They are better than most documentaries on TV. Thank you History Marche!!

[@abasudoh7459]

The Pale Horseman, the second book in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories. One of my favourite battles in the entire series, by the time I got to the end of the battle, I was physically and emotionally drained as if I took part in it😅😅

[@davidanderson2357]

Indeed, yeoman, 'tis hard and thirsty work turning those pages, with their excess of weighty words and challenging pronunciations therein. I, too, have drained more than a few flagons of browne ayle in the mighty struggle against illiteracy and ignorance.

[@theashenfox]

Great stuff, thanks, learned so much.

[@Tervicz]

Oddly, there have been many Henry's and Williams on the English throne, but never a single Alfred.

[@Ian-yf7uf]

The royal lineage changed to Norman after William the Conqueror took the thrown. It's not fully anglo Saxon in lineage. Only some Anglo Saxon barrons were able to retain their lands.

[@leod-sigefast]

The unfortunate conquest of England in 1066 changed everything: the royal line and aristocracy was now Norman-French with most Anglo-Saxon/English either being killed or exiled, their land taken. This affected the culture and language of England, with a tilt towards more Continental (Norman/French) styles and customs. The English throne ever since has reflected those early Norman kings with a propensity of French names: Henry, Richard, William. One good Old English name that did live on in the royal dynasty was Edward!

[@masterplokoon8803]

​@@Ian-yf7ufthe current English kings descend from Alfred though, Henry I of England married the great grandaughter of Edmund Ironside so Alfred's line still sits on the throne.

[@adventussaxonum448]

​@@masterplokoon8803 Henry II's mum was the Empress Matilda, descended directly from Aelfred, through Margaret of Wessex (and later Scotland).

[@derekgibson7037]

Most informative!

[@stanketchum4259]

Thanks for a great retelling of the victories and defeats of Alfred the Great.

[@robertmanjani1894]

Enjoyed it a lot.. . Great work

[@zetectic7968]

A recently discovered hoard had coins minted with Ceolwulf's name on. It seems he was more important than previously thought & a junior partner to Alfred not merely a Viking puppet.

[@sullacicero2610]

Surprised by the lack of mention of the burh’s, wasn’t it Alfred’s greatest defence against the hoard? We have a couple of boroughs these days, even though Edinburgh keeps as close to old English as can be.

[@christianmartires729]

He truly is a king...

[@ArtStanton]

Thanks for the video!

[@societyreborn33]

Incredible content. Peoples of such conviction are all but lost in the modern world

[@LukaszVT40k]

My sacrifice to the algorithm: I grew up in Dorset and live in Exeter. I've always been fascinated by Alfred, and greatly admire how he never gave up despite all the catastrophic odds against him. Exeter still has parts of the Roman wall the Danes sheltered behind.

[@jackgreen1698]

Another excellent, well narrated video

[@bjw4859]

History never fails to amaze me, great video.

[@Jukic313]

Keep up the good work guy :) Been watching since the beginning

[@fredtheuberdriver]

Thanks for the great videos

[@dennisboulais7905]

Great coverage.

[@roihanfadhil2879]

Ah yes, Viking's Video again. Great Video ❤❤👏👏. Thanks for cover my request. I hope you continuing your viking series in England until the reign of Edward the Elder and Æthelsan 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️. And little suggestion, i hope you in the next video, add call of the north backsound on your Viking Video👍👌.

[@dimitristripakis7364]

This is very interesting and well made, thank you. Can you add a little bit about the weapons and tactics, if possible? Like how many soldiers of what type they had, etc..

[@71Fenderv22]

This channel never disappoints.

[@SulaimanToubi]

Very enjoyable and informative.. thanks

[@miophx8283]

Excellent content!