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King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (c1900)
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King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (c1900)
King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (c1900). Legend has it that Alfred (849-899), offered shelter from the Danes by a woman at Athelney in the Somerset marshes, allowed her cakes burn because he became distracted while stringing his bow. Much of Alfreds reign was taken up with the struggle against the Danish invaders. After Alfred defeated them at Edington, Wiltshire, in 878, England was divided in half, with the south-western part in the hands of the Saxons, and the north-eastern portion, the Danelaw, administered by the Danes. War broke out again in the 890s, but by 897 the Danes had been defeated
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Media ID 14841394
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
9th Century Aelfred Alfred I Alfred The Great Anglo Saxon Bow And Arrow Burning Cake Cauldron Concentrating Concentration Cookery Cooking Cooking Pot County Distracted Fireplace Fugitive King Alfred King Alfred The Great King Of Wessex Legend Legendary Somerset Stringing Wessex Ann Ronan Pictures Athelney Wood Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a legendary moment in history - King Alfred burning the cakes. The year is 878, during the reign of King Alfred the Great. Legend has it that while seeking shelter from Danish invaders in Athelney, Somerset, Alfred became distracted while stringing his bow and allowed a woman's cakes to burn in the fireplace. King Alfred's reign was marked by constant warfare against the Danish invaders. After defeating them at Edington, Wiltshire, England was divided into two parts - the south-western region controlled by Saxons and the north-eastern portion known as Danelaw under Danish administration. However, war broke out again in the 890s until finally ending with a Saxon victory in 897. In this image, we see King Alfred sitting near a cauldron with his bow and arrow beside him. His concentration is evident as he focuses on stringing his weapon amidst chaos and uncertainty. This wood engraving from around 1900 beautifully depicts this iconic moment that symbolizes both Alfred's dedication to defending his kingdom and his human fallibility. The print offers us a glimpse into an important chapter of English history when battles for power were fought alongside everyday struggles like cooking burnt cakes. It reminds us that even great monarchs like King Alfred could be momentarily distracted but ultimately rise above adversity to secure their legacy as legends of their time.
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