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King Alfred in the neatherds cottage c878 (1864). Artist: James William Edmund Doyle
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King Alfred in the neatherds cottage c878 (1864). Artist: James William Edmund Doyle
King Alfred in the neatherds cottage c878 (1864). Early in his reign as King of Wessex, while a fugitive from the Danish conquerors of his kingdom, Alfred the Great (849-899) lived for a time in secret in a neatherds cottage. On one occasion it is said that he was scolded by her after he absent-mindedly allowed her cakes to burn. From a private collection
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Media ID 15138671
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
9th Century Aelfred Alfred I Alfred The Great Anger Anglo Saxon Angry Burning Cake Careless Cookery Cooking Cooking Pot Cottage County Distracted Doyle Fireplace Fugitive Fury James Doyle James William Edmund James William Edmund Doyle King Alfred King Alfred The Great King Of Wessex Legend Legendary Preoccupied Rage Scolding Somerset Wessex Absent Minded Athelney Historica Graphica Collection
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EDITORS COMMENTS
King Alfred in the Neatherds Cottage c878 (1864) captures a pivotal moment in the life of one of England's most legendary monarchs, King Alfred the Great. This lithograph by James William Edmund Doyle transports us to early 9th century Wessex, where Alfred sought refuge from Danish conquerors. In this scene, we witness an unexpected encounter between the king and a no-nonsense neatherd woman. Absent-mindedly allowing her cakes to burn on the fire, King Alfred finds himself at the receiving end of her scolding fury. The artist skillfully portrays both their expressions - his distracted demeanor and her fiery anger - creating a dynamic tension within this humble cottage setting. Doyle's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this composition. From the rustic interior with its cooking pot hanging over an open fireplace to the worn wooden beams supporting the thatched roof, he transports us back in time with remarkable accuracy. This lithograph not only showcases Doyle's artistic prowess but also sheds light on an intriguing chapter in English history. It reminds us that even great kings like Alfred can find themselves humbled and vulnerable amidst adversity. As we gaze upon this print from a private collection, we are reminded of King Alfred's resilience and determination as he navigated through challenging times. His legend lives on through artworks like these, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of Britain's greatest rulers.
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