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King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (1864)
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King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (1864)
King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (1864). 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. On her return to the cottage, the angry woman scolded the king for his carelessness. 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 14841398
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
9th Century Aelfred Alfred I Alfred The Great Anger Anglo Saxon Angry Arrow Burning Cake Cottage County Dejected Dejection Distracted Embarrassed Embarrassment Fireplace Firewood Fugitive Fury Humiliated Humiliation King Alfred King Alfred The Great King Of Wessex Legend Legendary Rage Scolding Somerset Wessex Ann Ronan Pictures Athelney Wood Engraving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century print captures the legendary moment of King Alfred burning the cakes in 878. The scene depicts a humble cottage interior, where an angry woman scolds the dejected king for his carelessness. King Alfred, known as Alfred the Great, sought refuge from Danish invaders and was offered shelter by this kind-hearted woman in Athelney, Somerset. Legend has it that while attempting to string his bow, King Alfred became distracted and allowed the cakes he was supposed to be watching over to burn. This incident symbolizes both embarrassment and humility for one of England's greatest monarchs. The print showcases intricate details such as furniture made of wood and a cozy fireplace with firewood stacked nearby. It also highlights the emotions on each character's face - anger on the woman's face contrasting with King Alfred's dejection. King Alfred's reign was marked by constant struggles against Danish invaders. After defeating them at Edington in Wiltshire in 878, England was divided into two parts: Saxon-controlled southwest and Danish-administered northeast called Danelaw. Although war broke out again later on, by 897 King Alfred had successfully defeated the Danes. This remarkable print not only immortalizes a famous legend but also provides insight into life during this tumultuous period of English history.
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