Alfred the Great

Overview

Few kings in English history deserve the epithet 'great' more than Alfred, King of Wessex. In an age and country blighted by Viking invasions, Alfred inflicted repeated defeats upon the Norsemen and set about administrating the Danelaw to secure the unity of England. The great king also organised his forces into a standing army and built a recognised navy. Alfred was not only a fine warrior but was also a deeply religious man, a scholar and lawmaker. Featuring extensive dramatised reconstructions and surviving period imagery, this programme provides a unique account of the life of one of England's truly great monarchs.

Cast

Simon Kirk

Alfred the Great

Eric Taylor

Asser

Tony Sayer

Guthrum

Jim Gillbanks

Aethelwulf

Douglas Holloway

Young Alfred

Sandy Gillbanks

Queen Osburgh

John Turton

The Reeve

Rachel Lowerson

Leatherworker

Duncan Probert

Boneworker