king of Wessex; defeated the Vikings and encouraged writing in English (849-899)
"King Alfred, who reigned from 849 to 899, successfully defended England against Viking invasions and promoted the use of written English."
Alfred the Great, early king of England.
"King Alfred the Great is celebrated as a hero who successfully defended his kingdom against Viking invaders."
The name Alfred comes from Old English, combining "elf" and "counsel." Although it originally sounded like "Al-vred," the spelling pronunciation shifted the 'v' to an 'f' sound in Middle English.