Starts: Tuesday 20 April 2027, 7pm to 9pm BST
Alfred of Wessex halted the Danish invasions of England, and his reign is often considered to be pivotal in laying the foundations for Anglo-Saxon unity and the eventual development of “Angle-land”. Alfred is often called “great” in recognition of his legal, educational, and military reforms, yet does he alone deserve this nickname?
This course examines Alfred’s reign, and compares his achievements with those of Offa of Mercia (730-796), and Charles the Great (Charlemagne), king of the Franks (768–814), in order to understand the nature of early medieval kingship.
How did Offa, Charlemagne and Alfred rule? In what ways were the challenges they faced similar and different? Why did they promote education and literacy? Why are Alfred and Charlemagne known as ‘great’, whereas Offa of Mercia is not? Were Alfred and Charlemagne really that ‘great’ or did they just have great biographers?
Start Date:Tuesday 20 April 2027
Time: 7-9pm BST
Duration: 11 weeks
Full Fee: £165
Location: Online
After week one, each session will begin with a class discussion of the key issues raised in the reading for that week. Then the key questions and themes of the reading for the next week will be introduced by the tutor.
This course will be delivered via Zoom. Students joining the course will need access to a computer, laptop or tablet with a microphone (essential) and a webcam (desirable), as well as a reliable broadband connection.
Book your place on this course using this link. We will send you an invoice after you have booked your place.