Summary of Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum (886)

Unravel the ancient pact that shaped Viking and Saxon history forever.

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Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum, signed in 886, was a pivotal moment in the history of Anglo-Saxon England. This treaty marked the end of decades of Viking invasions and established a boundary between the kingdoms of Wessex and the Danelaw, providing a foundation for peace in the region.

Decoding the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum is essential for understanding the political landscape of early medieval England. By examining the terms of the treaty and the motivations of both Alfred the Great and Guthrum, we can gain insight into the complex relationships between Anglo-Saxons and Vikings during this period.

In this brief overview, we will explore the key provisions of the treaty and the impact it had on the balance of power in England. By shedding light on this important historical document, we can better appreciate the efforts of Alfred and Guthrum to bring stability to a war-torn land.

Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex who negotiated the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum in 886. He was known for his military tactics and strategies in defending his kingdom against Viking invasions.

Guthrum

Guthrum

Guthrum was a Viking leader who signed the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum with King Alfred in 886. The treaty established the boundaries of their respective territories and laid out terms for peace between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons.

Ealdormen

Ealdormen

The ealdormen were local rulers or nobles in Anglo-Saxon England who played a role in implementing the terms of the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum. They were responsible for maintaining peace and order within their regions.

Warriors

Warriors

Warriors from both the Anglo-Saxon and Viking armies were affected by the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum. Some warriors may have been required to enforce the terms of the treaty, while others may have been granted land or rewards as part of the peace agreement.

1. Alfred the Great and the Viking Invasions

1. Alfred the Great and the Viking Invasions

In the late 9th century, England was facing constant attacks from Viking invaders. King Alfred the Great of Wessex was determined to defend his kingdom and unite the Anglo-Saxon people against the Viking threat.

2. The Battle of Edington

2. The Battle of Edington

In 878, King Alfred achieved a decisive victory over the Viking army led by King Guthrum at the Battle of Edington. This victory marked a turning point in the war against the Vikings.

3. The Treaty of Wedmore

3. The Treaty of Wedmore

After the Battle of Edington, King Alfred and King Guthrum signed the Treaty of Wedmore, which established the boundaries of their respective territories and allowed for peaceful coexistence between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings.

4. The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

4. The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

In 886, King Alfred and King Guthrum signed another treaty, known as the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum. This treaty further solidified the peace between the two kingdoms and set the stage for a period of relative stability in England.

5. Terms of the Treaty

5. Terms of the Treaty

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum established clear boundaries between Wessex and the Danelaw, the area of England controlled by the Vikings. It also included provisions for trade and the exchange of hostages as a guarantee of good faith.

6. Conversion to Christianity

6. Conversion to Christianity

As part of the treaty, King Guthrum agreed to convert to Christianity, taking the name Æthelstan. This symbolic gesture helped to foster goodwill between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings.

7. Establishment of Danelaw

7. Establishment of Danelaw

Under the terms of the treaty, the Danelaw was recognized as a separate political entity within England, governed by its own laws and customs. This allowed for a degree of autonomy for the Viking settlers in the region.

8. Legacy of the Treaty

8. Legacy of the Treaty

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum laid the foundation for a period of relative peace and stability in England, known as the Danelaw period. It also paved the way for the eventual assimilation of the Viking settlers into Anglo-Saxon society.

9. Historical Significance

9. Historical Significance

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum is considered a significant moment in English history, as it helped to end decades of conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. It also demonstrated King Alfred's skill as a diplomat and statesman.

10. Conclusion

10. Conclusion

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum was a pivotal moment in the history of England, marking the beginning of a period of relative peace and cooperation between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. This treaty laid the foundation for the eventual unification of England under a single ruler and the establishment of a strong, unified kingdom.

Overall, the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum marked a significant moment in Anglo-Saxon history, as it established a lasting peace between the English and the Vikings. By outlining clear boundaries and agreements, the treaty helped to prevent further conflict and allowed for a period of stability and cooperation between the two groups.Through careful analysis and decoding of the treaty, historians have been able to gain valuable insights into the political and social dynamics of the time. By studying the terms and implications of the treaty, we can better understand the complex relationships between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings, and the ways in which they navigated diplomacy and conflict in early medieval England.

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Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: A treaty signed between King Alfred the Great of Wessex and Viking leader Guthrum.
  • When: 886
  • Who: King Alfred the Great, Viking leader Guthrum
  • Outcome: Established boundaries between Wessex and Danelaw, leading to a period of relative peace between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings.

Famous Figures in the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

  • Alfred the Great

    King of Wessex who negotiated the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

  • Guthrum the Old

    Viking leader who signed the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

  • Asser

    Bishop and biographer of Alfred the Great

  • Æthelred

    Brother of Alfred the Great and co-signer of the treaty

  • Athelstan of England

    Grandson of Alfred the Great who continued his policies

  • Ealdorman Odda

    Anglo-Saxon nobleman who fought in the battles leading to the treaty

  • Anarawd ap Rhodri

    Welsh ruler who may have been involved in the treaty negotiations

  • Haakon I of Norway

    Norwegian king who may have had diplomatic relations with Alfred

  • Charles the Fat

    Holy Roman Emperor who may have influenced the treaty

  • Sigehelm, Bishop of Sherborne

    Bishop who played a role in the implementation of the treaty

Timeline of Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

878

Alfred the Great defeats the Viking leader Guthrum at the Battle of Edington

878

Treaty of Wedmore signed, dividing England between Alfred and Guthrum

879

Guthrum converts to Christianity and takes on the baptismal name Æthelstan

885

Peace negotiations between Alfred and Guthrum begin

886

Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum signed, establishing boundaries and terms for peace

886

Alfred and Guthrum exchange hostages as a sign of good faith

886

Guthrum agrees to withdraw his forces from Wessex

886

Alfred promises to provide food and supplies to Guthrum's men during their withdrawal

886

Alfred grants Guthrum control of the territory known as the Danelaw

886

Alfred and Guthrum establish trade agreements between their kingdoms

886

Alfred and Guthrum agree to mutual defense against external threats

886

Alfred and Guthrum hold a feast to celebrate the signing of the treaty

886

Guthrum returns to his kingdom in East Anglia

886

Alfred consolidates his power in Wessex and continues to strengthen his kingdom

886

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum is seen as a turning point in the Viking invasions of England

886

The treaty paves the way for a period of relative peace and stability in the region

886

Alfred is hailed as a hero for his role in negotiating the treaty and defending his kingdom

879

Guthrum's conversion to Christianity is seen as a significant step towards integration of the Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures

886

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum is later cited as a model for diplomatic negotiations and conflict resolution

886

The legacy of the treaty continues to be felt in the relations between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings in the following centuries

Vocabulary List

Treaty
An agreement between two parties, in this case, Alfred the Great and Guthrum, establishing peace and defining territorial boundaries.
Alfred the Great
The King of Wessex who successfully defended his kingdom against Viking invasions and negotiated the treaty with Guthrum.
Guthrum
The Viking leader who became a key figure in the treaty, representing the Danish forces and agreeing to the terms set by Alfred.
Danelaw
The area of England under the control of the Vikings, which was formalized through the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum.
Viking
Norse seafarers who raided and settled in parts of Europe, including England, during the late 8th to early 11th centuries.
Peace
The state of tranquility that the treaty aimed to achieve between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings.
Boundaries
The geographical limits established by the treaty that delineated territories controlled by Alfred and Guthrum.
Christianity
The religion that Alfred encouraged Guthrum to adopt as part of the treaty, symbolizing a cultural and religious shift.
Alfredian Renaissance
A period of cultural and intellectual revival in Wessex that was influenced by the stability achieved through the treaty.
Anglo-Saxon
Referring to the early medieval inhabitants of England, whose culture and governance were significantly impacted by the treaty.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum was signed in 886 AD.
  • The treaty established the boundaries between the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex and the Viking-controlled Danelaw.
  • Under the treaty, Guthrum agreed to withdraw his forces from Wessex and cease raiding the kingdom.

  • Alfred the Great, king of Wessex, was one of the signatories of the treaty.
  • The treaty marked a turning point in the Viking invasions of England, as it halted their advance and secured the borders of Wessex.
  • The treaty included provisions for the conversion of Guthrum and his followers to Christianity.

  • Alfred the Great became Guthrum's godfather after the treaty was signed.
  • The treaty allowed for peaceful coexistence between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings in the Danelaw.
  • Guthrum was given control of the territory known as East Anglia under the terms of the treaty.

  • The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum helped pave the way for the unification of England under one ruler.
  • The treaty was negotiated following the Battle of Edington, where Alfred the Great defeated Guthrum's forces.
  • Both Alfred and Guthrum were motivated to reach a peaceful resolution due to the high cost of continued conflict.

  • The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum is also known as the Treaty of Wedmore, named after the location where the negotiations took place.
  • The treaty included provisions for the exchange of hostages as a guarantee of compliance.
  • The signing of the treaty was witnessed by a number of prominent figures from both sides, including bishops and nobles.

  • The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum helped stabilize the political situation in England and reduce the threat of Viking invasions.
  • The treaty laid the foundation for the eventual assimilation of the Viking settlers into Anglo-Saxon society.
  • Guthrum honored the terms of the treaty and remained at peace with Wessex for the remainder of his reign.

  • The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum was a significant milestone in the history of the Anglo-Saxon and Viking interactions in England.
  • The treaty laid the groundwork for future alliances and cooperation between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings in England.

Analysis & Significance

Immediate Consequences

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum in 886 brought an end to the Viking invasions of England, providing a period of relative peace and stability in the region. Both sides agreed to territorial boundaries and terms of cooperation, allowing for the establishment of a more organized governance system.

Long-Term Impact

This treaty marked a significant turning point in English history, as it laid the foundation for the eventual unification of England under one ruler. The agreement set the stage for the gradual assimilation of the Danish settlers into English society and contributed to the development of a distinct Anglo-Saxon identity.

Cultural Significance Today

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum continues to be remembered as a crucial moment in the history of England, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and compromise in resolving conflicts. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of historical agreements on shaping the course of nations and cultures.

Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum Games

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