(849-899) King of the West Saxons, born Wantage, England. When he ascended the throne, 871, the Danish invaders were threatening his kingdom; after a long struggle he established Saxon supremacy. He repelled four other invasions by them (875-878), and defeated them decisively 15 years later. Alfred drew up good laws, rebuilt and founded monasteries, and encouraged learning. He translated Boethius's "Consolation of Philosophy" into Anglo-Saxon, adding much of his own; also translated Bede's "Ecclesiastical History," and the "Pastoral Rule" and "Dialogues" of Gregory the Great; and inspired the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle."