In this History video, the children explore the life and achievements of King Alfred of Wessex during the Viking invasions of Anglo-Saxon England.

Pupils learn how Alfred became king in AD 871, fought the Vikings, hid in the marshes and later defeated their leader Guthrum at the Battle of Eddington, leading to a peace treaty and strengthened defences. The video also highlights Alfred’s commitment to learning, including translating important books into English and promoting education. The children discover how his wise leadership and bravery earned him the title Alfred the Great, illustrated by stories such as the burning of the cakes. Alfred’s actions helped lay the foundations for a united England under his grandson, Athelstan.

As part of Kapow Primary’s Anglo-Saxon Britain series, the children explore how Alfred’s leadership and vision shaped early English society and governance.

See more of our Year 4 History scheme of work.

• History, Year 4, *New* British history 3: What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion? Lesson 5: Was King Alfred really ‘Great’?
• History, Year 4, *New* British history 3: What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion?
• History, Year 3/4 (A), *New* British history 3: What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion? Lesson 5: Was King Alfred really ‘Great’?
• History, Year 3/4 (A), *New* British history 3: What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion?