In our previous video, we covered king Alfred’s surprise victory over the Vikings at Edington in 878. This victory both ensured the survival of his kingdom and allowed the West Saxons the breathing room needed to prepare for the inevitable next invasion. Though Guthrum retired to East Anglia after the battle, Wessex still faced potential attack from elsewhere. When Alfred passed away his son Edward in Wessex and his daughter Æthelflæd in Mercia started uniting the lands of England under their control by fighting against the various invaders from abroad and against the Danelaw, Five Borroughs, Northumbria and others. England was forged in these conflicts.
