Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that King
Alfred’s main concern in his government was to preserve law and order.
Source A: Asser, a monk, writes about Alfred’s priorities as a judge.
King Alfred was a painstaking judge in establishing the truth in judicial hearings, especially in cases involving the care of the poor. He was wonderfully concerned for them, day and night, amid all his other obligations. Throughout the entire kingdom the poor had very few supporters, except for the king himself. This was not surprising as nearly all the nobles of that land devoted their attention to more worldly affairs.
Asser, Life of King Alfred, 893
Source B: King Alfred sets out his laws.
Moreover, we command that the man who knows his enemy is dwelling at home, is not to fight before asking for justice for himself. If the man has enough power to surround his enemy and besiege him at home, he is to keep the enemy therein for seven days and is not to fight against him if the enemy is content to remain inside. After seven days, if the enemy is willing to surrender and give up his weapons, the man is to keep his enemy unharmed for thirty days and send notice about him to his friends and to his relations. If, however the man does not have enough power to besiege his enemy, he is to ride to the ealdorman and ask him for support. If the ealdorman is not willing to give him support, the man is to ride to the king, before having recourse to fighting.
King Alfred’s Law Code, drawn up in the late 880s or early 890s
Source C: King Alfred makes his will.
I pray in the name of God that none of my kinsmen or heirs oppress any of the dependants whom I have supported. The councillors of the West Saxons pronounced it right for me to leave them free or as slaves, whichever I chose. I desire for the love of God and the good of my soul that they shall be entitled to their freedom and free choice. I command in the name of the living God, that no one is to harass them either by demands for money or anything, in such a way that they cannot choose whatever lord they wish.
Will of King Alfred, made some time before his death in 899
Source D: William of Malmesbury, a monk and historian, describes events in 876.
He erected monasteries wherever he deemed it fitting; one in Athelney, where he lay concealed, and there he made John abbot, a native of Old Saxony; another at Winchester, which is called the New-minster, where he appointed Grimbald abbot, who, at his invitation, had been sent into England by Fulco archbishop of Rheims. The cause of his being sent for was that by his activity he might awaken the study of literature in England, which was now slumbering and almost expiring.
William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the Kings of England, written before 1143
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Answer
