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. Previous videos in this series: Battle of Edington 871 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-mTe31FcU8 Battle of Ashdown 871 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS569FQq8ww The script was developed by our good friend Pete Kelly (History Time). Check out his channel for more historical content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN9v4QG3AQEP3zuRvVs2dAg Support us on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/KingsandGenerals or Paypal: http://paypal.me/kingsandgenerals We are grateful to our patrons and sponsors, who made this video possible: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IINL0aVwzIU1FZBUsqLHFDNmODpN-Bia0rX3L5jVnIM This video was narrated by Officially Devin (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0-VII-V376zFxiRGMeZGg & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC79s7EdN9uXX77-Ly2HmEjQ) Machinimas for the video made on the Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia Engine by Malay Archer (null) ✔ Merch store ► null ✔ Patreon ► https://www.patreon.com/KingsandGenerals ✔ PayPal ► http://paypal.me/kingsandgenerals ✔ Twitch ► https://www.twitch.tv/nurrrik_phoenix ✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/KingsGenerals ✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/KingsGenerals ✔ Instagram ►http://www.instagram.com/Kings_Generals Inspired by: BazBattles, Invicta (THFE), Epic History TV, Historia Civilis and Time Commanders Production Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound: http://www.epidemicsound.com/ Songs used: Civilization V OST - Harald Bluetooth War Theme Kevin MacLeod - Moorland Johan Johansson - Conquest Nicklas Johansson - Call of the North