Have you heard a theory that I rather like, that Alfred really is just the conquering hero of Wessex, and because most of the records come through Wessex, the Mercian viewpoint has been lost? A theory I rather liked when I read it. Alfred certainly took Mercia but whether the Mercians wanted to be taken is another matter. Later generations presented this as liberation rather than conquest. I wish I could remember where I came across it, but it was rather a long time ago now...
Though I think if you argue that, you could also argue that Wessex is what eventually becomes England when it reaches a certain size, so Offa couldn't have been king of England, as he lived outside it at the time.
Re bretwaldas: my understanding is that the derivation of the word is unclear, and it doesn't necessarily imply anything to do with the word Britain? Though it does seem unlikely that in the 5tyh century there was a clear concept of an England for Aelle to be king of, that could apply to Alfred too. Or even Athelstan.
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wellinghall) wrote2008-09-03 11:39 am
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Though I think if you argue that, you could also argue that Wessex is what eventually becomes England when it reaches a certain size, so Offa couldn't have been king of England, as he lived outside it at the time.
Re bretwaldas: my understanding is that the derivation of the word is unclear, and it doesn't necessarily imply anything to do with the word Britain? Though it does seem unlikely that in the 5tyh century there was a clear concept of an England for Aelle to be king of, that could apply to Alfred too. Or even Athelstan.