Guthrum
Life
Guthrums taking the Danelaw
Although it is unclear how it was possible Guthrum able to rise to reign over the other Danish prince in the Danelaw, it is clear that he 874 an extended war against Wessex under Alfred the Great led. Already 876 Guthrum had brought parts of the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria under his control. Then he turned against Wessex.
The fight for Wessex
The Battle of Edington
The Treaty of Wedmore
Alfred accepted Guthrums surrender under the condition to give hostages and " to swear that Guthrum would profess Christianity. In addition, the Danes had to immediately withdraw from Wessex. This peace treaty is known as the "Treaty of Wedmore ". Three weeks later, Guthrum and thirty of his most important people came to Aller (near Athelney ) where Guthrum of King Alfred was baptized and accepted Alfred as an adopted son. At baptism he took the name of Athelstan. After that Guthrum and his men withdrew from Wessex, but retained control of the Danelaw.
The treaty enshrining the division of England between Alfred the Great and Guthrum. Important from today's perspective, however, the official adoption of the Christian faith - the political effect was especially. As a result, Guthrum also secured the recognition in addition to the recognition by their own people by the Christians in his lands, which his claim to power enhanced. The adoption of a Christian name ( Athelstan was also the name of Alfred's eldest brother), he strengthened. Impression that his followers would now ruled by a Christian king
After scot-free withdrawal from Wessex to Guthrum turned the countries to the east of his kingdom. He moved his army on the western border and settled with his people in the kingdom 879 Guthrum (consisting of East Anglia and windows ) down.
Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum and death Guthrums
Already 884 Guthrum again undertook an attack on Wessex, but was repulsed again. Thereupon the two kings joined the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum, where again the boundaries of the Danelaw and Wessex and the Danish sovereignty have been written about Danelaw.
Guthrum died 890 and was buried in Head Leage, which is assigned to the present Hadleigh, Suffolk.