Prompt Cast
The Ambush of Alfred the Great by the Vikings at Chippenham in 878
TLDR Alfred the Great's victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Eddington led to their surrender, conversion to Christianity, and the eventual control of London, securing the survival of an independent Anglo-Saxon kingdom and preventing the Vikings from taking over Wessex.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
On the last day of their Christmas marathon, the hosts discuss the ambush of Alfred the Great by the Vikings at Chippenham in 878, marking a significant event in history.
04:00
Alfred the Great's life was crucial to the survival of an independent Anglo-Saxon kingdom, as his death would have likely resulted in the Vikings taking over Wessex and potentially preventing the emergence of the English-speaking kingdom of England.
07:50
Alfred the Great's victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Eddington led to the Vikings surrendering, converting to Christianity, and handing over hostages, ultimately resulting in Alfred gaining control of London and dividing Mercia with a treaty.
11:28
Alfred the Great's determination to secure Wessex allows his son and daughter to conquer East Anglia and the Viking half of Mercia in 917, leading to a triumphant victory at Eddington.
15:02
The fanatics who have been causing chaos in London are the fifth monarchy men, an extreme puritan sect who believe that the end times are near and that the fifth monarchy will be the kingdom of Christ.
18:21
The fifth monarchy men, led by Venner, launch an uprising in London, causing chaos and violence before being rounded up and defeated by royalists.
21:19
The Fifth Monarchy men's uprising in the 1650s is the last gasp of religious enthusiasm leading to violence in London, and it is interesting to consider where all that religious and political energy went in the following decades.
24:42
The violence and energy of the 1650s had a convulsive impact on cultural, social, and economic history, but public life in England became more complacent and self-satisfied in the early 18th century.
Categories:
History
