Alfred was born into a time of a divided England, an England barely recognizable as “England” but rather a series of areas under their own rule. He was the Regent of Wessex, and there were other Regents who controlled their own areas. The idea of a unified “English” country would come with and following Alfred. To get an understanding I have provided a map from unknown origin. The map illustrates an England before Alfred, and the Dane invasion that Alfred fought off. Hard to believe one man, or one cause could unite all of these areas. Maybe this is yet another clue of why the ailing king was hailed as great.
Alfred The Great 