Who Was The First Monarch In The British Royal Family

Meet the OG: A Chat with the First Monarch of the British Royal Family

Ever wondered who was the first person to don that iconic crown and start the British royal family's reign? Let's rewind to the 9th century and meet Alfred the Great, the first monarch of England. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's dive into this fascinating tale.

From Humble Beginnings to Royalty

Born in 849, Alfred was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf of Wessex. Now, you might think, "How does one go from being the baby of the family to the first monarch of England?" Well, it wasn't all smooth sailing. When his dad died, Alfred's half-brother Æthelred took the throne. But, plot twist, Æthelred died just a few years later, and the crown passed to Alfred.

But hold your horses, because there was a catch. Alfred had to fight for his claim against his brother-in-law, Æthelwulf's former advisor, and a Viking invasion. Talk about a rocky start to his reign!

Alfred's Game-Changer: The Battle of Edington

In 878, the Vikings, led by Guthrum, were wreaking havoc. They'd taken over Chippenham, where Alfred and his family were hiding. But Alfred wasn't about to let them have the last laugh. He gathered a small army and, using guerrilla tactics, surprised the Vikings at the Battle of Edington. The result? A decisive victory for Alfred and the beginning of the end for Viking rule in England.

Fun fact: Alfred's victory was so significant that it's often considered the turning point in the Viking invasions of England. Not bad for a day's work, huh?

The Monarchy: A History of the British Royal Family - YouTube

Alfred the Lawmaker and Educator

Alfred wasn't just a warrior king. He was also a lawmaker and an educator. He established a system of law and order, known as the Dooms of Alfred, which were fair and just. He also encouraged learning and education, even learning to read and write Old English himself. In fact, he translated several Latin texts into Old English, including Pope Gregory's Pastoral Care.

Now, you might be thinking, "How does this relate to me?" Well, Alfred's love for learning and education has had a lasting impact on English society. So, the next time you pick up a book, you can thank Alfred for helping to create a culture of learning and curiosity.

British Monarchy Family Tree

Alfred's Legacy

Alfred the Great ruled for nearly 30 years and left behind a lasting legacy. He's often referred to as the "Father of England" because he was the first king to rule over the majority of the country. His actions paved the way for the united England we know today.

So, the next time you see the British royal family on TV, remember that it all started with Alfred. He might not have had the same glamorous lifestyle as today's royals, but he certainly laid the foundation for their reign.

And there you have it, folks! A quick chat with the first monarch of the British royal family. Next time, we'll catch up with another fascinating figure from history. Until then, keep learning and keep curious!