when was alfred the great born

Alfred the Great was born around the year 849 AD at Wantage, historically part of Berkshire but now in Oxfordshire, England. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf of Wessex and his wife Osburh. Although exact dates vary slightly among historians, 849 is widely accepted based on contemporary and later sources. Alfred became King of Wessex in 871 and is renowned for defending his kingdom against Viking invasions, promoting education, and laying the foundations for a more unified England. He died in 899 AD.