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King Alfred and the Legend of the Burning Cakes
AI- generated audio has been added for accessibility.
One of the most enduring legends about King Alfred the Great is the story of him burning cakes. In My Name Is Markham he, along with fellow disaster-magnets Peterson and Maxwell, is despatched to Anglo-Saxon England to discover the truth about Alfred and the cakes.
King Alfred the Great (849–899) was the king of Wessex and ruled from 871 to 899. He is celebrated for his military victories against the Vikings, his efforts to unify Anglo-Saxon England, and his contributions to education, law, and culture. However, the early years of his reign were fraught with difficulty. In 878, Alfred faced the most significant challenge of his life when the Vikings launched a surprise attack on Wessex, forcing Alfred into hiding.
During this period, Alfred and a small band of followers took refuge in the marshes of Somerset, particularly in an area around Athelney, an island-like retreat surrounded by water and swamp. It was during this time of struggle and uncertainty that the famous story of the burning cakes is said to have taken place.
According to the legend, while hiding from the Vikings, Alfred sought shelter in a peasant woman's cottage. Not recognizing her guest as the king, the woman asked Alfred to watch over some cakes (a type of bread or flatbread) that were baking on the hearth while she attended to other chores. Distracted by his worries and thoughts about how to reclaim his kingdom from the Vikings, Alfred let the cakes burn.
When the woman returned and discovered the charred cakes, she scolded Alfred for his negligence, allegedly saying something along the lines of, “You there! You man! You could not even turn the cakes, yet you dare to eat them!” The story concludes with Alfred humbly accepting the woman's rebuke without revealing his identity as the king.
The earliest known version of the story appears in the 12th-century work "Life of King Alfred," written by the monk Ælfric of Eynsham. This version is embellished with details that emphasize Alfred's humility and humanity. However, the 12th-century historian and chronicler Henry of Huntingdon popularized the story in his Historia Anglorum ("History of the English People").
It is unclear whether the tale is true, as there is no contemporary evidence to support it. Historians believe that the story may have been a way to illustrate Alfred's humility, perseverance, and ability to accept criticism—qualities that contributed to his reputation as a wise and just ruler. The legend highlights his humanity and connection to the common people by showing the king in such a humble light. It has also been seen as a reflection of Alfred's broader legacy as a ruler who valued education, culture, and the welfare of his people. The humility and patience demonstrated in the tale align with the qualities that made Alfred a revered figure, even earning him the unique title "the Great." Whether or not Alfred actually burned the cakes, the legend continues to be a powerful symbol of his enduring legacy as one of England's most respected and celebrated monarchs.
Find out how Markham, Max and Peterson fared when they went back in My Name is Markham to discover the truth about the cakes.
We hope you have enjoyed this History Briefing CLICK HERE to read more background history from The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor.
Have you discovered The Official Reading Companion and History Briefings for The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor?
If you've ever found yourself wondering who did what, when, and where in Jodi Taylor’s brilliant Chronicles of St Mary’s series — this is the companion guide you’ve been waiting for.
This guide is a must-have for both dedicated fans and curious newcomers. It contains synopses of every book and short story, detailed floor plans of St Mary’s Institute for Historical Research, History Briefings, chronological jump lists, character information, and more.
Whether you’re brushing up on the timeline or want to immerse yourself further in the chaos and charm of St Mary’s, this guide is your ultimate companion.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Jodi Taylor Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Get full access to Jodi Taylor Books at www.joditaylorbooks.com/subscribe
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By Jodi TaylorAI- generated audio has been added for accessibility.
One of the most enduring legends about King Alfred the Great is the story of him burning cakes. In My Name Is Markham he, along with fellow disaster-magnets Peterson and Maxwell, is despatched to Anglo-Saxon England to discover the truth about Alfred and the cakes.
King Alfred the Great (849–899) was the king of Wessex and ruled from 871 to 899. He is celebrated for his military victories against the Vikings, his efforts to unify Anglo-Saxon England, and his contributions to education, law, and culture. However, the early years of his reign were fraught with difficulty. In 878, Alfred faced the most significant challenge of his life when the Vikings launched a surprise attack on Wessex, forcing Alfred into hiding.
During this period, Alfred and a small band of followers took refuge in the marshes of Somerset, particularly in an area around Athelney, an island-like retreat surrounded by water and swamp. It was during this time of struggle and uncertainty that the famous story of the burning cakes is said to have taken place.
According to the legend, while hiding from the Vikings, Alfred sought shelter in a peasant woman's cottage. Not recognizing her guest as the king, the woman asked Alfred to watch over some cakes (a type of bread or flatbread) that were baking on the hearth while she attended to other chores. Distracted by his worries and thoughts about how to reclaim his kingdom from the Vikings, Alfred let the cakes burn.
When the woman returned and discovered the charred cakes, she scolded Alfred for his negligence, allegedly saying something along the lines of, “You there! You man! You could not even turn the cakes, yet you dare to eat them!” The story concludes with Alfred humbly accepting the woman's rebuke without revealing his identity as the king.
The earliest known version of the story appears in the 12th-century work "Life of King Alfred," written by the monk Ælfric of Eynsham. This version is embellished with details that emphasize Alfred's humility and humanity. However, the 12th-century historian and chronicler Henry of Huntingdon popularized the story in his Historia Anglorum ("History of the English People").
It is unclear whether the tale is true, as there is no contemporary evidence to support it. Historians believe that the story may have been a way to illustrate Alfred's humility, perseverance, and ability to accept criticism—qualities that contributed to his reputation as a wise and just ruler. The legend highlights his humanity and connection to the common people by showing the king in such a humble light. It has also been seen as a reflection of Alfred's broader legacy as a ruler who valued education, culture, and the welfare of his people. The humility and patience demonstrated in the tale align with the qualities that made Alfred a revered figure, even earning him the unique title "the Great." Whether or not Alfred actually burned the cakes, the legend continues to be a powerful symbol of his enduring legacy as one of England's most respected and celebrated monarchs.
Find out how Markham, Max and Peterson fared when they went back in My Name is Markham to discover the truth about the cakes.
We hope you have enjoyed this History Briefing CLICK HERE to read more background history from The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor.
Have you discovered The Official Reading Companion and History Briefings for The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor?
If you've ever found yourself wondering who did what, when, and where in Jodi Taylor’s brilliant Chronicles of St Mary’s series — this is the companion guide you’ve been waiting for.
This guide is a must-have for both dedicated fans and curious newcomers. It contains synopses of every book and short story, detailed floor plans of St Mary’s Institute for Historical Research, History Briefings, chronological jump lists, character information, and more.
Whether you’re brushing up on the timeline or want to immerse yourself further in the chaos and charm of St Mary’s, this guide is your ultimate companion.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Jodi Taylor Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Get full access to Jodi Taylor Books at www.joditaylorbooks.com/subscribe