This timeline gives a chronological listing of the main events in English History for the years 880 – 889
The king of Wessex for this period was Alfred the Great
880 (during)
The puppet King of Mercia, Ceowulf, died. Earldorman Aethelred, succeeded as King of Mercia.
880 (during)
A son, Aethelweard was born to Alfred’s and Ealhswith.
882 (during)
King Alfred’s navy won a naval battle against four Viking ships. Two of the enemy ships were captured and the others destroyed.
885 (around)
Alfred began putting in place measures to ensure his own son, Edward, succeeded him rather than his nephews Aethelhelm and Aethelwold. Alfred claimed to have the support of the Witan for his son to succeed him.
885 (during)
A group of Vikings arrived in England and attacked Rochester in Kent. However, Rochester had been fortified by King Alfred and was able to withstand the attack until help came.
886 (during)
King Alfred took control of London (Lundenburgh) from the Vikings. However, as it was technically in the Kingdom of Mercia he placed the city under the protection of Aethelred of Mercia.
886 (during)
Alfred constructed a harbour to the west of London Bridge.
886 (during)
King Alfred married his eldest daughter, Aethelflaed, to King Aethelred of Mercia. As part of the marriage agreement, Aethelred acknowledged Alfred as his Lord. Aethelred became known as Lord of Mercia rather than king.
886 (onwards)
Alfred began to surround himself with learned men including Asser and John the Saxon. He was very interested in learning and education.
888 (during)
Alfred’s son-in-law, Aethelred, Lord of Mercia, was taken ill. Alfred’s daughter Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia, ruled Mercia while her husband was incapacitated. She shared rule with her husband after his health improved.
888 (during)
Alfred founded Shaftesbury Abbey. He made his daughter, Aethelgifu, abbess.
889 (during)
The Lord and Lady of Mercia, began fortifying the town of Worcester as a defensive burgh. Other towns in Mercia would follow.
First published 2016; Updated and re-published Jan 13 2021 @ 9:08 pm – Updated – [last-modified]
Harvard Reference for this page:
Heather Y Wheeler. (2016 – 2021). English History 880 – 889. https://www.thetimelinegeek.com/english-history-880-889.htm. Last accessed [date]