Reigned 871-899. He prevented the Danish conquest of England, defeating them at Edington(878) after a campaign of guerrila warfare. After his victory he allowed the Danes to keep their conquests in Mercia nd East Anglia provided that Guthrum, their King, was converted to Christianity. Alfred built a navy of Warships to defend the south coast against further Danish invasions (885-86; 892-96) and protected Wessex with a chain of fortifications. He took London (886), this gaining control of all England except the Danish areas.