THAT night, King Alfred seemed to see the travel-stained beggar again, but this time in a bishop’s vestments, with golden rings on his fingers, and carrying a jewelled Gospel book.

He said that he was St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, and told Alfred to rise early in the morning, and wind his great horn three times. By three o’clock in the afternoon five hundred men would have rallied to his banner, and in one week, if he made his stand on Edington hill, he would have all England for his realm.

And so it happened. Three times Alfred blew his great horn, and seemingly from nowhere five hundred warlike men gathered to him.

A week later, the army of the Danish leader Guthrum was driven off in dismay at Edington, and Alfred regained his kingdom. Guthrum was baptized, and the two sworn enemies now spent twelve days together, with Alfred acting as his sponsor, and showering him and his court with presents.