Gaining the depth and richness of subject knowledge needed to teach different aspects of history effectively can prove challenging for busy primary school teachers. In this article Francis Leneghan presents key subject knowledge and suggested enquiry questions to inform and structure a depth study of King Alfred. The article focuses on some of the important historical, cultural, linguistic, literary and religious changes that took place during his reign and asks, ‘what made King Alfred great?’. The article takes us on a fascinating journey through key aspects of King Alfred’s life and reign...