A large train of nobles and ecclesiastics accompanied the young prince, and a splendid reception was given to him in the various towns in France which he passed through on his way.

He was but five years old; but his position and his prospects made him, though so young, a personage of great distinction.

After spending a short time at Rome, he returned again to England.
Two years after this, Ethelwolf, Alfred's father, determined to go to Rome himself.

His wife had died, his older sons had grown up, and his own natural aversion to the cares and toils of government seems to have been increased by the alarms and dangers produced by the incursions of the Danes, and by his own advancing years.

Having accordingly arranged the affairs of the kingdom by placing his oldest sons in command, he took the youngest, Alfred, who was now seven years old, with him, and, crossing the Channel, landed on the Continent, on his way to Rome.
All the arrangements for this journey were conducted on a scale of great magnificence and splendor.