A more disciplined military force was provided by subjecting all owners of five hides of land to thegn-service, a step which recognized the change that had now substituted the thegn for the eorl and in which we see the beginning of a feudal system.

How effective these measures were was seen when the new resistance they met on the Continent drove the northmen to a fresh attack on Britain.

In 893 a large fleet steered for the Andredsweald, while the sea-king Hasting entered the Thames.

AElfred held both at bay through the year till the men of the Danelaw rose at their comrades' call.

Wessex stood again front to front with the northmen.