Athelstan: The Making of England

by Tom Holland

Athelstan’s determination that no one living on his own lands be permitted to starve saw him issue a particularly prescriptive ordinance. The officials responsible for his estates were warned by their master that fines would be levied on those who failed in their duty to the needy, and the proceeds donated to charity. ‘My wish it is that you should always provide the destitute with food.’14

‘The opinion of the English that he governed them with a greater concern for law and for education than anyone else in their history is a valid one.’