What was England like in the ninth century?

During the ninth century, natives of the British Isles were frequently invaded and set upon by Viking Raiders. With the exception of Wessex, most regions were taken over by the Danes. However, Alfred the Great managed to hold on to his kingdom, and it was separated from the Danish lands that were collectively known as Danelaw. This century also saw the rule of Charlemagne, and the great epic of Beowulf was written.