Asser, John: - John Asser was a Welsh monk born in Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom, who became an influential historical figure in the 9th century. He is best known for his role in the court of King Alfred the Great, where he was invited to join Alfred s circle of scholars. Initially, Asser lived in St David's, Dyfed, but around 885, he was requested by King Alfred to leave his monastery and assist with the king s efforts to improve education and administration in Wessex. Asser initially spent some time in Caerwent due to illness, but after a year, he accepted Alfred s offer and became part of the king s intellectual court. Asser later became the Bishop of Sherborne in the 890s. He is most famous for writing "Asser's Life of King Alfred", a key historical document that provides insight into the life, reign, and character of Alfred the Great. Asser's writings offer valuable historical context for understanding the political and military challenges faced by the Anglo-Saxon kingdom during the Viking invasions. His work remains an important source for studying Alfred the Great and early medieval Britain. Asser's term as Bishop ended around 909.