Simplify the following text for a Grade 2 native English-speaking person.
Original: Alfred the Great ( , `` elf counsel '' ; 849 â `` 26 October 899 ) was King of Wessex from 871 to 899 .
Simplified: Alfred the Great ( c. 849 - 26 October 899 ) was king of Wessex from 871 to 899 .