The Batman Family: Alfred Pennyworth

The Batman Family:
Alfred Pennyworth

Alfred Pennyworth is the loyal and rather astute butler to Bruce Wayne. Everybody knows him for always being there for Batman when he needs a hand, nourishment or a doctor. But for the most part, everybody just assumes Alfred was always there at the Wayne Manor. Some may ask, what is Alfred's story? Well, depending on the continuity he has been in the Wayne manor for a long while, since before Bruce's birth. The history we will discuss in this post is the one expounded upon in Batman: The City of Owls and the New 52 universe altogether.

History:
As a young man Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth was a member of the British Guard and was later an agent for MI-5. During his service he became proficient at the use of firearms and medical

Alfred's Father, Jarvis.

care. As he grew older he decided to retire and pursue his passion for acting. While acting on the stage his father, Jarvis Pennyworth was the butler at Wayne Manor. He was trusted by Thomas and Martha Wayne and is one of the few people to know that Martha had a second child. One day Alfred received a call that his father Jarvis had died in a car crash, (which was later discovered to be the Court of Owls who tampered with the car). In Jarvis' last letter to Alfred he urged him to take up the mantle as the butler of Wayne Manor since Jarvis trusted Alfred most.
Alfred complied with his fathers wish and became the butler of the Wayne's as Bruce was just a little boy. When Bruce's parents were killed Alfred became the legal guardian of Bruce as described in Thomas Wayne's will. As Bruce went missing for years Alfred took care of the manor and made sure it was ready if Bruce should return. When Bruce did return with tales of becoming a masked vigilante, Alfred reluctantly agreed to help Bruce become Batman. With that, Alfred has spent many nights nursing Bruce back to health, keeping him well nourished and always putting away the cape and cowl when Bruce was too tired to.
Alfred is one of the most loyal characters in Batman's life, someone who Bruce has always trusted, who Bruce's parents have always trusted and the best supporting character in the DC universe.

Things You May Not Know:

• Alfred has a lost daughter named Julia Pennyworth.

• Alfred reads Artemis Fowl

• Alfred is the only member of the Batman Family that Bruce permits to use a firearm.

• Alfred, not having the martial arts skills as Batman, is fairly good at fisticuffs. Alfred has escaped 27 kidnappings in the past.

• Alfred is one of the few characters in comic book history to deliver a headbutt such as this: