Fortifications In Wessex, C.800-1066
by Ryan Lavelle /
2003 / English / PDF
7.5 MB Download
The defence of the 9th-century kingdom of Wessex under King Alfred
against the 'Great Viking Army' is one of the major military
achievements of Early Medieval history. While the guerrilla warfare
in the Somerset marshes and the battle of Edington are
characteristic of Alfred's military abilities, his definitive
physical achievement was a series of some 30 well-structured
fortifications (known as burhs) across the kingdom. Many of these
fortifications survive to this day and some were even reinforced to
stand up to German tanks in the expected invasion of 1940. This
title describes their beginnings in the turbulent early years of
Alfred’s reign as well as their subsequent development and use.
The defence of the 9th-century kingdom of Wessex under King Alfred
against the 'Great Viking Army' is one of the major military
achievements of Early Medieval history. While the guerrilla warfare
in the Somerset marshes and the battle of Edington are
characteristic of Alfred's military abilities, his definitive
physical achievement was a series of some 30 well-structured
fortifications (known as burhs) across the kingdom. Many of these
fortifications survive to this day and some were even reinforced to
stand up to German tanks in the expected invasion of 1940. This
title describes their beginnings in the turbulent early years of
Alfred’s reign as well as their subsequent development and use.
