Alfred's programme of fortified towns (burhs) included Oxford, which he fortified in the 880s after reconquering Mercia from the Danes. Oxford's position at the confluence of the Thames and Cherwell made it a key strategic point. The burh at Oxford was garrisoned and maintained according to the Burghal Hidage. This is less a single battle than a strategic development, but the consolidation of Oxford under Alfred's authority involved military action against Danish raiding parties.
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.
Research a location near Oxfordshire