BattlefieldsAlfred Fortifies Wallingford Burh 879
Early Medieval

Alfred Fortifies Wallingford Burh 879

879
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Wallingford Burh 879 · Alfred Wallingford
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
None
VS
Victor
Wessex (Alfred)
Outcome
Wallingford fortified as a burh controlling the upper Thames
The Battle

History & Significance

Wallingford was one of the most important inland burhs in Alfred system, controlling a major crossing of the Thames and guarding the boundary zone with the Danish-held territories to the north. The earthwork defences at Wallingford are still visible today and represent some of the best-preserved Anglo-Saxon town defences in England. The burh covered a large area and had a garrison of around 2,400 men according to the Burghal Hidage.

Forces Involved

West Saxon royal engineers and Berkshire fyrd

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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