The Burh: How Alfred the Great Fortified England Against Vikings

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the revolutionary burh system created by King Alfred the Great in the late 9th century. Unlike the traditional view of Alfred as a warrior king, this episode focuses on his strategic genius in building a network of fortified towns across Wessex and later Mercia. We examine the Burghal Hidage, a document listing over 30 burhs with their garrison sizes, and explain how each burh required a certain number of hides of land to support its defense. Lucas details the construction methods—earthen ramparts, stone walls, and timber palisades—and how burhs doubled as administrative centers, mints, and markets. The discussion covers specific burhs like Winchester, Oxford, and Wallingford, showing how they transformed Anglo-Saxon society. We also touch on the system's longevity, with many burhs evolving into modern cities. The episode ties Alfred's innovation to earlier episodes on the fyrd and witan, showing how military and civil defense were integrated. A must-listen for anyone interested in medieval military history, urban planning, or Alfred's legacy. #History #AngloSaxon #AlfredTheGreat #Burh #Fortification #Viking #Wessex #BurghalHidage #Winchester #Oxford #Wallingford #Medieval #MilitaryHistory #UrbanPlanning #FexingoHistory #England #Defense #9thCentury Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo