1071520. Cite this via datacite

Title:

The later pre-Conquest boroughs and their defences

Issue:

Medieval Archaeology 14

Series:

Medieval Archaeology

Volume:

Page Start/End:

83 - 103

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.5284/1071520

Publication Type:

Journal

Abstract:

A summary of present knowledge of Anglo-Saxon burhs incorporates the most recent topographical, historical and archaeological work. The emergence of the burh can be attributed largely to Alfred, the system being extended in early 10th century to Mercia. The burhs are of varied character and fall into three main groups - rebuilt Roman towns, sites determined by topography and rectangular defensive sites. The Alfredan burhs with rectangular earthen defences enclosing under 100 acres probably represent the norm for this period - Wallingford, Cricklade and perhaps Wareham being the best examples. Where there is serious discrepancy between the Burghal Hideage figures and the measured wall length (as there often is) it must be concluded that the Hideage basic figure represents an ideal strength not always achieved in practice, and meant to be supplemented in warfare by the field army. Stone walls were not added to these early burhs until 11th century, but grid street plans often date from the foundation, and a minster church was probably regularly included (see also 72/1480, 72/1482). C M H

Author:

Ralegh A Radford

Year of Publication:

1970

Subjects / Periods:

Defences (Auto Detected Subject)
ROMAN (Historic England Periods)
Minster Church (Auto Detected Subject)
11th Century (Auto Detected Temporal)
Early 10th Century To Mercia (Auto Detected Temporal)
Stone Walls (Auto Detected Subject)

Source:

ADS Archive (ADS Archive)

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Created Date:

05 Dec 2008