Fortifications in Wessex, c.800-1066 - Softcover

Lavelle, Ryan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1841766399 ISBN 13: 9781841766393

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2003

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Ryan Lavelle has written on numerous aspects of Anglo-Saxon life and politics, including a study of the reign of Aethelred II 'the Unready'. He holds a PhD from the University of Southampton and currently lectures at King Alfred's College, Winchester.

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1841766399
• ISBN 13: 9781841766393
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Spedaliere Donato