Burghal case studies

Question 1

Oxford:
(Origins, Number of hides, Location, purpose)

Answer 1

• Mercian military fortress since Offa’s reign C8th
• Expanded & turned into a burh under West-Saxon control by early C10th (not necessarily Alfred)
• Version A of burghal hideage says 1500 hides
• Version B of burghal hideage says 1300 hides (either way, quite large)
• Key strategic location on the Thames - designed partly as a military/administrative base (but also made for trade?) - grid street plan + evidence of elaborate buildings for trade + clear signs of leather working)

Question 2

Winchester
(Origins, Number of hides, Location, purpose)

Answer 2

• One of the largest fortified towns (2400 hides)
• Reconstructed Roman town wall & street layout redesigned to allow for a more effective defence
• Centre of economic importance - mint established during Alfred’s reign - workshops and moneyers homes were located near the royal palace - indicating a desire for crown control - was also a centre for the production of dies (used to make coins)
• Important Eccleastical centre since C6th
• Capital city

Question 3

Chichester
(Origins, Number of hides, Location, purpose)

Answer 3

• Fortified around 878-879 - built on top of old Roman walls & redesigned street layout (same as Winchester)
• large burh (1500 hides)
• Important strategic port on the coast - obvious point for fortification as this is a clear entry point for a fortification as this is a clear entry point to south-west for the Vikings
• Success demonstrated in 895 when the town’s garrison defeated a Viking attack
• also an Eccleastical centre - eventually gained cathedral status

Question 4

Wareham:
(Origins, Number of hides, Location, purpose)

Answer 4

• Already fortified to some extent by 876 (when it’s captured by Guthrum’s Vikings & Alfred failed to secure a peace by having them swear on a ‘holy ring’)
• Listed in burghal hideage as 1600 hides - similar size to Chichester
• also been a centre of Christianity in Britain since C7th with St Mary’s church serving a parish of around 700 acres - retained ecclesiastical importance & had gained a mint by the reign of Athelstan
• Alfred added high defensive banks surrounding the town & a new grid plan of streets
• Not as high status as Winchester