Malmesbury and Alfred the Great (Talk only)

Malmesbury is closely associated with Athelstan but it had strong links also with Athelstan’s illustrious grandfather, King Alfred the Great.

Tony will explore the impact of Alfred on the town which he established as one of his strategically important fortified ‘burhs’ as part of his campaign against the Danes. The street plan of the historic town centre was laid out by Alfred.

Tony will also investigate the tense relationship between Alfred and the Malmesbury religious community and how he took land from the Church to reward his warriors.