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Fortifications in Wessex c. 800-1066

By: Osprey

Type: Softcover

Product Line: Fortress - Middle Ages (500 - 1500 A.D.)

MSRP old price: $18.95


Product Info

Title
Fortifications in Wessex c. 800-1066
Publisher
Category
Author
Ryan Lavelle
Publish Year
2003
Pages
64
Dimensions
7.5x9.5x.25"
NKG Part #
2147394151
MFG. Part #
OSPFOR014
Type
Softcover
Series
FOR14

Description

The defense 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.