Alfred the Great blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Christchurch was one of the burghs or defended towns in a system commenced by King Alfred the Great in the late 9th century. Part of these SAXON DEFENCES of banks and ditches round the settlement, designed to protect it against Viking raids, were excavated near here Recorded plaque organisation: Christchurch Local History Society.

King Alfred the Great (849-899 AD) was the King of Wessex who successfully defended his kingdom against Viking invasions and established a network of fortified towns known as burghs, which included Christchurch, to protect his realm. His military strategies and administrative reforms were crucial in laying the foundations for a unified English state.