King Alfred, Winchester - walkWINCHESTER

The King Alfred statue is at the bottom of Broadway in the centre of Winchester. It is the most central of our starting points and the gateway to walks heading East into the South Downs as well as north and south along the River Itchen.

So, who was Alfred the Great? He was the king of the West Saxons and died in 899 AD. A thousand years later a statue in his memory, designed by Hamo Thornycroft, was installed at prominent spot near the intersection of the high street and the River Itchen in Winchester. Alfred chose Winchester as his residence in around 870 AD. The statue is 2.5 times life size and about 4.50 m (15 feet) high. It is reported to weigh about 5 tons. Have a look at the pedestal, made out of Cornish granite with a one word inscription that says it all: AELFRED.

Interestingly, Alfred was ranked number 14 in the BBC’s list of the 100 Greatest Britons following a UK-wide vote in 2002. He was buried three times at different locations in Winchester, the Old Minister, New Minster as well as Hyde Abbey. His final resting place is believed to be at Hyde Abbey, the bones may still be around thought there’s no confirmed grave.

Practicalities

Get here on foot: if you are already in town, just walk here from wherever you are
Parking: any city centre car park
Public transport: all buses to Winchester central bus station
Food/Drink: plenty of options in the city centre, see map for suggestions
Public toilets: Chesil street car park

Click or touch on map symbols to get further details.