SY9287 : Wareham Walls

Photo by Richard Croft from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Wareham Saxon Town Walls

📍 Wareham

Wareham’s Saxon town walls represent one of the most complete and impressive examples of Anglo-Saxon defensive earthworks in England. Built by King Alfred the Great around 890 AD to defend against Viking invasions, these massive earth ramparts still encircle three sides of the medieval town (the River Frome forms the fourth side). The walls stand up to 30 feet high in places and extend nearly two miles, creating a remarkable circuit walk with excellent views over the town and surrounding countryside. Walking the ramparts provides tangible connection to Anglo-Saxon history and demonstrates the engineering capabilities of our ancestors over 1,100 years ago. Information boards explain the walls’ construction, purpose, and Wareham’s strategic importance as a fortified burh in Alfred’s defense network against Viking raids. The walls have been continuously maintained and remain largely unchanged in alignment. St Martin’s Church on the walls contains remarkable medieval wall paintings. Wareham’s Saxon heritage creates a unique historical atmosphere.

Location

Photo Gallery

SY9287 : Wareham Walls SY9187 : Wareham Walls SY9287 : On top of the town wall, Wareham SY9287 : Town walls, east, Wareham SY9287 : Wareham Town Wall, west SY9287 : Lumps & bumps of the town walls. SY9287 : The Saxon walls SY9287 : Swans & duck on the R. Frome, by the Quayside Wareham SY9287 : Wareham, Bloody Bank SY9287 : The Westport SY9287 : The house on the Wall SY9287 : West Walls SY9287 : Town Ditch, Wareham SY9287 : Wareham Town Walls SY9187 : Wareham, town walls

Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.

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