Burhs

Definition

Burhs were fortified towns or defensive structures built during the Anglo-Saxon period, especially in response to the Viking raids that began in the late 8th century. These fortified sites served not only as military outposts but also as centers of trade and community, highlighting the need for protection against Viking incursions and the growing urbanization of Anglo-Saxon England.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Burhs were strategically located to defend key routes and resources, making them crucial for maintaining control over territories threatened by Viking raids.
2. The construction of burhs led to an increase in trade and urbanization, as people sought safety within these fortified towns, which fostered economic growth.
3. Alfred the Great built or reinforced over 30 burhs during his reign, significantly improving Wessex's ability to withstand Viking assaults.
4. Each burh was designed with specific features like walls, ditches, and gates, providing both military defense and administrative functions.
5. The legacy of burhs continued beyond the Viking Age, influencing later medieval town planning and fortification practices across England.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of burhs reflect the social and economic changes in Anglo-Saxon England during the Viking Age?
  • The establishment of burhs reflected significant social and economic changes in Anglo-Saxon England as communities sought security from Viking raids while also fostering trade. By building these fortified towns, local populations not only protected themselves from external threats but also created centers for commerce and social interaction. The increased urbanization within these burhs facilitated economic growth and stability, as they became hubs where people could safely conduct business and engage in community life.
• Evaluate the military significance of burhs in the context of Alfred the Great's strategies against Viking invasions.
  • Burhs played a critical military role in Alfred the Great's strategies against Viking invasions by serving as fortified strongholds that allowed for rapid defense mobilization. Their strategic locations enabled forces to respond quickly to threats, while the walls and ditches provided physical barriers against attackers. Alfred's focus on constructing and reinforcing these defensive structures showcased his innovative approach to military defense and laid the groundwork for a more organized response to Viking raids, ultimately contributing to Wessex's survival during a tumultuous period.
• Analyze how the concept of burhs influenced later English town development and urban planning practices in medieval times.
  • The concept of burhs significantly influenced later English town development by establishing a model for fortification and urban planning that persisted into medieval times. The strategic principles underlying their design—such as centralized layouts for security, economic activity within protective walls, and planned access routes—were adopted in subsequent towns. As England transitioned into a more settled medieval society, many towns incorporated similar defensive features inspired by the burh system, ensuring that the lessons learned during the Viking Age continued to shape urban landscapes long after the threat of raids diminished.

Related terms

Wessex: A prominent Anglo-Saxon kingdom that played a crucial role in resisting Viking invasions and establishing burhs for defense.

Danelaw:

The region in England under Viking control where many burhs were established to manage both the Viking presence and local populations.

Alfred the Great: The king of Wessex who is credited with implementing the burh system as a means of fortifying towns against Viking attacks.