upgrade

📜british literature i review

Burhs

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Burhs were fortified settlements or defensive structures built during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, primarily to protect against Viking invasions and raids. These fortified towns not only served a military purpose but also became centers of trade and community, showcasing the socio-political developments of the time.

Pep mascot

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Burhs were often strategically located near rivers or important trade routes, enhancing their defensive capabilities while promoting commerce.
  2. Alfred the Great is famously known for his extensive program of burh construction, which significantly contributed to the military strength and stability of his kingdom.
  3. Each burh was designed to house local populations, providing protection during raids and serving as a hub for local governance and trade.
  4. The layout of burhs typically included walls made from timber or stone, along with ditches and earthworks for added defense.
  5. The establishment of burhs marked a shift in Anglo-Saxon society towards more organized urban centers, reflecting changes in population distribution and economic activity.

Review Questions

  • How did the construction of burhs reflect the socio-political changes in Anglo-Saxon England during the Viking Age?
    • The construction of burhs highlighted the increasing need for organized defense against Viking raids, showcasing a shift from rural to more urbanized settlements. As communities began to prioritize security and trade, burhs emerged as fortified centers that provided protection while also serving as hubs for economic activity. This transition indicated a growing complexity in Anglo-Saxon society, where defense mechanisms became crucial to sustaining local populations and promoting trade.
  • Discuss the role of Alfred the Great in the establishment of burhs and their significance in his military strategy against Viking invasions.
    • Alfred the Great played a pivotal role in the establishment of burhs as part of his comprehensive military strategy to resist Viking invasions. By constructing these fortified towns, he not only enhanced the defensive capabilities of his kingdom but also facilitated trade and communication between communities. This strategic focus on building burhs allowed Wessex to recover from earlier defeats and ultimately establish a more unified resistance against Viking forces.
  • Evaluate the long-term impact of burh construction on urban development and societal organization in post-Anglo-Saxon England.
    • The long-term impact of burh construction on urban development was profound, as these fortified settlements laid the groundwork for future towns and cities in England. The emphasis on defense, trade, and governance within burhs led to increased population density and more organized societal structures. In post-Anglo-Saxon England, many modern towns can trace their origins back to these early burhs, illustrating how they shaped both urban planning and community life in subsequent centuries.