Which King Is Buried in Sherborne? Unraveling the Mystery of King Alfred the Great
For many Americans, the name "Sherborne" might conjure images of charming English villages or perhaps a picturesque castle. However, for those with an interest in Anglo-Saxon history, Sherborne holds a far more significant distinction: it is the resting place of a legendary king. The question, "Which king is buried in Sherborne?" leads us directly to one of the most pivotal figures in English history: King Alfred the Great.
Alfred the Great: A King Who Saved England
Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, reigned from 871 to 899 AD. He is widely regarded as the only English monarch to be awarded the epithet "the Great." His reign was defined by his valiant struggle against the Viking invasions that threatened to engulf Anglo-Saxon England. Alfred's military prowess, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination were instrumental in repelling the Norsemen and preserving the nascent English identity. Beyond his military achievements, Alfred was also a scholar and a reformer, fostering education and laying the groundwork for a more unified England.
The Unsettled Resting Place
Despite his immense importance, the precise burial site of Alfred the Great has been a subject of historical debate and intrigue for centuries. While it is widely accepted that he was buried in Sherborne, the exact location within the town has been a matter of considerable discussion and archaeological investigation.
Alfred's initial burial took place in the Old Minster at Winchester. However, in the 10th century, his son, Edward the Elder, or his grandson, King Athelstan, decided to move Alfred's remains to a more prestigious location. The chosen site was the Abbey Church of St. Mary in Sherborne, Dorset.
Sherborne Abbey: The Final Known Resting Place
The magnificent Sherborne Abbey, with its stunning architecture and rich history, became the final resting place for Alfred the Great. The Abbey, originally a Benedictine monastery, was built on the site of an earlier cathedral. It was within this sacred edifice that Alfred's remains were interred.
However, the story does not end with a simple burial. The dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII in the 16th century led to the destruction of much of the original Abbey church. The current Sherborne Abbey is a later structure, built on the same hallowed ground. This historical upheaval means that the exact spot of Alfred's tomb within the original Abbey is lost to us.
What We Know Today
While the original tomb is gone, evidence and tradition point strongly to Sherborne Abbey as Alfred's burial site. In the 18th century, a monument was erected in the Abbey commemorating Alfred's burial there, acknowledging the historical consensus.
Archaeological excavations have taken place within the Abbey grounds over the years, but definitive discovery of Alfred's remains has remained elusive. Nevertheless, the historical accounts and the enduring tradition firmly link King Alfred the Great to Sherborne.
So, to directly answer the question: King Alfred the Great is widely believed to be buried in Sherborne Abbey, although the exact location of his original tomb is unknown due to historical events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do we know Alfred the Great was buried in Sherborne?
Historical chronicles from the Anglo-Saxon period, particularly those written by chroniclers like Asser (Alfred's biographer) and later historians, mention the transfer of Alfred's remains from Winchester to Sherborne Abbey. While the exact tomb is lost, the tradition and historical accounts are very strong.
Why was Alfred's body moved from Winchester to Sherborne?
The exact reasons are not definitively recorded, but it is generally believed that his son, Edward the Elder, or his grandson, King Athelstan, wished to reinter him in a more prominent and prestigious monastic church, such as Sherborne Abbey, which was a significant religious center.
Has Alfred the Great's tomb ever been found?
No, Alfred the Great's tomb has not been definitively found. While excavations have occurred at Sherborne Abbey, the destruction of parts of the original church during the Dissolution of the Monasteries makes pinpointing the exact burial site extremely difficult.
What is the significance of Sherborne Abbey?
Sherborne Abbey is a historically rich Benedictine abbey, formerly a cathedral, and the site of the burial of King Alfred the Great. It is a Grade I listed building and a significant landmark in Dorset, England, drawing visitors interested in its history, architecture, and royal connections.
