Statue of Alfred the Great

The Statue of Alfred the Great dominates the Market Place in Wantage, Oxfordshire, in the Vale of White Horse district. The Victorian marble figure honours the Anglo-Saxon king whom the town claims as its native son, and it has held Grade II listed status since 1985.

Why is there a statue of Alfred in Wantage?

Alfred ruled Wessex in the ninth century, held back Viking invasions of southern England, and remains the only English monarch known as "the Great". Wantage is traditionally named as his birthplace, around the year 849. Locals have long leaned on that link, and the king's name turns up on pubs, streets, and civic bodies around town. The statue in the square is the most visible expression of it.

Who made it and when?

The figure was a gift to the town from Robert Loyd-Lindsay, a local landowner and soldier who was later created Baron Wantage. The sculptor was Count Victor Gleichen, a relative of Queen Victoria. The Prince and Princess of Wales, later Edward VII and Alexandra, unveiled it on 14 July 1877. It took the place of the old town hall, which was demolished to clear the site.

What will you see?

Alfred appears as a warrior-king in armour and cloak, holding an axe, high on a plinth in the centre of the square. It is larger than life, so it towers over the surrounding buildings and is visible from several side streets. Vandals have targeted it in the past: the right arm and axe were damaged at the end of 2007, and after repairs the axe was damaged again a year later. The statue can now be seen intact.

Take time to look at the shopfronts and cafes around the Market Place, and the small Vale and Downland Museum nearby, which covers local history.

How do you get there?

Wantage is roughly 25 km south-west of Oxford and about 15 km from Didcot. Buses run from Oxford and Abingdon. The town has no railway station, so the closest are Didcot Parkway and Oxford. The Market Place sits in the town centre, and public car parks are a few minutes' walk away.

Is it free, and when should you visit?

The statue stands in an open public square, so it is accessible around the clock at no charge. Late morning gives good photographic light. A Saturday market fills the square, which adds atmosphere but can block the view of the plinth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Wantage statue of Alfred a listed monument?

Yes. Historic England lists it at Grade II, a designation dating from 1985.

Who sculpted it?

Count Victor Gleichen made it. It was unveiled in 1877 and funded by Robert Loyd-Lindsay, later Lord Wantage.

Do you need a ticket to see it?

No. It stands in the public square and can be viewed at any hour.

Are there other Alfred statues in England?

Yes, in Winchester, Pewsey, and Southwark. The Wantage one is a separate, earlier monument tied to the town's claim as his birthplace.