Lyng: Alfred’s Story and the Burh of East Lyng

Lyng brings together several historical periods and the landscape of the Somerset Levels. The main points of interest are King Alfred’s refuge at Athelney, the Burh of East Lyng and St Bartholomew, Lyng’s old parish church. These connections can be considered in terms of history, fortifications and landscape.

King Alfred, the monastery and remembrance

Athelney served as a refuge for King Alfred during his struggle against the Danes. On the eastern summit of the Isle of Athelney, he founded a monastery around 879 AD or somewhat later. The site of Athelney Abbey contains underground remains of a monastery founded after the Norman Conquest. The two monastic references belong to different periods: Alfred’s foundation is dated to around 879 or somewhat later, while the remains relate to a monastery founded after the Conquest.

Another point of interest is King Alfred's Monument with Railings. The monument was erected in 1801 to commemorate Alfred’s stay in 878. The dates refer to different events: 878 is the year of the stay being commemorated, around 879 or somewhat later is the date of the monastery’s foundation, and 1801 is the year the monument was built. Together, these dates provide several points of reference for Alfred’s story rather than referring to a single event.

Burh and earthworks

The Anglo-Saxon Burh of East Lyng is designated as a Scheduled Monument. It stands on higher ground that forms a naturally elevated island on the Somerset Levels. The Balt Moor Wall survives as a raised embankment for about 550 m between East Lyng and Athelney Hill, connecting the fortified burhs of Athelney and Lyng.

A section of the burh’s defensive wall, about 60 m long, is visible southwest of St Bartholomew. The two references to walls concern different structures: the Balt Moor Wall is the embankment between the fortified burhs, while the shorter section forms part of the burh’s defensive wall. St Bartholomew is Lyng’s old parish church and overlooks the Somerset Levels.

Landscape and routes

For road directions, East Lyng is at a junction on the A361. The road runs east from Taunton towards Street and Glastonbury. The King Alfred Pilgrimage passes through Lyng and follows several existing public footpaths and rights of way. Route details may change; check the current route if you are planning to follow the pilgrimage route.

Walking and cycling are recommended in the Somerset Levels landscape. This is a regional point of interest, whereas the King Alfred Pilgrimage follows a specific route through Lyng. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Lyng, you can choose the focus of your stay according to whether you are most interested in Alfred’s story, the fortifications, or the church and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Nunney, Mells, Kingsbury Episcopi, Taunton, Bruton, Lovington, Clatworthy, Brent Knoll

For the broader travel overview: Somerset.