The statue was unveiled by Lord Rosebery on September 20, 1901.
The sculptor Hamo Thornycroft was a prominent figure in the New Sculpture movement in Britain.
The pedestal is constructed from massive blocks of Cornish granite.
Although Alfred died in 899 AD, the statue was commissioned for a delayed millennial celebration.
The statue replaced a former Buttercross site marker at the Broadway intersection.
The King Alfred the Great Statue is a bronze monument erected in 1901 to commemorate the millennium of King Alfred's death. Sculpted by Hamo Thornycroft, the statue stands approximately 20 feet tall, including its substantial granite pedestal. It depicts the monarch in a protective stance, holding a spear and a shield, representing his role as a defender of Wessex. The monument is situated at the eastern gateway to the city center on the Broadway. It serves as a visual anchor for Winchester's connection to its Saxon history. The statue remains a prominent landmark maintained by the local city council.
From the opposite side of the Broadway, capturing the statue with the historic buildings of the High Street as a backdrop.
Visit during the morning to capture the statue without the shadows cast by surrounding buildings.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby River Itchen path for better context of the historical town layout.
Do not attempt to climb the pedestal, as it is protected and culturally sensitive.
