Wayland the Smith, Rumour King Alfred

I have previously mentioned King Alfred, the King of Wessex, and his association with Wayland the Smith. It was rumoured that Alfred had asked Wayland to forge weaponry to arm his army. However, this is only a rumour — not myth, legend, or confirmed fact. That said, it’s perfectly reasonable to believe the rumour. Alfred was born in Wantage, less than ten miles east along the Icknield Way. His sister owned several estates in the area, including Lambourn, just seven miles to the south, where his mother is believed to have lived.

At the foot of Blowing Stone Hill lies a large sarsen stone — roughly the size of a car engine — pitted with numerous holes. This stone is reputed to be the one Alfred used to summon his men-at-arms to battle. It’s an odd and fascinating relic that must be seen and tried in person. When blown like a bugle, the stone is said to resonate sound across the Vale — but no one knows for certain which hole is the “trumpet hole.”

The Battle of Ashdown took place in this area in 871 AD. It was a running battle in which the Danes were thoroughly defeated — including seven jarls (or earls), who are believed to be buried at Lambourn’s Seven Barrows. On subsequent raids, Danish forces would reportedly advance as far as the spot where the previous raiding party had been defeated (thought to be Scutchamer Knob), then veer south toward Winchester instead of continuing west along the Ridgeway and joining the Portway. What the Danes feared most was not Alfred himself, but the loss of troops.

Much of this is historically documented in the Saxon Chronicles — particularly by the Welsh chronicler Asser. This is not rumour, legend, or myth, but fact.

P.S. The chronicles also mention that the Battle of Ashdown occurred near a thorn tree — likely a hawthorn, of which there are many outcrops in the area. There is also a reference to a boxwood tree. To my knowledge, only one boxwood tree exists in this locality.