Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, there's something very romantic about Winchester - the half-timbered houses with their gables leaning slightly, the River Itchen idling through the city centre. There are water mills and Roman walls, there's even a ruined castle! The current layout of the city has its roots in the late 9th century, when King Alfred the Great destroyed the Roman street plan in the hope of building a city more fortified against Viking invasion. Back then, Winchester was one of England's 'proto-capitals', and Alfred was - and still is - the city's champion.
This design shows the bronze statue of Alfred the Great in Winchester, backed by trees and a beautiful evening sky. Designed by the English sculptor Hamo Thornycroft, it stands at the eastern end of The Broadway, looking the length of the high street towards the castle. Though it was intended to mark the millennial anniversary of Alfred the Great's death in 899 AD, construction was delayed by funding issues and the statue was only actually finished in 1901. Luckily, our tea towels don't take quite so long to make - so why not celebrate the great King Alfred with this beautiful design!
