Description

Where better to celebrate heritage than the place where the magnificent Hyde Abbey, final resting place of King Alfred the Great, once stood? Built in the early 1100s, the Abbey was around 80% of the length of the current Cathedral, but almost completely disappeared during the 1500s. One of Hyde900’s many activities has been to try to unearth the mystery of the layout of this historic building. Many different activities (suitable for all ages) will explore the search for the missing medieval abbey: -Children's Saxon Activities -Medieval Tile Making -Hidden in Hyde - a self guided trail to discover Hyde Abbey Remains -Meet the experts and discuss finds associated with the Abbey that have been discovered in local gardens including medieval glass, floor tiles and stonework.

Hyde 900 is delighted to welcome two eminent speakers to our event.

Dr John Crook, an architectural historian, photographer, and architectural consultant to Hyde900, who has published many books and is never happier than when exploring an ancient sewer, will reveal updates in the twists and turns of interpreting the archaeological evidence of Hyde Abbey's historic layout as a major medieval monastery that was entrusted with the remains of King Alfred and his family.

Discover how archaeologists are using the finds dug up in local back gardens to piece together the heritage of the Hyde area. Don Bryan, author, city guide and lecturer in archaeology and history, will talk about Emma of Normandy. ‘Who?’ I hear you ask. She is the medieval queen - wife of two kings (Aethelred the Unready, and King Cnut) mother of two kings (Harthacnut and Edward the Confessor). Don Bryan, will tell us why this extraordinary woman, illustrated in the Liber Vitae record of daily life at Hyde Abbey and New Minster, deserves to be better known.

Hop on one of King Alfred’s Vintage buses from The Broadway which will bring you to our door or follow a self-guided trail from Winchester Visitor Information Centre or City Museum to Hyde and discover some interesting historical facts on the way!

This year’s Hyde900 HODs event will take place in and around the 12th century St Bartholomew’s Church (SO23 7DF), which, along with the Gateway, is all that remains of the Abbey buildings.