still standing

Folklore has it that King Alfred, in the 9th century, on the run from the Vikings, took shelter in the house of a poor woman who was baking some cakes (small loaves apparently).

She asked him to watch the cakes but, distracted by his problems, Alfred let them burn.

It's quite difficult to get a shot of King Alfred's statue without intrusions as it stands close to a bus station. I think he's known by most people for burning cakes, rather than other historic merits.

[Lori Jane]

Love the photo and the story! One bad bit of publicity, and you are eternally remembered for only that blunder, lol.

[Sylvia du Toit]

Well done.

[Peter]

I like this perspective Hazel, well composited and balanced with the framing of the tree and statue and all that lovely detail, as any child and they will tell you King Alfred burnt the cakes, lol:)

[John]

Very impressive and a nice composition and POV!

[Jenfurj]

I have been watching the Vikings series on TV, and love the history that goes with it. I think they missed this part out:)

[Denise Wood]

Terrific capture with interesting info :)

[Julie F]

Fantastic shot, interesting note too.

[Dawn]

Great shot and thanks for info too

[Babs]

Lovely shot. Typical bloke, you can't rely on them to keep their eyes on anything can you.

[Hazel]

@onewing
Babs you made us laugh!

[wendy frost]

Great capture against the blue . One fact I remember from history lessons.

[Bep]

Nice capture and info.

[gloria jones]

Great capture and narrative

[Lady Magpie (Heather)]

Great statue, he should have been more careful with those cakes. Lovely capture.

[Deni]

I think this looks fine due to the intrusions. Yes, poor Alfred hasn't been remembered well, bet he'd not be very pleased to be remembered through history for such a ridiculous reason. 😊

[Richard Hickey]

Fantastic picture and perspective.

[Penelope Ann]

Super composition