Athelney Collection

Athelney in Somerset, the most flooded village in England
Athelney in Somerset, devastated by floods in 1930 showing the only method of travel around the area - in Venetian style, by boat

Athelney Station and Signal Box, Somerset, c. 1960
A view of Athelney Station on the Somerset Levels, c.1960, showing the signal box and station building on the right of the image

Athelney Station, Somerset, c. 1960
A view of Athelney station in Somerset, c.1960, looking towards the level crossing gates. Athelney station opened on the Yeovil-Taunton Line in 1853 and closed in June 1964

Alfred the Great (849-899) Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex from 871. Alfred, hiding from Danes in cowherd's
530981 Alfred the Great (849-899) Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex from 871. Alfred, hiding from Danes in cowherd's (neatherd's) cottage on Isle of Athelney, Somerset

The Isle of Athelney in Somerset, England - 19th Century
The landscape of the Isle of Athelney at the Sedgemoor area in Somerset, England. Vintage etching circa 19th century

Narrow Escape of Alfred. A. D. 878 (colour litho)
670171 Narrow Escape of Alfred. A.D. 878 (colour litho) by Moreland, Arthur (1876-1951); Private Collection; (add.info.: Narrow Escape of Alfred. A.D. 878)

King Alfred at Athelney, Somerset, with his followers, c. 1880 (w / c on paper)
478407 King Alfred at Athelney, Somerset, with his followers, c.1880 (w/c on paper) by Scott, William Bell (1811-90) & Boyd

Somerset TA7 0 Map
Postcode Sector Map of Somerset TA7 0

King Alfred in the neatherds cottage c878 (1864). Artist: James William Edmund Doyle
King Alfred in the neatherds cottage c878 (1864). Early in his reign as King of Wessex, while a fugitive from the Danish conquerors of his kingdom

King Alfred burning the cakes, (c1900). Artist: Trelleek
King Alfred burning the cakes, c1900. Legend has it that Alfred (849-899), offered shelter from the Danes by a woman at Athelney in the Somerset marshes

King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (1864). Legend has it that Alfred (849-899), offered shelter from the Danes by a woman at Athelney in the Somerset marshes

King Alfred burning the cakes, 878 (c1900). Legend has it that Alfred (849-899), offered shelter from the Danes by a woman at Athelney in the Somerset marshes

King Alfred Hiding Athelney Somerset Marshes
King Alfred in hiding in Athelney, Somerset. Alfred the Great, 848/49 - 899. King of the West Saxons, 871 - c. 886 and king of the Anglo-Saxons, c. 886 - 899. From History of England, 55B.C

Alfred Divides his Loaf
Following the Danish invasion of Wessex, King Alfred and his followers retreated to the island of Athelney, Somerset, where they were obliged to seek refuge and sustenance from local peasants

GWR nameplate for the Athelney Castle
Great Western Railway nameplate for the locomotive Athelney Castle, built in 1948

Stacking Willow Rods
A man, in Athelney, Somerset, stacks bundles of dried willow rods called withes on a cart to be used for wickerwork and basket-making

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"Athelney: A Village Steeped in History and Resilience" Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Athelney stands as a testament to both its rich heritage and unwavering spirit. Known as the most flooded village in England, it has endured countless battles against the forces of nature throughout history. In the mid-20th century, Athelney Station and Signal Box stood proudly amidst picturesque surroundings. The old photographs capture a bygone era when steam trains chugged along its tracks, connecting this humble village with the rest of Somerset. But long before that time, Athelney played a pivotal role in shaping English history. The Isle witnessed King Alfred's narrow escape from Viking invaders in 878 AD. This daring feat is immortalized through vibrant lithographs and watercolor paintings depicting Alfred's heroic stand against adversity. One such artwork portrays King Alfred at Athelney alongside his loyal followers during the late 19th century. Their determination echoes through time, symbolizing resilience even amidst challenging circumstances. The map reveals Somerset TA7 0 - an area encompassing not only Athelney but also neighboring communities that have faced similar struggles with flooding over centuries. It serves as a reminder that unity is key when battling against nature's wrath. Delving deeper into folklore surrounding King Alfred, we find captivating illustrations showcasing his infamous encounter with burning cakes - a humorous anecdote highlighting his humility despite being one of England's greatest monarchs. Amidst these tales lies another significant aspect of Athelney's landscape - its marshes. These vast wetlands provided sanctuary for King Alfred during his hideout from Viking raids. They serve as a constant reminder that even seemingly inhospitable environments can harbor hope and protection if one knows where to seek refuge. Today, visitors flock to this historic village to explore its past while marveling at how it continues to thrive despite being prone to flooding.