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Swanborough Tump Memorial, Wiltshire
This monument, built in 2000, commemorates a royal council in 871, during which Prince Alfred and his older brother, King Aethelred of Wessex (reign 865-871), discussed the royal succession and the inheritance of their personal estates. The meeting confirmed Alfred as heir to the throne of Wessex, ahead of Aethelred's young sons: Aethelhelm and Aethelwold. It also ensured that estates would be provided for the children of whichever brother died first.
The council convened as Wessex faced a Viking invasion. During these perilous times, the line of succession needed to be agreed upon by the great men of the realm to ensure stability in the event of the king's death, which occurred later that year, leading to Alfred's accession to the throne, in April 871.
The council took place at a local assembly point named Swinbeourg, whose location is now unknown. However, the monument stands on a mound of earth known as Swanborough Tump in Wiltshire, which locals claim is the location of the original Swinbeourg.
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