Formerly a significant Roman town, the Saxons resettled Winchester but it had lost its former significance. In the seventh century a minster church, later called the Old Minster, was built within the old Roman walls. In 676 the Bishop of Wessex moved his seat to Winchester and the Old Minster became a cathedral.

However, it was in the time of Alfred that the town of Winchester became important again. In the latter half of the eighth century, the Kingdom of Wessex came under grave attack from Viking invaders. Alfred fortified old Roman towns like Winchester to protect his kingdom.

When the Viking army was eventually defeated and sent away, Winchester became the centre of Alfred's kingdom. A new cathedral, the New Minster, was built. Alfred died before its completion, but his body was transferred there when it was finally finished.