THE world’s leading expert on the archaeology of Winchester will open this year’s Hyde900 King Alfred Weekend Festival with a lecture on King Canute.

Prof Martin Biddle will speak in St.Bartholomew’s Church, Hyde, next Thursday October 23.

Organized by Hyde900, the annual King Alfred Lecture provides an opportunity to put the spotlight on Winchester’s medieval heritage.

In his talk Cnut, Emma, and Harthacnut: Danish Royal Burial in Winchester Cathedral Prof Biddle will discuss the circumstances of the death and burial of King Cnut and his family.

Prof Biddle is especially interested in why Canute decided to be buried in the Old Minster rather than the New Minster (the forbear of Hyde Abbey) of which he was a patron.

This question also forms the basis of his contribution to a major three volume study Danish Royal Burials which will be launched shortly in Copenhagen.

Steve Marper, chairman of Hyde900, said: “It is an immense privilege for us to host Prof Biddle at the King Alfred Lecture and to hear his insights into this fascinating historical puzzle. For all those interested in Winchester’s medieval history it is an opportunity not to be missed.”

Demand for tickets is expected to be high and it is advisable to book in advance either online at www.hyde900.org.uk or emailing susanlillianjones@gmail.com or calling 01962 864487.

Tickets are £7. Doors open and drinks served from 7pm, lecture starts at 7.30pm.

The weekend includes an exhibition on the stonework of Hyde Abbey, a commemoration of soldiers from Hyde who died during the First World War.

Hyde900 were involved with the project to exhume bones from St Bartholomew’s church last year, with one piece likely to have been King Alfred.