Wantage

Wantage is a historic market town and civil parish in Oxfordshire, England. It lies in the Vale of White Horse and serves as the main settlement of its civil parish. The town grew as a market center in medieval times and is traditionally associated with King Alfred the Great, who is believed to have been born there in the 9th century.

Today, Wantage functions as a service and commercial hub for the surrounding rural area, with a pedestrian-friendly Market Place that hosts shops, pubs, and a regular market.

Education and culture: the town is home to King Alfred's Academy, a secondary school, and several primary schools. It hosts local cultural and community events.

Nearby landscapes and historic routes: Wantage sits near the Ridgeway, a long-distance national trail, and the Uffington White Horse hillside figure region, which contribute to the area's tourism and outdoor recreation.

Governance and history: administratively, Wantage is part of the Vale of White Horse district in Oxfordshire. It was part of Berkshire until the 1974 boundary changes moved it into Oxfordshire.

Notable connections: Wantage is widely associated with King Alfred the Great, and the town celebrates its medieval and royal heritage in local institutions and events.