The English boroughs emerged from modest beginnings as local centres of trade within a protective wall. Many were created from new by King Alfred, who established such places as centres of strength and defence against the Vikings. By the 12-13c new towns were being created by lords of the *manor for the holding of markets and fairs as a way to make extra money. [< OldEngl. burh, burg]
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.