When in London, Walk King Alfred’s London :) When in Kyiv, Walk Prince Vladimir’s Kyiv :)

“Bridge” that is the translation of  the first name of Vladimirskaya street in 10^th century , or “Most” in Russian , transliterated in English, one of the oldest and greatests streets in Kyiv.

That’s where a guided tour group will head to on 16^th July after gathering at the entrance to University metro station at 3pm and visiting St Vladimir’s Cathedral, within City Tour of London in Kyiv.

When in London, Walk King Alfred’s London http://www.hyde900.org.uk/events/walk-king-alfreds-london/

start at St Paul’s Cathedral and hold your way around City of London, created by the Romans who lived there J

When in Kyiv, likewise, Walk Prince Vladimir’s Kyiv,

start at St Vladimir’s Cathedral and walk over to Vladimirskaya street

together with guided tour group …

So far, get more interesting parallel facts about King Alfred’s and Prince Vladimir, their deeds, times, places, events:

King Alfred

4) In 853 at the age of four Alfred is said to have been sent to Rome where, according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. he was confirmed by Pope Leo IV who "anointed him as king" …
5) Bishop Asser tells the story of how as a child Alfred won as a prize a book of Saxon poems, offered by his mother to the first of her children able to memorize it. Legend also has it that the young Alfred spent time in Ireland seeking healing. Alfred was troubled by health problems throughout his life. It is thought that he may have suffered from Crohn's disease. Statues of Alfred in Winchester and Wantage portray him as a great warrior. Evidence suggests he was not physically strong, and though not lacking in courage, he was noted more for his intellect than as a warlike character.
Prince Vladimir
4) In 977 Vladimir fled to his kinsman Haakon Sigurdsson, ruler of Norway, collecting as many Norse warriors as he could to assist him to recover Novgorod. On his return the next year, he marched against Yaropolk. On his way to Kiev he sent ambassadors to Rogvolod (Norse: Ragnvald), prince of Polotsk, to sue for the hand of his daughter Rogneda (Norse: Ragnhild). The high-born princess refused to affiance herself to the son of a bondswoman, so Vladimir attacked Polotsk, slew Rogvolod, and took Ragnhild by force. Polotsk was a key fortress on the way to Kiev, and capturing Polotsk and Smolensk facilitated the taking of Kiev in 978, where he slew Yaropolk by treachery and was proclaimed knyaz of all Kievan Rus.
5) The Primary Chronicle reports that in the year 987, after consultation with his boyars, Vladimir the Great sent envoys to study the religions of the various neighboring nations whose representatives had been urging him to embrace their respective faiths. The result is described by the chronicler Nestor. Of the Muslim Bulgarians of the Volga the envoys reported there is no gladness among them, only sorrow and a great stench. He also reported that Islam was undesirable due to its taboo against alcoholic beverages and pork. Vladimir remarked on the occasion: "Drinking is the joy of all Rus'. We cannot exist without that pleasure." Ukrainian and Russian sources also describe Vladimir consulting with Jewish envoys and questioning them about their religion. His emissaries also visited Roman Catholic and Orthodox missionaries. Ultimately Vladimir settled on Eastern Orthodox Christianity
And that is only a part of the story  …

16 July 3pm Insight into personalities of Alfred The Great and Saint Vladimir. Comparative biographies. Walking Tour in the downtown of Kyiv. 2 hours. Limit 20 participants

Place to start - University metro station. Sign up - write to activetours@i.ua, text to 066 5004149

150 UAH. 50% discounts for students, young pairs and groups. Payment in advance or at the spot.

Together in Ukraine - City Tours of London in Kyiv. Discovering English values in Ukraine