THERE WAS once a time when Winchester was top-dog – the capital of Wessex.

Despite the mobility of the Anglo-Saxon royal court, it is generally agreed that King Alfred The Great’s main residence was here following his accession to the throne in 871.

Having garnered the regal seal of approval, the town flourished.

Streets were rebuilt, New Minster and Nunnaminster were founded, and Winchester became a hub for art and learning too.

Then it all went wrong.

The invading Normans may have rebuilt the royal palace and cathedral - as well as creating a new castle - but the town never recovered from a serious fire in 1141.

But what if Winchester had remained our capital, and it was London whose growth stalled?

Ordnance Survey boffins have overlaid the cities, with diverting results.

If 21st century Winchester were now the size of London, it would stretch from Salisbury to Alton, and Basingstoke to Fareham.

Buckingham Palace would be squashing Sparsholt and our key international football fixtures would be played out at the Stockbridge Stadium instead of Wembley.

The no-doubt hugely successful Winchester 2012 Olympics would have taken place on the site of M3’s service station, just north of the current city.

And Andy Murray would have hoisted his tennis trophy in the “suburb” of Ampfield, while Heathrow Airport planes would have landed on Marwell Zoo.

Local historian and author Barry Shurlock said: “I think it’s something that Hampshire’s escaped – in a way we’ve avoided being covered in concrete.

“We are close enough to easily visit London, without having to live there.

“We can have coffee in Stockbridge, without having to be at a football match.”