Friday, April 26, 2024

Ancient British History

Welcome to the fascinating and mist-shrouded world of Ancient British History. The historian’s task is frustrating but exhilarating, deciphering old manuscripts, exploring Roman ruins, and following the trail of the elusive King Arthur. All these things are found herein–the columns explore Britain from the Bronze Age to the Norman Conquest. Come on and in and enjoy!

Writing: A Revolution in Saxon England

So the Saxons, the Angles, and the Jutes all began landing in Britain in the 5th century. They sought their fortunes and plunders and...

From Ironside to Son of Ironfist

Unlike his father, Edmund had a bit of fire in his belly. Not Unready, Edmund was, by contrast, Ready to defend his newly gotten...

Harold and the Beginning of the End

With the accomplishments and death of Edward the Confessor, the final piece of the puzzle that is the Norman Conquest is now ready to...

Offa’s Dyke: Moving Earth and Earth

Along about 784, Offa, King of Mercia, decided that he had had enough of the Celtic invasions from Wales. Cant really blame him, really....

Stone Circles: Not Just at Stonehenge

When you think of stone circles, you tend to think of Stonehenge. For whatever reason, Stonehenge has gained fame worldwide as a perfect example...

The Downside of Finding King Arthur

Historians have been lit by the fire within for generations in the quest to find distinct clues that will conclusively point the way to...

The Coming of Alfred the Great

At last we come to Alfred, one of the greatest monarchs the British Isles have ever produced. The fifth son of King Aethelwulf of Wessex...

Overlord: Saxons Learn from Their Enemies

With the accession of Aelle to the position of “overlord” (for lack of a better word) of the Germanic lands in Britain, the idea...

Did Arthur Really Live? A Critical Look

“The fact is that there is no historical evidence about Arthur; we must reject him from our histories and, above all, from the titles...

Battle of Hastings, part 1

October 14 dawned early, with armies prepping for battle on Caldbec Hill and the surrounding area beneath. Harold had made no formal attempts to...