From Hastings to Crowning
History is not often simple and rarely complete. It is tempting to look back on the days of that October campaign in 1066 and...
Ethelred: Kingly Conversion to the Monastery
It seems odd to us today that a powerful leader would leave all of his wealth, power, and prestige behind and retire to a...
Silbury Hill: Ancient Mound of Mystery
Another of the great prehistoric mysteries still with us in Britain is Silbury Hill, which is situated not far from the recently mentioned Avebury.
Many...
Vikings: Mobile Fighting Machines
One thing the Vikings did seemingly better than the Saxons was fight on the run. By this is meant that the Vikings (and Norsemen)...
Harald Hardrada: A New Iron Fist Arrives
In 1016, the same year that Canute invaded England and claimed the throne for himself, Harald Hardrada was born in Norway. (Actually, he didn’t...
The Battle of Hastings, Prelude
It can be said that Harold’s triumph over Harald and the Norwegian invasion force was a tremendous victory. It can be said that the...
Offa a Muslim? What Does This Question Really Tell Us?
It has been suggested that King Offa of Mercia, he who held sway for 40 years and had built the huge Offa’s Dyke to keep...