The Battle of Stamford Bridge occurred on the 25th September 1066 and is one of the most significant military encounters in the early medieval period but it has become largely overshadowed by the third engagement of that year near Hastings. History is written, as they say, by the victors and the Normans saw little reason … Continue reading The Battle of Stamford Bridge
vikings
A good story set against an interesting historical background
A review of 'The Northumbrian Saga' by AH Gray.Aethelwin is the neice of King Osbert of Northumbria and a dedicated supporter of both him and her family, ‘The Peace Weaver’, the first part of this saga, is set against the turbulent times of the 9th century AD when Britain was overwhelmed by Danish and Norwegian … Continue reading A good story set against an interesting historical background
When the finish line is in sight!
Taking a break for a family holiday seemed like a good idea at the time but now that it is over and I am back at my desk I have to admit that I feel somewhat under pressure! Perhaps that is not so surprising when I look at my notes and realise that I started … Continue reading When the finish line is in sight!
The Forgotten Battle of 1066
Most British people can name at least one battle from 1066; the Battle of Hastings. In fact this is the one event that seems to encapsulate the very essence of 1066 as a subject; the killing of King Harold and (almost) inevitable Norman Conquest of England.Some people can also name a second, earlier encounter; the … Continue reading The Forgotten Battle of 1066
The Battles of Brunanburh and of Maldon
The Battle of Brunanburgh is both important and significant to the Anglo-Saxon peoples because not only did it lead to the establishment of England as a single kingdom. It was also widely reported in many different sources and various languages including Old English, Middle English, Latin, Irish, Welsh, and Icelandic.Under Aethelstan, the King of the … Continue reading The Battles of Brunanburh and of Maldon
What is a huscarl?
A huscarl was a Saxon warrior. They were generally rich men in that they had to be able to afford to equip themselves with at least two horses, steel mail armour, a steel helmet, weapons such as a fighting spear, throwing spears, a Dane-axe, a shield and, perhaps most importantly, a gold decorated two edged … Continue reading What is a huscarl?
I’ll Write a Book One Day!
It’s a common enough assertion but I expect very few people, relatively speaking, actually make the attempt. It is not surprising really, I mean, the idea of writing a book seems so easy, you sit down with a pen or typewriter or word processor or ipad or whatever takes your fancy, a blank sheet, and … Continue reading I’ll Write a Book One Day!
Peter C Whitaker 