Anglo-Saxon England

Explore the rich history of Kent as a vital entry point to the British Isles, the fortification efforts of the Romans, the origin myth of Kent through Hengest and Horsa, the linguistic and cultural influence of the Jutes, the arrival of farmers and settlers in Kent, the integration of existing communities, the emergence of a kingdom that combined Romano-British and Dutch influences, the history of the Welsh people, the settlement patterns and cultural influence of the Jutes in Kent, and the possibility of Frankish overlordship.

As historians we thrive on the material culture of the past. You don’t need to be an historical materialist to recognize that without material culture our understanding of history is severely limited. Objects are the raw material from which we make history. What then do objects tell us about the early development of Anglo-Saxon history and society? When we look at this we can chart the material evolution of Anglo-Saxon England from a migrant society of farmers to a kingdom with towns and villages. At the centre of this development lies trade.Credits – Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdeninghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g&list=LL&index=5&ab_channel=Hr%C5%8D%C3%B0mundW%C5%8DdeningSocial Media - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anglosaxonenglandFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anglo-Saxon-England-Podcast-110529958048053Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandAngloInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anglosaxonenglandpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyGUvYZCstptNQeWTwfQuA  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boniface, a West Saxon missionary, left an indelible mark on many peoples and countries in Germany and Austria. The podcast discusses Boniface's international impact, his interactions with popes and kings, and his role in spreading Christianity across Europe.

Aldhelm, the highly learned English writer, is the first English 'man of letters' with an unrivalled knowledge of classical and patristic writings. His writings set the standard for Anglo-Latin literature and his influence was immense. Topics covered include controversies surrounding his birthplace, his education, and the rarity of Greek knowledge in Western Europe before the Renaissance.

Explore the life and legacy of King Alfred, the scholar turned war leader who saved England from Scandinavian invasion. Discover his passion for learning, struggles with illness, and battles against the Vikings. Learn about the treaty he made with Guthrum, which brought peace to Wessex and influenced English history.

This podcast explores the complex relationship between four royal brothers in early Anglo-Saxon England. It delves into the reigns of Æthelwulf's three older sons, highlighting key factors such as the transition from raiding to conquest by the Scandinavians and the alliance with Mercia. The podcast discusses the controversial marriage of Æthelbald, the unity of Wessex and Kent under Athelbert, and the challenges faced by Wessex due to the Great Heathen Army. It emphasizes the dire situation of Wessex and England and the important role of Alfred in protecting the kingdom.

Learn about the life and reign of King Æthelwulf, father of Alfred the Great. Explore his battles, ruling approach, diplomatic relations, and defense against Viking invasions. Delve into the rich history of Wales and Atharwalth's pilgrimage to Rome amidst Viking raids. Discover the controversy surrounding succession and scandal in Wessex.

This podcast explores the rise of King Ecgberht in Anglo-Saxon England, including power struggles in Wessex, his disputed lineage, and his military expeditions. It discusses the Battle of Elendun and its consequences, leading to the decline of Mercian power. The podcast also touches on King Ecgberht's successes, failures, and mixed legacy.

Following Ine’s abdication in 726, the rest of the eighth century was a time of uncertainty for Wessex. It is a period that is not well served by the primary evidence, and we don’t really get detailed accounts of the kingdom’s history again until the rise of Ecgberht in 802. It is a period in which Wessex was often threatened by the ascendant power of Mercia to the north and by internal instability as new dynasties vied for the throne. I have called it the ‘dark’ eighth century and that is a deliberate play on the dual meanings of the word dark. Traditional historiography has tended to see this period as one of West Saxon decline sandwiched between the revolutionary reigns of Ine and Ecgberht, in that sense it could be seen as a dark age for Wessex, although as I will argue in this episode that traditional narrative is overly simplistic and underplays the achievements of the kings who ruled in these decades. The other meaning of dark is of course referring to something mysterious and that certainly describes these decades quite well. The kings and their undertakings are mysterious to us and that makes these decades into a puzzle that must be solved. I will attempt to do so here.Credits – Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdeninghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g&list=LL&index=5&ab_channel=Hr%C5%8D%C3%B0mundW%C5%8DdeningSocial Media - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anglosaxonenglandFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anglo-Saxon-England-Podcast-110529958048053Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandAngloInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anglosaxonenglandpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyGUvYZCstptNQeWTwfQuA  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I interview author and historical reenactor John Fletcher about his book 'The Western Kingdom: The Birth of Cornwall'. It's an accessible and fascinating history of Cornwall in the early middle ages and well worth picking up if you are at all interested in the history of south-western Britain or in Cornwall since it really dives into the political, cultural, and military history of the region.Find John at: https://www.instagram.com/authorjohnfletcher/Find the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Kingdom-Birth-Cornwall/dp/1803990007Credits – Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdeninghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g&list=LL&index=5&ab_channel=Hr%C5%8D%C3%B0mundW%C5%8DdeningSocial Media - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anglosaxonenglandFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anglo-Saxon-England-Podcast-110529958048053Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandAngloInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anglosaxonenglandpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyGUvYZCstptNQeWTwfQuA  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices