Anglo-Saxon

In a reign of just 15 years Æthelstan united the English for the first time. Yet many of the facts about him remain elusive. Sarah Foot describes the challenges of writing his biography.

Richard Cavendish describes Edward the Confessor's canonisation, on January 5th, 1161.

The Bamburgh sword, a unique pattern-welded weapon found in Northumbria, has helped shed new light on a critical period of Anglo-Saxon. 

Eadwig died on October 1st, 959, still in his teens, in circumstances which remain unknown.

Alan MacColl explores exactly what the word Britain meant, after the Romans had gone.

George T. Beech traces the origins of the word England to the period 1014 to 1035 and suggests how and why it came to be the recognized term for the country.

Richard Hodges says the rubbish tips of Anglo-Saxon London and Southampton contain intriguing evidence of England’s first businessmen.

Patricia Cleveland-Peck visits Gotland, the Baltic island where the Viking and medieval pasts are to be found round every corner.

Ann Williams describes the state of the island at a time when Anglo-Saxon culture was reaching its peak, while also politically challenged by the Vikings.

Barbara Yorke considers the reputation of King Alfred the Great - and the enduring cult around his life and legend.

Alex Barker discusses St Augustine's Abbey Museum.