An unrecoverable reality? Recent interpretations of post-Roman Britain
2021 has seen a flurry of books published about early medieval Britain
The Battle of Brunanburh
In the year 937, Æthelstan, King of England, found himself under attack from a coalition of his enemies. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Michael and Kelly tell us about the Battle of Brunanburh, including where it was fought and the amazing poem about the battle preserved in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
8th century monastery discovered in England
The location of the 8th-century monastery in the village of Cookham, on the banks of the Thames, was a mystery until now, despite being well known from contemporary historical sources.
The Staffordshire Hoard and the History of Seventh-Century England
This lecture will give a historian’s perspective on how the hoard develops our understanding of topics such as kingship, overlordship, warfare, assemblies, the impact of Christianity and the world of heroic verse.
The Beginnings of England with Marc Morris
The roots of some important English traditions and political institutions began in one of those historical pockets of huge change but scarce written material in the centuries after the Romans left and the Normans arrived, making it challenging to find answers. Enter Dr. Marc Morris.
Was this 9th century cave the home to King Eardwulf?
A near-complete cave-dwelling and oratory, believed to date from the early 9th century, has been discovered in central England. It may have been the home to Eardwulf, a former King of Northumbria who was living in exile as a hermit in the area.
Medieval database revived – examines writings from early medieval England
The Fontes Anglo-Saxonici database is back online.
Cerne Giant was made in the Early Middle Ages, researchers find
The origins of the Cerne Giant have been speculated about for hundreds of years. Now, new research reveals that it was likely made in the early tenth century.
Gilds and Things: Keeping the Peace in 10th Century London
In the early 10th century, the inhabitants of London and the surrounding region formed one of the first recorded guilds in England – the so-called ‘peace gild’.
Viking Wirral after the Battle of Brunanburh AD 937
Although still not proven, all the evidence seems to be pointing at a Wirral location (and probably Bebington) for the famous Battle of Brunanburh.
The Last Kingdom: Putting Bernard Cornwell’s epic on screen
One of the most popular medieval-based television series in recent years has been The Last Kingdom. Let’s take a look at the show and the novels it was based on.
Fourth-century mosaic to stay in England
The Dewish mosaic will remain in the United Kingdom, as the Dorset County Museum has successfully raised £150,000 to purchase the artefact.
Fifth-century mosaic discovered in England
National Trust archaeologists working in western England have uncovered a mosaic created in the middle of the fifth century. It was uncovered at Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman villas known in the United Kingdom.
Rendlesham and the East Anglian Kingdom
Several videos from ‘Behind the Scenes: Analysing Anglo-Saxon Rendlesham’
Understanding Anglo-Saxon burial practice patterns through radiocarbon dating: a case study from southern England
This paper will present preliminary data from a multifaceted approach to dating three Anglo-Saxon cemeteries in southern England, with mixed burial practices to reveal chronological patterns
6th century warlord discovered in England
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a high-status warlord who lived in the sixth century. They believe the discovery will have important implications for our understanding of society in post-Roman Britain.
Case of facial mutilation discovered from early medieval England
An early medieval skull found in southern England has revealed a young woman who had her nose and lips cut off and may also have been scalped. This is the first archaeological example of facial mutilation from this period.
Alfred the Great did not create the Royal Navy, study finds
There has been a common belief that King Alfred the Great established the Royal Navy during his reign. However, this is not true – his predecessors were creating naval fleets at least 20 years before he came to throne.
Early Medieval Christian artefact uncovered at Hadrian’s Wall
They believe the artefact dates back to the 5th or 6th century, and is the only surviving object of its kind from this period in Britain and a rare example of early medieval Christian artwork.
Viking helmet discovered in England
In the 1950s a corroded, damaged helmet was discovered in the small town of Yarm in northeast England. It has been on display for decades at a local museum. Now, new research has shown that it dates back to the tenth century Anglo-Scandinavian (Viking) helmet, the first ever found in Britain and only the second nearly complete Viking helmet found in the world.
Changing Landscapes: Roman Infrastructure in the Early Middle Ages
The Romans constructed buildings and infrastructure all over Europe. What was the fate of these sites in the Middle Ages?
Calling All Corpses: An Examination of the Treatment of the Dead in Old English Literature
This dissertation examines various genres of Old English literature to identify times when authors discuss corpses and to what end these discussions led.
Bones belong to seventh-century saint, researchers confirm
Researchers from Canterbury Christ Church University have confirmed that human remains kept in a southeastern English church are almost certainly those of St Eanswythe. Dating back to the seventh-century, these are the earliest verified remains of a medieval English Saint.
1,200 year-old ‘King’ piece found on Lindisfarne
A rare, glass gaming piece has been discovered during an archaeological dig on Lindisfarne