Podcast Episodes
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Gewissan Unrest
The period between Cynegil’s baptism in 636 and the rise of Cædwalla in 685 is one in which the political history of the Gewisse becomes extremely co…
3 years, 8 months ago
Bonus Sample: Old English Heroism
'Heroic’ isn’t a term the Anglo-Saxons used, rather it refers to a general type of poetry dealing with heroes, men who live by a code and put their l…
3 years, 9 months ago
The People of Gewisse
Our first secure historical date for the people who became the West Saxons occurred at some point in the 630s when a missionary called Birinus baptis…
3 years, 9 months ago
Bonus Sample: Why is Old English Poetry So Depressing?
Now available on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/anglosaxonengland)
Old English poetry can be grim, but why? And is it as grim as it seems? In this s…
3 years, 9 months ago
The End of Mercia
Episode 26
Following the Battle of Ellendun, Mercia entered an uncertain new phase in its history. No longer the supreme power in England, it was forced to regr…
3 years, 9 months ago
Collapse of the Mercian Supremacy
Episode 25
The Mercian Supremacy collapsed within just five years of Coenwulf's death, a dramatic reversal of fortune. Why did this happen and what role did the…
3 years, 10 months ago
Coenwulf: The Last Mercian Overlord
Episode 24
In this episode we look at the reign of the last king of the Mercian Supremacy: Coenwulf. We look at how he rebuilt a fractured Mercian dominion in t…
3 years, 10 months ago
Tamworth: Aachen-on-Tame
Episode 23
Tamworth in Staffordshire proudly announces it's history as 'capital of the kingdom of Mercia' to all who visit. In this episode we look at the histo…
3 years, 11 months ago
Offa and the Dream of Empire
Episode 22
Offa of Mercia is one of the great figures of Anglo-Saxon history. Casually known in English textbooks, his true greatness is often only alluded to. …
3 years, 11 months ago
Athelbald the State Builder
Episode 21
Athelbald of Mercia was yet another Anglo-Saxon king to return from exile and rejuvenate a stagnating kingdom. More than any king we've discussed so …
4 years ago