Podcast Episodes

Æthelflæd: Lady of the Mercians

Æthelflæd, one of the most important women in Anglo-Saxon history, ruled Mercia during the reign of Edward the Elder. Through her military endeavours…

1 year, 7 months ago

Edward the Elder

Edward the Elder (899-924) is often overlooked given the towering fame of his father and son. When we look at his career, though, we find a king whos…

1 year, 7 months ago

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

In the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle we have not only an account of Anglo-Saxon history but also an attempt at identity creation which served part of the mis…

1 year, 8 months ago

Alfred: the Great?

We look back on the achievements of King Alfred and ask: how do we define someone as 'great'?

Credits – 

Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdening

https://…

1 year, 8 months ago

The Alfredian Renaissance (Part 2)

One day, when he was a boy, the future Alfred the Great, along with his brothers, was pulled aside by his mother, Osburh. She showed them a book fill…

1 year, 9 months ago

The Alfredian Renaissance (Part 1)

In addition to his military and political achievements, King Alfred also undertook an ambitious plan for intellectual revival meant to restore learni…

1 year, 9 months ago

Alfred: King of the Anglo-Saxons

Although he had no way of knowing it, in 878 Alfred secured for Wessex over a decade of peace from Viking attack. In that time, Alfred would set abou…

1 year, 10 months ago

The Great Summer Army

As discussed in the previous episode, the Viking invasion of England can be roughly divided into two phases, that which occurred prior to the arrival…

1 year, 10 months ago

The Sons of Ragnar

The Great Heathen Army that devastated England in the 860s and 870s was, tradition claims, spear-headed by three of the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok. As d…

1 year, 11 months ago

The Ravaging of Heathen Men

Viking activity in England evolved over time. What began as small-scale raids on vulnerable monasteries gradually evolved into attacks on key trading…

1 year, 11 months ago