When it comes to one of the most pivotal times in British history, the Norman invasion and conquest of Britain in 1066, most people only focus on the Battle of Hastings. It was during that fight that the forces of William of Normandy defeated Harold of Wessex. A few days later, William’s army marched on London, and he was crowned King William I on Christmas Day. What came … [Read more...] about After Hastings: The Norman Conquest after the Battle of Hastings
Anglo-Saxon History Articles
English History: The Rise and Fall of the Anglo-Saxons
The Anglo-Saxons spent just over half a millennium as the dominant power in England from the end of the Roman occupation in the 5th Century until the Normans invaded in 1066. During this time, the two groups that were the Angles and the Saxons came together, formed the first kingdoms on Great Britain, and battled the Vikings for control. It was a formative time for England … [Read more...] about English History: The Rise and Fall of the Anglo-Saxons
Ten Interesting Facts About the Battle of Hastings
There’s no question that the Battle of Hastings was the most important conflict in British history. Fought between the Anglo-Saxons (led by Harold of Wessex) and the Normans (headed by William of Normandy), the Norman victory led to William becoming king and instituting feudalism, fundamentally altering British society and the country’s destiny. As fundamental as … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts About the Battle of Hastings
Weird Britain: True love, pirates, Vikings and fish – a Wareham, Dorset vignette
By Joël Lacey It’s just before eight on a balmy Wednesday evening in August. Within an ancient Dorset riverside pub/restaurant, at a table whose centerpiece is a vase with a single red rose in it, a couple sits looking at one another. They have eyes and ears for nothing and no-one but each other… which is just as well, because milling all around them are adults dressed as … [Read more...] about Weird Britain: True love, pirates, Vikings and fish – a Wareham, Dorset vignette
The Fiver – Five of Britain’s Oldest Businesses
Transacting business is something that goes back centuries, if not millennia, to the first time humans began to trade with one other. In Britain, the oldest businesses stretch back to before the Norman Conquest and represent some of the island’s oldest professions. While some are still owned by the original families that formed them, others have made the transition to … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five of Britain’s Oldest Businesses
A Guide to the Four Patron Saints of Great Britain and Ireland
Every country has its own unique symbols. They can be places, things, and even people that represent the country. Patron saints are in many ways an extension of this symbolism, each an important figure not only for Christianity but specifically for the country which he patronizes, his history and lore tied to the land and its culture. The countries of the British Isles each … [Read more...] about A Guide to the Four Patron Saints of Great Britain and Ireland
Ten Interesting Facts about Viking Invasions
Coming from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Vikings struck repeatedly along the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland from around 800 AD until finally defeated in 1066 AD. Often the sight of their longboats coming over the horizon inspired terror in the villages along the coast. Throughout their history with Britain, the Vikings raided villages, held territory, and even sat on the … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Viking Invasions
Top 10 Britain: Top 10 Things to See and Do in Winchester – Exploring Alfred the Great’s Capital
Editor’s Note: This long article originally appeared in Issue #6 of the Anglotopia Print Magazine in Spring 2017. You can support great long-form writing about British History, Culture and Travel by subscribing to the Anglotopia Print Magazine, a quarterly love letter to Britain. Subscribing makes articles like this possible and ensures the future of Anglotopia. You can … [Read more...] about Top 10 Britain: Top 10 Things to See and Do in Winchester – Exploring Alfred the Great’s Capital
The Monarchs: Alfred the Great – King of Wessex
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue #5 of the Anglotopia Magazine in Spring 2017. Support great long-form writing about British History, Culture and Travel by subscribing to the Anglotopia Print Magazine. On the year of his death in 899 Alfred the Great was known only as Alfred, King of Wessex. During the first year of his reign alone, King Alfred fought … [Read more...] about The Monarchs: Alfred the Great – King of Wessex
When Vikings Attack: A Brief History of Norse Raids and Settlements in the United Kingdom
There was a time when sails over the eastern horizon was a herald of death and destruction. Sailing from Scandinavia, Viking raiders plagued the United Kingdom for over 200 years before finally being driven off for good in 1066. Throughout this time, the Vikings not only raided villages along the coast, including undefended monasteries but also established several … [Read more...] about When Vikings Attack: A Brief History of Norse Raids and Settlements in the United Kingdom
Brit History: Top Ten British Battlefields To Visit for the History Buff
Human conflict has long devolved into two armies meeting out in a field to determine who’s boss. The United Kingdom has seen its share of conflicts, from battles against invading forces to wars between groups within the country. From the raiding Vikings to the English Civil War, plenty of battlefields can be found all over the UK, and we at Anglotopia are here to tell you our … [Read more...] about Brit History: Top Ten British Battlefields To Visit for the History Buff
The Fiver – Five of the Oldest Archaeological Sites in Britain
Archaeology isn’t just about outrunning giant boulders, avoiding having your heart ripped out, and choosing the right grail. It’s really about discovering ourselves by looking into the past and figuring out how previous generations lived. Ever since the British Islands were linked by a land bridge to the European continent, human beings have lived here. Each era of British … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five of the Oldest Archaeological Sites in Britain
Introducing a New Regular Column: Great Events in British History – First Up The Norman Invasion of 1066 – The End of Anglo-Saxon England
Editor's Note: This article is the first in a new series of ongoing articles about major events in British History. Each article will be a long read about the event, its key players, background and its ramifications in British History. These articles are meant to be sketches of the events and their aftermath - it would not be possible to write a comprehensive history for each … [Read more...] about Introducing a New Regular Column: Great Events in British History – First Up The Norman Invasion of 1066 – The End of Anglo-Saxon England
Anglo-Saxon Gold Find On Display at the British Museum
The massive Anglo-Saxon gold find that made headlines last month is now on display at the British Museum from yesterday. They are expecting it to be very popular. Very tempted - since we'll be there in two weeks - to pop in a have a look. I hope we can make the time. I should add that on top of the British Museum being one of the best museums on the world with … [Read more...] about Anglo-Saxon Gold Find On Display at the British Museum
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
