First, thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of my new book End to End: Britain From Land's End to John o'Groats so far! It's always rewarding for something you've worked for so long on to start to be enjoyed by people. Over the next few weeks, I will share a few excerpts from the book with the hope that if you enjoy those - you'll want to buy the book. The first … [Read more...] about Book Excerpt: End to End – A History of Travels Around Britain
Anglo-Saxon History Articles
Ten Interesting Facts about King Cnut the Great
In a time that split the Anglo-Saxon reign of England and before the Normans brought their invading forces to its shores, the island of Great Britain was beset by Viking raiders from Scandinavia. For centuries, Vikings had been hitting villages up and down the coasts, and some even settling amongst the local population. These years of Viking activity culminated in Cnut the … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about King Cnut the Great
Ten Interesting Pre-Norman Kings
Prior to the arrival of the Romans, Britain didn’t have any kings in the traditional sense, but with the withdrawal of the Empire and the coming of the Anglo-Saxons, loose communities turned into kingdoms. Eventually, these kingdoms merged under the leadership of one man, Alfred the Great, who is regarded by historians as the first true King of England. His rule began in 886 … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Pre-Norman Kings
1,300-year-old necklace among treasures found buried at housing development site
A 1,300-year-old necklace, discovered on the site of a new housing development, was buried in the grave of a woman who may have been royalty or a powerful Christian leader, archaeologists have said.The centuries-old treasure was found during excavations in April ahead of construction starting on a new housing development in Northamptonshire. Experts from the Museum of London … [Read more...] about 1,300-year-old necklace among treasures found buried at housing development site
Charity to rewild ‘birthplace of England’ after buying Alfred the Great site
Former farmland in the “birthplace of England” is to be rewilded for nature by a charity which has bought the land linked to Alfred the Great.The Isle of Athelney was used by the Saxon king as a refuge during wars with the Vikings, famously burning the cakes in the marshes of the Somerset Levels before going on to victories that laid the foundations of England. Rewilding … [Read more...] about Charity to rewild ‘birthplace of England’ after buying Alfred the Great site
HS2 archaeologists find Anglo-Saxon burial ground containing nearly 140 graves
Archaeologists working on an HS2 site have discovered a burial ground containing nearly 140 graves, including a skeleton with a weapon still embedded in it. The site, in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, contained 138 graves, with 141 regular burials and five cremation burials, which makes it one of the largest Anglo-Saxon burial grounds ever uncovered in Britain. A skeleton, … [Read more...] about HS2 archaeologists find Anglo-Saxon burial ground containing nearly 140 graves
Bayeux Tapestry replica challenge giving grey hairs to primary school teacher painstakingly recreating iconic tapestry
A trained primary school teacher said that copying mistakes in the Bayeux Tapestry is going to “turn her hair grey,” almost six years into a project to stitch a full-size replica of the medieval original. Mia Hansson said she passed the halfway mark in January of this year, having crafted 34.2 meters (112 feet) of the 68.38 metres (224 feet) artwork. The 47-year-old works … [Read more...] about Bayeux Tapestry replica challenge giving grey hairs to primary school teacher painstakingly recreating iconic tapestry
‘Oldest family tree’ pieced together from 5,000-year-old extended Cotswold family’s DNA
Archaeologists have drawn up what they believe is the world’s oldest family tree of an extended family found buried together more than 5,000 years ago. An international team has worked on the analysis of ancient DNA from one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs in Britain. They found that most of the people buried there were from five continuous generations of a single … [Read more...] about ‘Oldest family tree’ pieced together from 5,000-year-old extended Cotswold family’s DNA
Mystery bishop’s name found on rare rock crystal jar in Viking Age hoard
Conservators have found the name of a bishop inscribed on a rare rock crystal jar that was part of a Viking Age hoard discovered by a metal detectorist. Experts discovered the words “Bishop Hyguald had me made” on the base of the jar, which is around 5cm high and resembles an ornate perfume bottle. When it was discovered with the hoard in a field in Dumfries and Galloway in … [Read more...] about Mystery bishop’s name found on rare rock crystal jar in Viking Age hoard
First finished pieces of Sutton Hoo replica ship joined together
The first two finished pieces of an 88ft-long replica of the Sutton Hoo longship have been joined together. Archaeologist Angela Care Evans, who worked on a dig at Sutton Hoo in the 1960s while working as a research assistant for the British Museum, knocked in the first of three wooden pegs to join the keel to an extension piece. The full-size reconstruction of the Saxon ship … [Read more...] about First finished pieces of Sutton Hoo replica ship joined together
Largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold coins in England unearthed in Norfolk
Metal detectorists have unearthed the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold coins to be discovered in England to date. The find of 131 gold coins, along with four other gold objects, was discovered in west Norfolk, with the exact location not disclosed as the landowner requested anonymity. Most of the items were discovered by a single detectorist, who asked to remain anonymous … [Read more...] about Largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold coins in England unearthed in Norfolk
Fundraising Brit ‘history geek’ to run Viking march route in full fighting kit for charity
A solicitor and self-confessed history geek is donning full Viking fighting gear to run the route of an 11th century march to raise cash for a support group which helped his family. Tom Bell, 34, says he has had to inform North Yorkshire Police about his challenge in case any passers-by on his 17-mile march from Riccall to Stamford Bridge are alarmed by his ax-wielding. Mr. … [Read more...] about Fundraising Brit ‘history geek’ to run Viking march route in full fighting kit for charity
Archaeologists identify ninth century Anglo-Saxon cave house in Derbyshire
A near-complete Anglo-Saxon dwelling and oratory believed to date from the early ninth century has been discovered in Derbyshire. The caves, which were cut out of the soft sandstone rock, had long been considered to be 18th-century follies. However, the new study demonstrates the caves are more likely to be early Medieval in date. Archaeologists from the Royal Agricultural … [Read more...] about Archaeologists identify ninth century Anglo-Saxon cave house in Derbyshire
Secrets of Viking-age hoard revealed as it goes on public display in Scotland
Experts have unlocked fascinating secrets of a Viking-age hoard discovered by a metal detectorist which is set to go on public display. The 10th-century hoard of more than 100 objects, including gold, silver, jewelry, a rare Anglo-Saxon cross, and textiles, was found in a field in Dumfries and Galloway in 2014 and acquired by National Museums Scotland (NMS) in … [Read more...] about Secrets of Viking-age hoard revealed as it goes on public display in Scotland
Cerne Abbas Giant’s likely age revealed but air of mystery remains in new study conducted by the National Trust
The Cerne Abbas Giant was probably first constructed in the late Saxon period, according to a new analysis, which has surprised archaeologists and historians. The 180ft (55m) naked chalk figure brandishing a giant club overlooks the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset. Its origins and purpose have been shrouded in mystery, but experts can for the first time reveal the likely age … [Read more...] about Cerne Abbas Giant’s likely age revealed but air of mystery remains in new study conducted by the National Trust
After Hastings: The Norman Conquest after the Battle of Hastings
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
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
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!
