Discover the extraordinary story of how medieval England emerged from a fractured landscape of rival kingdoms, Viking invasions, and cultural crossroads to become a unified realm with a distinct identity. The Making of Medieval England traces the turbulent centuries from the decline of Roman Britain through the rise of Wessex under Alfred the Great and his successors, the challenges of Viking conquest and settlement, to the decisive reigns of kings like Athelstan and Cnut who forged a lasting English kingdom.
This richly detailed narrative brings to life the warriors, kings, queens, monks, and common folk who shaped England's destiny. Drawing on chronicles, law codes, archaeology, and fresh scholarship, the book reveals how innovative military strategies, visionary legal reforms, religious revival, and cultural synthesis united a divided land. From Alfred's fortified burhs and naval fleets to the complexities of the Danelaw and the final Norman conquest, the story unfolds with drama, insight, and profound historical significance.
Perfect for history lovers and anyone fascinated by the roots of English identity, this compelling account uncovers the making of a nation that endured Viking raids, political intrigue, and dynastic upheaval to lay the foundation of medieval-and modern-England.
Discover the extraordinary story of how medieval England emerged from a fractured landscape of rival kingdoms, Viking invasions, and cultural crossroads to become a unified realm with a distinct identity. The Making of Medieval England traces the turbulent centuries from the decline of Roman Britain through the rise of Wessex under Alfred the Great and his successors, the challenges of Viking conquest and settlement, to the decisive reigns of kings like Athelstan and Cnut who forged a lasting English kingdom.
This richly detailed narrative brings to life the warriors, kings, queens, monks, and common folk who shaped England's destiny. Drawing on chronicles, law codes, archaeology, and fresh scholarship, the book reveals how innovative military strategies, visionary legal reforms, religious revival, and cultural synthesis united a divided land. From Alfred's fortified burhs and naval fleets to the complexities of the Danelaw and the final Norman conquest, the story unfolds with drama, insight, and profound historical significance.
Perfect for history lovers and anyone fascinated by the roots of English identity, this compelling account uncovers the making of a nation that endured Viking raids, political intrigue, and dynastic upheaval to lay the foundation of medieval-and modern-England.