History, Politics & Society
The Anglo-Saxons held sway in this country from the Romans departing until the Norman Conquest; a period of over 600 years: in other words the same length of time from the late medieval England of the War of the Roses until the present day. This Anglo-Saxon legacy has endured. They gave us our language, place names, an English identity and an administrative system of dividing the country into shires which is still with us today.
This Guide brings the tremendous accomplishments of the Anglo-Saxons to life. It is written in an accessible and clear way and is aimed at the general reader but could also be used as a springboard to more advanced study. The book is presented in two parts. Part One is an overview of the course of events in Anglo-Saxon England. Its purpose is to put Part Two into context. Part Two is a richly illustrated place-by-place exploration of what there is to see and enjoy today of the Anglo-Saxon world.
The book is designed to be used in the field by those who enjoy exploring our country with guide book in hand, as well as by the armchair reader. All well-known places are described, from the magnificence of Bede’s Jarrow and Monkwearmouth, to the wonderful churches at Brixworth and Earl’s Barton. As well as the famous, more secret and hidden treasures are described from the fells of Cumbria to the South Downs in Sussex. The simple but breath-taking architecture of Anglo-Saxon churches, their intricate sculpture and captivating historical associations are all waiting to be discovered
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
An accessible read for anyone wanting to learn about Anglo Saxon England. That isn't to say it is an easy read there is a great deal of depth and factual information. However it is well laid out dealing with the progress and process starting with the organisation of the early settlements and the development of rule and religion, moving onto individual counties. Lastly and this forms almost half of the book, the Author gives a County by County overview of sites and finds of interest with accompanying photography. There are detailed reference lists and a n extensive bibliography. On a personal note my only niggle is that the author places Great Urswick in Lancashire, it hasn't been part of the County since the boundary changes of 1974 and is now firmly ensconced in Cumbria
