Badon and the Early Wars for Wessex, circa 500 to 710

David Cooper's book reassesses the evidence regarding the early battles for Wessex territory, charting the sequence of battles from Badon Hill to Langport and discussing military doctrine and tactics. It provides a credible assessment of how these campaigns resulted in the establishment of a viable Wessex kingdom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

David Cooper's book is a comprehensive reappraisal of the evidence surrounding the early battles for Wessex territory. It provides a detailed chronology of the sequence of battles, from the c. AD 500 siege of Badon Hill, where the Britons defeated the first Saxon attempt to establish a foothold in Wessex, to Langport in 710, which consolidated King Ine's position and pushed the Britons westward. The book discusses the post-Roman British and Germanic factions that played a significant role in these conflicts, providing context and background to Badon Hill. It then delves into a detailed analysis of the battle, disentangling it from Arthurian legend and offering a credible assessment of the commanders' strategies and tactics.

The book proceeds to follow subsequent campaigns of the West Saxons in southern Britain, examining how these campaigns resulted in the establishment of a viable Wessex kingdom, two centuries after Badon. Grounded in the latest academic and archaeological evidence, Cooper offers a number of new insights and ideas that challenge traditional narratives and shed light on the complex dynamics of Dark Ages Britain.

Overall, David Cooper's book is a valuable contribution to the study of early medieval history and provides a fresh perspective on the battles that shaped the development of Wessex and Britain. It is an essential read for anyone interested in this period of history.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399020862