Borderlands: South Yorkshire in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking Periods. AD 450-1066

The book explores the previously academically-neglected archaeology of South Yorkshire in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods, featuring new evidence such as pre-Conquest charters, the Tribal Hidage tribute list, place-names, and dark-age earthworks, burials, fortified places, and finds. It identifies centers of settlement and control and offers insight into local ethnicity, using maps, figures, and photographic evidence. The book aims to remind us of the fragility of local character and celebrate its diversity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The British Isles experienced a tumultuous period from AD 450 to 1066, particularly in the region that would later become South Yorkshire. Situated on the border between the powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria, South Yorkshire remained a contested territory throughout the struggles between these rival polities. Over a span of nearly four centuries, land was ceded and taken, leading to a complex and dynamic landscape.

Evidence suggests that the majority of southern Yorkshire remained predominantly inhabited by native British people, rather than Saxon or Viking invaders, until the later-Saxon period and the Viking takeover that began in the 9th century. This book aims to shed light on the previously overlooked archaeology of the region, providing a comprehensive picture of South Yorkshire during the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods.

Included in the book are pre-Conquest charters, such as the Tribal Hidage tribute list, which offer valuable insights into the political and social structures of the time. An analysis of place-names further contributes to our understanding of the region's history. Additionally, the book examines the archaeological record of dark-age earthworks, burials, fortified places, and finds, providing a rich tapestry of information.

The author, a renowned expert in Anglo-Saxon carved stone monuments, utilizes his extensive knowledge to complement the historical and archaeological evidence. This analysis helps identify centers of settlement and control in the area, offering a tantalizing glimpse into local ethnicity. The research is brought to life through the use of maps, figures, and photographic evidence throughout the book.

By consolidating our current knowledge of South Yorkshire during this pivotal era, the book serves as a reminder of the fragility of local character and the importance of celebrating its diversity. Written in an accessible language, this book appeals to both academics and anyone interested in learning more about South Yorkshire's post-Roman and Early Medieval history.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399065566