Never Greater Slaughter: Brunanburh and the Birth of England

In AD 937, four armies met at Brunanburh, including the Anglo-Saxons and a remarkable alliance of rival kings. This groundbreaking book reveals the location of the battle and explores why and how it happened, focusing on the men who fought and died there. It offers insights into our identity and how we relate to our past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

No one has done more than Michael Livingston to revive memories of the Battle of Brunanburh, and you could not hope for a better guide. BERNARD CORNWELL Bestselling author of The Last Kingdom series Late in AD 937, four armies met at Brunanburh. On one side stood the shield wall of the expanding kingdom of the Anglo-Saxons. On the other side, a remarkable alliance of rival kings – at least two from across the sea – who had come together to destroy the Anglo-Saxons once and for all. The stakes were no less than the survival of the dream that would become England. The armies were massive. The violence, when it began, was enough to shock a violent age. Brunanburh may not today have the fame of Hastings, Crecy, or Agincourt, but generations later, it was still called, quite simply, the 'great battle.' For centuries, its location has been lost, but after an extraordinary effort, uniting enthusiasts, historians, archaeologists, and linguists, the location of these bloodied fields may well have been identified. This groundbreaking new book tells the story of this remarkable discovery and delves into why and how the battle happened. Most importantly, though, it is about the men who fought and died at Brunanburh and how much this forgotten struggle can tell us about who we are and how we relate to our past.

Introduction:
The Battle of Brunanburh, which took place in AD 937, is a pivotal moment in English history that has largely been forgotten over the centuries. This forgotten struggle, however, holds immense significance in understanding the origins and development of England as a nation. In this essay, we will explore the background, events, and consequences of the Battle of Brunanburh, shedding light on its importance in shaping the course of English history.

Background:
In the late 9th century, the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria was facing a threat from the Viking invasions. The Vikings, who were skilled seafarers and warriors, had been raiding and pillaging coastal settlements for years, and their presence posed a significant danger to the Anglo-Saxons. To counter this threat, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex formed an alliance known as the Northumbrian Confederacy.

Events of the Battle:
The Battle of Brunanburh took place on the banks of the River Brunanburh, near the modern-day city of Durham. The Anglo-Saxon army, led by the king of Northumbria, Edwin, faced a formidable alliance of Viking kings, including the kings of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The battle was a fierce and bloody affair, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

Consequences of the Battle:
The Battle of Brunanburh was a decisive victory for the Anglo-Saxons. The alliance of Viking kings was defeated, and the Anglo-Saxons emerged as the dominant force in the region. This victory marked the beginning of the end for the Viking invasions and the establishment of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom as a major power in England.

Significance of the Battle:
The Battle of Brunanburh has several key significance in English history. Firstly, it marked the end of the Viking invasions and the establishment of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom as a major power in England. Secondly, it demonstrated the strength and unity of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the face of a common enemy. Thirdly, it laid the foundation for the development of English culture, language, and society.

Conclusion:
The Battle of Brunanburh is a forgotten struggle that played a crucial role in shaping the course of English history. Its significance lies in its ability to unite the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, defeat a common enemy, and establish the Anglo-Saxon kingdom as a major power in England. By studying and understanding the events of this battle, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex history of England and its role in shaping the world we live in today.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472849380