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The Origins and Early History of the English

Bryan Evans

During the late 4th and early 5th centuries the Roman Empire came under increasing attacks from Germanic and other tribes. In order to strengthen their core defences Rome moved armies away from places like Britain, finally abandoning it and its citizens in 410.

With the Romans gone, Britons had to provide for their own defence and in doing so followed the Roman example by employing Germanic mercenaries. This opened the door to Anglo-Saxon migration and settlements. As the hold of the local British leadership slackened, forceful Anglo-Saxon leaders were well-placed to take over post-Roman tribal kingdoms as ‘going concerns’.

In the next phase of the settlement, Anglo-Saxon groups pressed inland, using the Wash and Humber river systems and Roman roads. The settlement of Britain by Angles, Saxons and others was neither quick nor without resistance - it varied from place to place and time to time. A British fight-back – led perhaps by an Arthur-figure – gave a stunning British victory at Badon Hill. Only a generation later the Angles and Saxons were on the move once more, against Britons weakened by their own infighting and, perhaps, by plague. Yet it was only in the 630s that the conquest became irreversible.

The telling of this tale focuses on the human story, on footloose adventurers, on formidable warlords, on twists of fate, on truth and treachery, on desperate last stands and daring, foolhardy raids.

25 maps help the reader get to grips with the twists and turns of the plot.


£12.95,  212 pages,  25 maps,  170x244mm,  approx. 6 1/2"x 9 1/2"


The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England

from the 5th to 7th century
 
Paul Mortimer and Matt Bunker

 
The contributors to this book bring their practical and academic knowledge to an exploration of new ideas and information about the making and use of swords in the early Anglo-Saxon period. They provide an insight to the symbolism of swords, their decoration and place in society. Other items carried and worn by warriors are similarly treated. 

There is an extensive survey of writings about swords from the Early Middle Ages, together with discussions on the way swords may have been used and worn. There is a chapter about the language of the sword and runic associations. Several modern sword-smiths have contributed knowledge gained from forging weapons. In addition to those who have contributed essays, there are many scholars, smiths, craftspeople, re-enactors and others who have added to the ideas, theories and discussions presented in this book.

£55 Illustrations: 180 colour, 76 B&W.
Large format approx. 20x25cm - 8 x10 inches  478 pages


 




 










 









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