In AD 937 took place ‘the Great Battle’ of early medieval Britain, a time when the political and cultural map of the isles was forming, which still exists today. The King of Wessex, Athelstan, grandson of Kin g Alfred the Great, was forced to confront an alliance of Scots, Vikings and northern Britons in his attempt to become King of all Britain (also see maps page)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In the ninth century the Vikings repeatedly attacked Britain, overcoming all Anglo-Saxon kingdoms except for Wessex. King Alfred of Wessex, not only managed to defend his kingdom but to turn the tide against the Vikings and build the foundations of the state of England
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The story of the formation of the kingdoms of Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire, leading to the different regional identities that exist on the isles today.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download