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After Hastings
The victory of King Harold over William the (Would-be) Conqueror at Hastings in 1066 sets in motion an ever-expanding cascade of events—beginning with a conflict with the Papacy. Rome’s envoy to England, the papal legate Hildebrand, refuses to recognize Harold’s right to the island kingdom’s throne.
Harold didn’t back down from William, and he’s not going to back down now. He brings to England a Scottish monk, Colum-cille, setting underway a renaissance of the Celtic Church that hasn’t been seen since the Synod of Whitby.
As Colum-cille creates in England a church with a decreased importance for clergy and an increase emphasis on monasteries, Harold must deal with a Grand Alliance put together by the Papacy. The English earls and clergy are split between those who support Harold and those who are unhappy with his decision—and far from the island, Harold tries to form his own alliances with the Moors in Spain and the Byzantine Empire.
What next? It would have been so much simpler if William had won at Hastings like he was supposed to.
Harold didn’t back down from William, and he’s not going to back down now. He brings to England a Scottish monk, Colum-cille, setting underway a renaissance of the Celtic Church that hasn’t been seen since the Synod of Whitby.
As Colum-cille creates in England a church with a decreased importance for clergy and an increase emphasis on monasteries, Harold must deal with a Grand Alliance put together by the Papacy. The English earls and clergy are split between those who support Harold and those who are unhappy with his decision—and far from the island, Harold tries to form his own alliances with the Moors in Spain and the Byzantine Empire.
What next? It would have been so much simpler if William had won at Hastings like he was supposed to.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2020
32 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Steven H. Silver
15 books12 followersSteven H Silver was the editor and publisher of ISFiC Press for 8 years. He has also edited books for DAW, NESFA Press, and ZNB Books. He began publishing short fiction in 2008, with "Les Lettres des Paston. Other stories include "Big White Men--Attack!" "Well of Tranquillity," and "The Prediscovered Country." His debut novel, After Hastings, was published in 2020.
In 1995, he created the Sidewise Award for Alternate History. He is a seventeen-time Hugo Award finalist and was the publisher of the Hugo-nominated fanzine Argentus.
In 1995, he created the Sidewise Award for Alternate History. He is a seventeen-time Hugo Award finalist and was the publisher of the Hugo-nominated fanzine Argentus.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 14, 2025
I appreciate Steven Silver tackling an intriguing (for me, anyway!) "what-if" of history--what if William, Duke of Normandy, had been defeated by the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings in 1066? As everyone knows, William became William the Conqueror- and King William i of England -by decisively winning that great one-day battle...But if Harold had won the day? Silver explores this and shows us it would have been no bed of roses for Harold. As Silver shows, the North ("Northumbria"as it was called I believe) had its own identity and, as happens in Silver's story, could revolt against Southern rule. When William became king in our history, he devastated the North of England in order to bring that region to heel.
Then there was conflict with the Church--the Roman Church, that is. The Pope had backed William's invasion of England. For one reason, according to Silver, Rome wanted to reform the English church, bringing it more in line with "Continental" practices--which I believe William did in our "real" timeline. In this story, Pope Alexander demands that Harold relinquish his throne to William, who escaped back to Normandy (but is ill)... Harold did not back down before the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada (whom he defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge) and he did not back down before William, so he was not going to back down before the Pope in Rome. The result is that Alexander sets in motion a crusade against England with the King of France and the Holy Roman Emperor to lead invasions of England in conjunction with a Northern rebellion. The Pope also tries to get the Normans to make another try, not only the Normans of Normandy but the Normans who were in Sicily (and who were regarded as among the best warriors of "Christendom"). As I said, it was no bed of roses for King Harold.
I enjoyed this book enormously and felt immersed in the turbulent world of the 11th Century. Silver has done his research and brings to life a huge cast of characters, most of whom were based on actual historical figures--Harold, William, Harold's brother Leofwine, the treacherous Northern earl Morkere, Pope Alexander, the papal legate Hildebrand, the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich and many more. It was somewhat difficult to keep them all straight, especially the characters with Anglo-Saxon names! A listing of who's who would have helped immensely. And Historical Notes at the end (such as some authors do) would have been appreciated greatly. My favorite character was the Scottish monk Colum-cille...I don't know if he was a "real" historical character. I googled it and the name is the Celtic form of the better-known name "Columba." There was a "St. Columba" of 6th Century Ireland...And, finally, at least one map showing the places mentioned in the story would have been very nice ( I love maps).
Overall, a very creative alternative history story. I think it deserves a follow-up. If Steven Silver sees this, I for one would like to see what happens after the events covered in the book. NO SPOILERS here. If you want to see if the Pope's Crusade against England succeeds, read the book!
Then there was conflict with the Church--the Roman Church, that is. The Pope had backed William's invasion of England. For one reason, according to Silver, Rome wanted to reform the English church, bringing it more in line with "Continental" practices--which I believe William did in our "real" timeline. In this story, Pope Alexander demands that Harold relinquish his throne to William, who escaped back to Normandy (but is ill)... Harold did not back down before the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada (whom he defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge) and he did not back down before William, so he was not going to back down before the Pope in Rome. The result is that Alexander sets in motion a crusade against England with the King of France and the Holy Roman Emperor to lead invasions of England in conjunction with a Northern rebellion. The Pope also tries to get the Normans to make another try, not only the Normans of Normandy but the Normans who were in Sicily (and who were regarded as among the best warriors of "Christendom"). As I said, it was no bed of roses for King Harold.
I enjoyed this book enormously and felt immersed in the turbulent world of the 11th Century. Silver has done his research and brings to life a huge cast of characters, most of whom were based on actual historical figures--Harold, William, Harold's brother Leofwine, the treacherous Northern earl Morkere, Pope Alexander, the papal legate Hildebrand, the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich and many more. It was somewhat difficult to keep them all straight, especially the characters with Anglo-Saxon names! A listing of who's who would have helped immensely. And Historical Notes at the end (such as some authors do) would have been appreciated greatly. My favorite character was the Scottish monk Colum-cille...I don't know if he was a "real" historical character. I googled it and the name is the Celtic form of the better-known name "Columba." There was a "St. Columba" of 6th Century Ireland...And, finally, at least one map showing the places mentioned in the story would have been very nice ( I love maps).
Overall, a very creative alternative history story. I think it deserves a follow-up. If Steven Silver sees this, I for one would like to see what happens after the events covered in the book. NO SPOILERS here. If you want to see if the Pope's Crusade against England succeeds, read the book!
August 18, 2020
(Full disclosure - I'm a friend of the author.) You don't have to be a history major to know that in 1066, William the Conqueror earned his name by conquering England and killing King Harold in the process. Steven Silver turns that on it's head by having Harold defeat William and retain his throne. In Silver's book, this leads to some interesting complications.
Silver starts his book several months after the famous battle with the arrival in England of Hildebrand, the Papal Legate. We quickly learn that Hildebrand and the Pope are personally offended at Harold's success, and seen bound to undo it. This determination leads to a religious Cold War in England between clerics loyal to Harold and the Pope. Although this Cold War does take up a lot of the book, and is less-than-action-packed, other machinations are afoot which lead to some more traditional action.
The characters are mostly historical figures, but I at least know very little about the people behind the names. Silver makes these people believable, no small feat given how unlike modern people they are. Religion drives much of what they do, and there are strong regional loyalties on all sides which supersede the loyalty to their nation. I found the book an interesting read.
Silver starts his book several months after the famous battle with the arrival in England of Hildebrand, the Papal Legate. We quickly learn that Hildebrand and the Pope are personally offended at Harold's success, and seen bound to undo it. This determination leads to a religious Cold War in England between clerics loyal to Harold and the Pope. Although this Cold War does take up a lot of the book, and is less-than-action-packed, other machinations are afoot which lead to some more traditional action.
The characters are mostly historical figures, but I at least know very little about the people behind the names. Silver makes these people believable, no small feat given how unlike modern people they are. Religion drives much of what they do, and there are strong regional loyalties on all sides which supersede the loyalty to their nation. I found the book an interesting read.
October 24, 2020
Harold Godwinson defeats William, Duke of Normandy in this alternative version of the Battle of Hastings. Although the defeated and ailing William renounces his claim to the English throne, Pope Alexander urged on by his legate Hildebrand refuses to recognize Harold as the rightful king of England, viewing him as a usurper and oath breaker. When the Pope demands Harold abdicate the throne and then excommunicates him, Harold counters by renouncing the Roman Church and ordering England to return to Christianity as practiced by the Celts. What results is a series of moves and counter moves as each side tries to gain ascendancy in England. Alexander forms an alliance with the 16-year-old Phillippe of France and the German Emperor Heinrich to remove Harold by force of arms. Harold counters with overtures to the Moors in Spain and the Byzantines to harass and distract other Roman Christians.
The book is told in a series of short chapters focusing on the actions and motives of the various players and pawns involved in this real life game of chess. Harold’s decision to return to Celtic rites was a political one—at least initially, but many others, including minor clerics, were faced with a spiritual crisis in choosing between Celtic and Roman Christianity. Their dilemma was effectively conveyed. Not a lot of character development which I usually prefer, but this was an intriguing story that had me thoroughly absorbed to the end.
The book is told in a series of short chapters focusing on the actions and motives of the various players and pawns involved in this real life game of chess. Harold’s decision to return to Celtic rites was a political one—at least initially, but many others, including minor clerics, were faced with a spiritual crisis in choosing between Celtic and Roman Christianity. Their dilemma was effectively conveyed. Not a lot of character development which I usually prefer, but this was an intriguing story that had me thoroughly absorbed to the end.
August 29, 2020
When reading about English history, I always seem to find myself rooting for the loser: Celts over the Romans, Richard III over Henry Tudor, and of course, Harold over William. Naturally, an alternate history where Harold wins the Battle of Hastings was like catnip.
The sweep of alternate history is the focus, making this a plot-based novel rather than character-based. Characters are often sketchily developed at best. The unfolding of events invites the reader to ponder possibilities (Would Alexander really be so stubborn? Would Harold really reach out to that leader? Would Philippe really react this way?). I also enjoyed the nods to actual history, such as an alternate Bayeux Tapestry and the Chanson de Roland.
The challenges facing Harold in uniting England in the wake of Hastings is the central plot, and that would be no less challenging for Harold than William.
The final battle is suspenseful and satisfying. Enjoyable read.
The sweep of alternate history is the focus, making this a plot-based novel rather than character-based. Characters are often sketchily developed at best. The unfolding of events invites the reader to ponder possibilities (Would Alexander really be so stubborn? Would Harold really reach out to that leader? Would Philippe really react this way?). I also enjoyed the nods to actual history, such as an alternate Bayeux Tapestry and the Chanson de Roland.
The challenges facing Harold in uniting England in the wake of Hastings is the central plot, and that would be no less challenging for Harold than William.
The final battle is suspenseful and satisfying. Enjoyable read.
August 8, 2020
I wanted to like this book more than I did. There's so much potential in the idea of the Norman Conquest failing. It felt, though, that the big idea was to have Harold pre-enact Henry VIII's split with Rome, and consequently there was an endless succession of short chapters with clerics arguing with each other. There were a couple of characters who managed to come to life for me, and give a sense of living in the very different world of 1000 years ago.
And this is not at all the fault of the author, but I was distracted by the book design generally - the cover speaks for itself, how amateurish the typesetting looked (using "dumb" quotation marks for dialog, a particularly ugly italic typeface), and the choppiness of chapter breaks every couple of pages.
And this is not at all the fault of the author, but I was distracted by the book design generally - the cover speaks for itself, how amateurish the typesetting looked (using "dumb" quotation marks for dialog, a particularly ugly italic typeface), and the choppiness of chapter breaks every couple of pages.
November 23, 2020
Creative yet realistic political thriller.
This book has a fascinating premise and is well written. Unfortunately for me the combination of all the difficult to pronounce Saxon names and the massive political scheming being the main thrust of the book wasn't what I was looking for. Surely politics make up the reasons why many things happen but political manuvering for power and glory have never suited me as casual reading material. If you like alternate history and stories like "All The Presidents Men" you will probably love this book where King Harold I has defeated William of Normandy but now finds himself at odds with the Papacy which blessed Williams invasion and has been embarrassed by his defeat.
This book has a fascinating premise and is well written. Unfortunately for me the combination of all the difficult to pronounce Saxon names and the massive political scheming being the main thrust of the book wasn't what I was looking for. Surely politics make up the reasons why many things happen but political manuvering for power and glory have never suited me as casual reading material. If you like alternate history and stories like "All The Presidents Men" you will probably love this book where King Harold I has defeated William of Normandy but now finds himself at odds with the Papacy which blessed Williams invasion and has been embarrassed by his defeat.
August 21, 2020
A wonderful alternative history!
The author works wonders with a post Hastings English victory. He is deft with dark ages politics, and delights in convincing political and religious maneuvers. Equally he has crafted appealingly complex characters whose actions seem quite real to their character.
The story moves quickly and the pages fly by. Just a terrific read!
The author works wonders with a post Hastings English victory. He is deft with dark ages politics, and delights in convincing political and religious maneuvers. Equally he has crafted appealingly complex characters whose actions seem quite real to their character.
The story moves quickly and the pages fly by. Just a terrific read!
July 21, 2020
Well the book was good, but different than I expected. Steven Silver emphasizes political maneuvering over battle scenes. The ending has a great battle scene. Silver's sense of Middle Ages and the culture is well done. Realistic!
January 20, 2021
An excellent alternate history
The author really knows his history of England and has made an very impressive story of what could have happened had Harold instead of Willism won at Hastings. I recommend it heartily and I hope there will be sequels.
The author really knows his history of England and has made an very impressive story of what could have happened had Harold instead of Willism won at Hastings. I recommend it heartily and I hope there will be sequels.
September 30, 2020
After Hastings by Steven H Silver
Reviewed September 30, 2020
The Battle of Hastings has been fought and won…by Harold Godwinson. William of Normandy has been soundly trounced and is back in Rouen, licking his wounds. But all is not well for Harold, for the pope refuses to recognize his right to the throne, despite having been duly elected by the Witenaġemot and defeating two rival claimants.
Pope Alexander sees Harold as a usurper and an oath-breaker, and sends as his legate Hildebrand to negotiate with Harold. Instead of negotiating with the Anglo-Saxon, however, Hildebrand makes only demands, insisting that there is no way Rome will recognize his right to the throne and that Harold must abdicate in favor of the now ailing William.
While Harold would have been willing to make certain concessions to the Roman Church, he lets it be known that there is no way he will abdicate. Instead, he counters the pope’s power play by announcing that England will no longer be subservient to Rome, but will return to Christianity as practiced by the Celtic Church.
Plots and counter-plots are put into motion by Harold’s actions. As far as Hildebrand and the pope are concerned, this in nothing more than heresy and paganism, and a grand international alliance including the Philippe, the 16-year-old king of France, and Heinrich, the German emperor, is hammered together to bring Harold down. Back at home, there is also unrest, as some accept a return to the Celtic Church while others are willing to give their lives to save Mother Church.
After Hastings is an alternate history that explores what could have happened had Harold won at Hastings, providing a rousing adventure along the way.
Reviewed September 30, 2020
The Battle of Hastings has been fought and won…by Harold Godwinson. William of Normandy has been soundly trounced and is back in Rouen, licking his wounds. But all is not well for Harold, for the pope refuses to recognize his right to the throne, despite having been duly elected by the Witenaġemot and defeating two rival claimants.
Pope Alexander sees Harold as a usurper and an oath-breaker, and sends as his legate Hildebrand to negotiate with Harold. Instead of negotiating with the Anglo-Saxon, however, Hildebrand makes only demands, insisting that there is no way Rome will recognize his right to the throne and that Harold must abdicate in favor of the now ailing William.
While Harold would have been willing to make certain concessions to the Roman Church, he lets it be known that there is no way he will abdicate. Instead, he counters the pope’s power play by announcing that England will no longer be subservient to Rome, but will return to Christianity as practiced by the Celtic Church.
Plots and counter-plots are put into motion by Harold’s actions. As far as Hildebrand and the pope are concerned, this in nothing more than heresy and paganism, and a grand international alliance including the Philippe, the 16-year-old king of France, and Heinrich, the German emperor, is hammered together to bring Harold down. Back at home, there is also unrest, as some accept a return to the Celtic Church while others are willing to give their lives to save Mother Church.
After Hastings is an alternate history that explores what could have happened had Harold won at Hastings, providing a rousing adventure along the way.
February 28, 2024
Fascinating look at what might have happened had Harold Godwinson beaten William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings. The international implications are trickier than what we might have learned in basic World History (as usual) and the ramifications for the next four centuries unexpected to say the least. Unlike so many alternate histories, the likelihood of this one is quite high. Hastings was a very near-run thing and but for a seemingly minor tactical error could easily have turned out differently.
July 15, 2020
Every page is gripping.
Solid research and Silver's grasp of a major clash of would-be-kings enables him to weave a fascinating alternate history. Intrigue follows intrigue. The book whets the readers' appetite to revisit the historic Battle of Hastings and its aftermath. A good read.
Solid research and Silver's grasp of a major clash of would-be-kings enables him to weave a fascinating alternate history. Intrigue follows intrigue. The book whets the readers' appetite to revisit the historic Battle of Hastings and its aftermath. A good read.
November 29, 2020
Great tale
Very interesting tale. Harolds victory over William and the subsequent events are quite believable. I think the author weaved an excellent story of England ruled my the saxon king.
Very interesting tale. Harolds victory over William and the subsequent events are quite believable. I think the author weaved an excellent story of England ruled my the saxon king.
October 30, 2021
An intriguing and exhaustively researched exploration of English entanglements with competing church systems and peer kingdoms in the 11th century.
November 23, 2021
A great alternative history
Seldom a story of this time period. If only this had happened where would be today. One has to look at the possibilities and wonder.
Seldom a story of this time period. If only this had happened where would be today. One has to look at the possibilities and wonder.
October 17, 2020
An alternate history about what might have occurred if Harald Godwinsson had won the battle of Hastings.
August 26, 2020
Enrertaining alternative history
The premise is that Harold wins the Battle of of Hastings. The book dwscribes the years just after, Harolds split from Rome and the further battles as he tries to consolidate hus rule. The ramifications for Europe are well imagined and described. Colorful characters populate the book. Because it deals with the years just after Hastings, we get no indication if how an Angli Saxon rather than Norman Britain might have differed down the subsequent decades, but there is plenty of scope for the author to develop an exploration of this world in follow up books to come, which I hope he does.
The premise is that Harold wins the Battle of of Hastings. The book dwscribes the years just after, Harolds split from Rome and the further battles as he tries to consolidate hus rule. The ramifications for Europe are well imagined and described. Colorful characters populate the book. Because it deals with the years just after Hastings, we get no indication if how an Angli Saxon rather than Norman Britain might have differed down the subsequent decades, but there is plenty of scope for the author to develop an exploration of this world in follow up books to come, which I hope he does.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews