Royal Mysteries of the Anglo-Saxons and Early Britain

by Timothy Venning

Royal mysteries never fail to intrigue readers and TV viewers. The 'mysteries', unravelled and analysed, are of enduring fascination and full of tragedy, suffering and pathos but also heroism and romance. The text is based on deep research in original sources including rare documents, archaeological and DNA evidence, latest historiography and academic research but is essentially accessible history. These are the 'Dark Ages' but Anglo-Saxon enlightenment is emphasised. The Heptarchy, with seven Anglo-Saxon states is examined and Alfred's victory over the Vikings and emergence of the English kingdom. But mystery surrounds all aspects of dynastic, political and military history. The story includes the surviving British and Welsh kingdoms when 'Welsh' meant 'foreigner, the Gaelic kingdoms in what became Scotland, the survival of lowland 'Britons' under the Germanic Anglo-Saxon radar - a new interpretation of early English society in its shadowy forms with the half-mythical founders of the early English kingdoms like Hengist of Kent or Cerdic of Wessex, up to William duke of Normandy - did he have any legitimate claim to justify his 'power-grab'? Some episodes have dropped out of history like the murder the teen-age King Edward the 'Martyr', but here is a re-telling of early mysteries based on close analysis of the myriad sources while stimulating romantic fascination.

Genres: History

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2022

About the author

Dr Timothy Venning is a freelance researcher and author. He studied history at Kings College, London to PhD level, winning the London University History Prize in 1979. He has written articles for the Dictionary of National Biography, as well as a book on Oliver Cromwell and reference works on British office-holders and the chronology of the Byzantine Empire. He also contributes to major biographical publications and his research forms the basis for many other publications.

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure how to review this one. I am interested in the topic, but not an expert, so I do not know how accurate the author's information may or may not be. It appears to be well researched with plenty of footnotes and references.
This is a work of nonfiction. I would call it academic nonfiction. As such, it is quite dry reading. The chapters focused on the earliest history include many names with which I am not familiar. I found it difficult to follow. However, if a reader is interested in learning more about this time period and already has prior knowledge, it may be much easier to follow. In many cases, readers may pick up this book because they are interested in a specific time period or historic personality or topic. In which case, the reader may select certain chapters of this book to meet their needs. With this in mind, I chose a chapter in the middle of the book and read it.
It is definitely well written. There is plenty of information here. This book could probably be used as a text or supplementary reading for a university course.
The ARC I received included no illustrations or figures that might be present in the published material. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timothy Venning has done it again! This was an amazing book, and I enjoyed reading through the stories that were contained in this book. There was a tremendous amount of research done, and the stories kept you engaged, leaving even those with those who love history learning something new!

I have been impressed by what I have read by Mr. Venning, and I very much look forward to seeing what he comes out with in the future.

Grab this book and enjoy some fun stories!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by Early Britain history and found this book compelling and informative.
It's well researched, full of information and it kept me hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[A.J. Sefton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anglo-Saxons and the folk of Early Britain lived at a time referred to as the Dark Ages, for good reason. Written evidence of their capers is very limited and those manuscripts and documents nearly always seem to have a particular angle to peddle, especially those written more than five hundred years later. So, in effect, the whole period is a mystery.

This non-fiction book is richly based in evidence and some of the assumptions we take for granted are questioned. For example, the idea that the Angles, Saxons and Jutes came to British shores after the Romans moved out, with the tales of King Vortigern and his request for Germanic military support, is readily dismissed because of the Saxon artefacts found in Britain before that time. Good historical research here. It follows that the battles with the legendary Merlin and dragons probably aren't true either - because there was no need. Or at least, no evidence - of course.

The legends such as King Arthur and the leader Ambrosius are investigated using sound logic and deeply researched evidence as well as basic structure of kings and overlords at this time and how they developed after the Romans left. How many of these figures are real men or fictitious characters is a long-standing Medieval mystery, and Venning takes a look at this in depth.

​The book has ten chapters each asking a question, - within the Anglo-Saxon period from the departure of the Romans to the arrival of William the Conqueror - including mysterious deaths of royal men, the heritage of certain kingdoms and the legitimate claims to ruling England made by William of Normandy, he who defeated the last English king in 1066. Analysis of primary and secondary sources are neatly packaged and well written.

A new and enthralling piece of Migration Period history for the enthusiast, although it is readable for the layman, some previous knowledge of the period will be helpful. Exciting new original research, including DNA evidence, makes this one for the for the history shelf. Recommended.