St. Cuthbert, arguably the most famous and best loved Northumbrian of all time, lived in the seventh century during the Northumbrian Golden Age. This book tells the story of the Golden Age, a crucial period in Northumbria's political and religious history, by reference to revered saints including Cuthbert, Aidan, Wilfrid and Bede, powerful kings such as Edwin, Oswald and Oswiu, and significant places including Lindisfarne, Bamburgh, Yeavering, Hexham, Durham, Whitby and York.
Paul Frodsham studied archaeology, anthropology and geography at the University of Durham, gaduating in 1985. He worked as an archaeologist in Cumbria, London and Berkshire before being appointed as the Northumberland National Park Authority's first archaeologist in 1992. He currently lives in Weardale, County Durham, and is employed as the North Pennines Area Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty Partnership's Historic Environment Officer.
He has published numerous academic papers and popular articles and has written several books including Archaeology in Northumberland National Park, In the Valley of the Sacred Mountain - an Introduction to Prehistoric Upper Coquetdale (2006), Yeavering - People, Power and Place (2005), and From Stonehenge to Santa Claus - The Evolution of Christmas (2008).
A very interesting but quick read. The only issue I have with it is the insufferable arrogance of the author who will take any opportunity to dismiss the Christian faith of these medieval saints and put it down as superstition and lack of "science".
I loved this, I am quite addicted to St Cuthbert anyway, but learning about the other Northumbrian Saints was amazing, there are now so many places I want to go & see in Northumberland. Very interesting book