The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons is one of the most important events in the history of Britain. It set this island on a course that would lead it to become one of the most powerful nations in the world, and also changed its culture irrevocably. But, despite its significance, there is still a massive debate… Continue reading Were the Anglo-Saxons Violent Invaders or Peaceful Immigrants?
Category: People
Robert the Bruce and the Spider
After a disastrous first year as king in 1306, Robert the Bruce settled in for a winter on the Isle of Arrans at a sight called Fionn’s cave. The English had been pursuing him across the country, and now he found himself sheltering in a cold coastal cave, bracing for the long winter ahead. After… Continue reading Robert the Bruce and the Spider
Could Woden (Odin) have been a real person?
The Germanic pantheon of Gods is often one of the most disregarded in society, with pop culture and historians having little to say on the subject. The Norse, Greek, Roman and, to an extent, Egyptian gods are very well known across the western world, with all having some basis in education and popular learning, with… Continue reading Could Woden (Odin) have been a real person?
The tales of Jack O’Lantern
“Stingy Jack” had always been known as frugal. Everyone had given up asking for favors or money: there was just no point. Before the words had even left the mouths of those asking, he was making up some excuse as to why he couldn’t, and then sloping off. This meant that he was generally disliked… Continue reading The tales of Jack O’Lantern
The Tragedy of Jan Tregeagle
Jan Tregeagle was not loved by the people of Cornwall, so when he died there was no great outpouring of grief in the local area. Hardly anyone attended his funeral, and even less visited the grave in the churchyard. Tregeagle was a frugal man, who spent his days up in his office looking at county… Continue reading The Tragedy of Jan Tregeagle
The Warrior of the Gog Magog Hills
The windswept summits of the Gog Magog hills have always been of incredible strategic importance. From its iron age fort on Wandlebury to queen Boadicea, whoever controlled the hills controlled Cambridgeshire. The hills are shrouded in mystery and legend, with its very name being given to it from two giants, Gog and Magog, who are… Continue reading The Warrior of the Gog Magog Hills
Hereward the Wake and the Candles of St Peter
Hereward the Wake was the bane of the Normans. From his Isle of Ely in the Lincolnshire marshes, he lead his band of Anglo-Saxon rebels against the Norman invaders, causing much harm and damage to their occupation. He is in many fantastical tales, some of which will be recounted at later days on this page.… Continue reading Hereward the Wake and the Candles of St Peter
The Legend of Black Annis
The Dane hills of Leicestershire were home to many creatures, but none so terrifying as Black Annis. She lived in a cave, carving it out herself with her clawed hands. At night she stalked the woods, looking for children to prey on,and her howls and screeches could be heard for miles around. She had black… Continue reading The Legend of Black Annis
The Story of St Swithin
Long ago, before England was even a united nation, there lived a bishop named Swithin. He was an amicable and revered man, known far and wide across the country for his acts of kindness but also because he was bishop of Winchester: the capital of Anglo-Saxon Britian. One of his most famous acts of kindness… Continue reading The Story of St Swithin
Jack the Idiot
Long ago, there live a boy called Jack. Jack was extremely dumb, for he did not test his mind in the ways others would. He was a dead weight on his poor old mother, not working nor providing for the family. Soon she grew so tired of his dumbness and tried set him to work.… Continue reading Jack the Idiot