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.
Published by Pen & Sword History on 18 March 2022.
Advance review copy supplied by the publisher. 
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