From my blog...

Category Archives: History

A Tale of St. Patrick

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Patricia

As you may imagine, given my first name, I have a vested interest in St. Patrick’s Day.  Indeed, one set of great grandparents was Irish – Bridget and Patrick Curtin. They arrived in New York in the 1860’s, most likely … Read More →

Posted in History, Ireland | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Emma, England’s Forgotten Queen

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Patricia

Emma, a gem more splendid through the splendors of her merits… So begins the epigram written late in the 11th century by Godfrey, prior of Winchester, in honor of Emma, Queen of England. Queen Emma died on 6 March, 1052, … Read More →

Posted in Books, History | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Last Kingdom, Episode 8: The Battle of Edington

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Patricia

878 A.D. In the seventh week after Easter King Alfred rode to Ecbryht’s Stone…All those of Somerset came to meet him, and those of Wiltshire and Hampshire…they were glad of his coming. ..He went from that camp…to Edington, and there … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, Review, The Last Kingdom, UK, Vikings | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Last Kingdom, Episode 4: The Peace is Over

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Patricia

With Episode Four we have reached the half-way point of this season. A new woman has entered Uhtred’s life. Those of us who have read Cornwell’s novels have learned to not get too attached to Uhtred’s women. They come and … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, The Last Kingdom, Vikings | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Last Kingdom, Episode 3: The New King of Wessex

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Patricia

Despite the fact that the main character of Bernard Cornwell’s books is our hero Uhtred, it is Alfred who is the focal character of this episode. Everything and everyone revolves around him, and actor David Dawson does a spectacular job … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, Review, The Last Kingdom, UK, Vikings | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

England’s First City, circa A.D. 1000

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Patricia

For centuries the city of London has been the cultural, political and financial center of the United Kingdom. Turn back the clock some 1200 years though, and you will find that the royal and religious center of England was farther … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, Research | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Those Brutal Middle Ages

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Patricia

I read a scholarly article recently which suggested that medieval warriors suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome, just as modern soldiers do. It also proposed that the fighting men of the middle ages were not the brutal savages that we … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, Art, Bayeux Tapestry, History, Research | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Happened at Corfe in 978?

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Patricia

Today, the chalk hill of Corfe on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset is crowned by the ruins of, for the most part, a 12th century Norman castle. But in Anglo-Saxon times a hunting lodge stood on the hill, and … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, Research, UK | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Riddle of the Stones

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Patricia

They had arrived at last at a long, low ridge where the standing stone, its edges scored in primitive runes, pointed skyward. Athelstan checked his horse beside the ancient, lichen-covered stone. Gazing into the shallow vale beyond, he caught his … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, History, Inspiration, Research, UK | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Surviving Despite the Odds: The Bayeux Tapestry

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Patricia

The Bayeux Tapestry, as you probably know, is not a tapestry. It’s an embroidery that tells the story of the Battle of Hastings and of the events leading up to it. The Tapestry is 224 feet long and roughly 18 … Read More →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, Art, Bayeux Tapestry, History, Normandy, Research | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment