ēalā!

The history of the English begins with the Anglo-Saxons, starting in the fifth century and ending in the eleventh century. Over six hundred years, that's a long time!​

Over those centuries the Anglo-Saxons left an incredibly rich mix of material for us to learn from. But, this material and the history it tells us is very likely known (in even the barest of outlines) only to a relatively small number of the English people. I say that with the humility of someone who came to gain an appreciation of the Anglo-Saxons, and my cultural heritage, quite late in life.

But, the continuing publication of many books about the Anglo-Saxon period (e.g. The Bone Chests, Winters in the World, and many more) and the recent success of television's The Last Kingdom, and the upcoming King and Conqueror, does suggest there's an interest waiting to be kindled. This substack aims to play its part by helping the proverbial man in the street learn about this crucial period of England's history, its culture, language, and more.

wesað gē hāle, gehwa!