Mercia: The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom

Many people know about Wessex, the “Last Kingdom’ of the Anglo-Saxons in defence against the Northmen, But another kingdom, Mercia, once enjoyed supremacy over not just Wessex, but all the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The Anglo-Saxon period is enjoying popularity at the moment, and whilst people are familiar with some of those featured in this book, these individuals have not been gathered before into a single account which connects them as all having lived and ruled in Mercia. After an introduction detailing the different Mercian tribes and the emergence of the heptarchy, this book will concentrate on the leading figures in Mercia’s history, while a short linking piece between each personal profile will explain the intervening history, to give historical context for each new episode. The focus of chapters includes: * Penda (626-55) * Offa (757-96) * AEthelflaed, Lady of the Mercians and her husband, the Lord Ethelred * Edgar (957-59 as King of Mercia) & AElfhere, Ealdorman, (956-83) * Leofric, Ealdorman 1017-57 and his wife, Lady Godiva * Edwin, Ealdorman, last of Mercia This approach allows for the exploration of Mercia post 924, a time that was pivotal to the story of England. Mercia continued to play an important part in national government and politics, and the inclusion of the later period will encompass the so-called anti-monastic reaction following the death of Edgar the Peaceable, the reign of King Cnut, and the turbulence leading up to 1066.