Our systems are now restored following recent technical disruption, and we’re working hard to catch up on publishing. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Find out more

Recommended product

Popular links

Popular links


Early Medieval Britain, c. 500–1000

Early Medieval Britain, c. 500–1000

Early Medieval Britain, c. 500–1000

Rory Naismith, University of Cambridge
August 2021
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Adobe eBook Reader
9781108342759

    Early medieval Britain saw the birth of England, Scotland and of the Welsh kingdoms. Naismith's introductory textbook explores the period between the end of Roman rule and the eve of the Norman Conquest, blending an engaging narrative with clear explanations of key themes and sources. Using extensive illustrations, maps and selections from primary sources, students will examine the island as a collective entity, comparing political histories and institutions as well as societies, beliefs and economies. Each chapter foregrounds questions of identity and the meaning of 'Britain' in this period, encouraging interrogation and contextualisation of sources within the framework of the latest debates and problems. Featuring online resources including timelines, a glossary, end-of-chapter questions and suggestions for further reading, students can drive their own understanding of how the polities and societies of early medieval Britain fitted together and into the wider world, and firmly grasp the formative stages of British history.

    • Blends an engaging narrative with explanations of key events and sources, giving students an accessible and memorable understanding of the major changes across all parts of medieval Britain
    • Explains how embryonic versions of modern nations came into being, building a strong framework for students to firmly grasp the formative stages and developments of British history
    • Foregrounds questions of identity and the meaning of 'Britain' in this period, encouraging students to contextualise and interrogate primary source texts and images for themselves
    • Wide-ranging primary sources illustrate the concepts of each chapter, provoking discussion as students are introduced to the latest debates and problems of interpretation.

    Reviews & endorsements

    ‘Rory Naismith adopts a refreshingly new approach to the study of early medieval Britain, which takes into account its political and cultural plurality, while also placing it in a wider European context. Comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date with the most recent historiographical developments, it will easily become a classic.’ Francesca Tinti, University of the Basque Country

    ‘Up-to-date and judiciously argued, Rory Naismith's book with its excellent illustrations, text boxes addressing detailed evidence, timelines and discussion points is an ideal teaching tool. Covering the whole of Britain, sensible to internal differences and divisions, and attentive to the local and particular alongside major developments, this is also an important new history of these early centuries.’ Pauline Stafford, University of Liverpool

    ‘This timely and refreshing textbook will challenge students’ assumptions about ‘Dark-Age’ Britain. Eschewing the well-worn narratives that search for the national origins of England, Scotland and Wales, Rory Naismith makes a compelling case for adopting a much more holistic approach to the study of British history and taking the early medieval period on its own terms.’ Edward Roberts, University of Kent

    ‘Students and scholars have been crying out for a well-informed and enticing history of early medieval Britain, which treats the whole island rather than selected parts of it. Rory Naismith has given us precisely that. He has also produced a significant work of scholarship, for this is a wonderfully rich book, which is written with confident command of a diverse array of sources and contains many new insights as well as a lucid survey. Anyone reading it should emerge not only confidently equipped but also inspired to explore the period further.’ Stephen Baxter, University of Oxford

    ‘The design and layout of the book are extremely good: it is attractive and easy to handle, with well-chosen and intelligently placed pictures.’ John Blair, Speculum

    See more reviews

    Product details

    August 2021
    Adobe eBook Reader
    9781108342759
    0 pages
    This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.

    Table of Contents

    • Preface and Acknowledgements
    • List of Source Boxes
    • List of Methods and Analysis Boxes
    • List of Illustrations
    • List of Maps
    • 1. Introduction
    • Part I. Conceiving Early Medieval Britain:
    • 2. An Island in the Ocean: The Idea of Britain
    • 3. On the Edge of the World: Britain and Europe
    • 4. Legend, Myth and History
    • 5. Migrations and Peoples
    • 6. Fragments of the Past
    • Part II. Making Early Medieval Britain:
    • 7. Britain c. 500
    • 8. 'Fertile of Tyrants': Britain 500–650
    • 9. 'What the Outcome Will Be, a Future Age Will See': Britain 650–850
    • 10. 'God Help Us!': Britain 850–1000
    • Part III. Living in Early Medieval Britain:
    • 11. Kingship in Action
    • 12. Building a Christian Society
    • 13. Maintaining Belief: The Church as an Institution
    • 14. Family, Friend, Lord, Slave: The Basis of Society
    • 15. Land, People and Settlement
    • 16. Getting and Giving: Acts and Settings of Exchange
    • 17. Language and Communication
    • 18. 'As Far as the Cold Waves Reach': Conclusion
    • Glossary
    • Index.
      Contributors
    • Rory Naismith

    • Author
    • Rory Naismith , University of Cambridge

      Rory Naismith has published extensively on early medieval history, including Money and Power in Anglo-Saxon England: the Southern English Kingdoms 757–865 (2012), Medieval European Coinage 8: Britain and Ireland c. 400–1066 (2017) and Citadel of the Saxons: the Rise of Early London (2018).