Jul 08
The Border Reivers were a formidable force in the history of Britain, particularly during the tumultuous period from the late 13th century to the early 17th century. These raiders, hailing from both Scottish and English descent, operated along the Anglo-Scottish border, a region marked by constant strife and conflict.
Jun 20
The Gregorian mission, characterized by its strategic and persistent efforts, was bolstered in 601AD with the arrival of Paulinus, one of the monks sent by Pope Gregory to support Augustine’s endeavours. Among those accompanying Paulinus was James the Deacon, a figure shrouded in mystery due to the scant historical records of his life.
Jun 14
Venutius was a notable figure in the 1st-century history of northern Britain, known primarily as the king of the Brigantes during the Roman conquest. The following text summarises what we can potentially understand about him, and tries to tie him to places and other possibilities that are not supported by the historical record. At the end of the section, what records to exist are explained.
Jun 13
Yorkshire’s history during the Dark Ages is a tapestry of cultural shifts and invasions, beginning with the departure of the Romans in the early 5th century. This period saw the region become a melting pot of Celtic Britons, and later, the Angles and Vikings, each leaving a distinct imprint on the cultural landscape.
Jun 13
Possibly, the earliest documented battle on Brigantian soil, is described in Y Gododdin, which is a medieval Welsh poem, revered as one of the earliest surviving examples of Welsh/Brythonic poetry, and is attributed to the bard Aneirin.
Jun 11
Lady Bridge in Tamworth is a historical structure with medieval origins, serving as a testament to the town’s rich past. Initially constructed to span the River Tame, the bridge has undergone several transformations throughout the centuries. The original wooden bridge dates back to 1294.
Jun 10
The presence of Temple Lane and Temple Hill near West Witton, along with the historical Penhill Preceptory and the Temple Folly, suggests a relationship with a tradition of pilgrimage to Penhill Preceptory, within the Christian period.
Jun 07
The Scrope family, of Norman origin, first rose to prominence in 14th-century England. The story begins with Robert le Scrope, the earliest documented ancestor, who established the family’s connection to the noble Gant family in the 12th century.
May 29
The Cistercian order made a significant mark on the religious landscape of medieval Europe, particularly in North Yorkshire. Whilst he first Cistercian house in Britain was established at Waverley in 1128, but it was the foundation of Rievaulx Abbey in 1132 that truly signified the order’s establishment in the region.
Mar 06
As a person of Welsh descent, it is disappointing to have to face up to the fact that the Welsh connection to the story of Arthur has been almost irretrievably subsumed by the enthusiastic input of a plethora of external sources. The filigreed embellishments of an ever-expanding number of Arthurian afficionados have diminished the kudos …
