Normans Archives - Aspects of History

Harold: Warrior King – Tom Licence Interviewed

The medieval historian discusses fronting up to long-held myths surrounding the last Anglo-Saxon king with Paul Bernardi, explains his approaches to the primary sources that recount 1066, and considers the man behind the defeat at Hastings.

Tom Licence

Welcome to Aspects of History, Tom. I feel I should begin by thanking you for Harold: Warrior King. I enjoyed every moment of reading it. (I appreciate that’s not a question, but I just wanted to get that out of the way!) Thank you, Paul – I’m glad you enjoyed it. One...

How England Began: From Roman Britain to the Anglo-Saxons, by Nicholas Higham

How England Began work steers away from one-dimensional approaches, focussing on exploiting multiple sources of information, without necessarily giving one more priority or credence over another. What we are left with is a detailed, yet accessible analysis of the years from the late 4th century to the 6th century.

Paul Bernardi

Back in the (late) 1980s when I was at university, it was the period leading up to and following AD 410 that most filled me with trepidation. Almost nothing in the way of contemporary written sources, combined with archaeological findings that were only really just...

Empress Matilda – A Conversation with Elisabeth van Houts

The author re-examines the political skill and leadership of one of medieval Europe’s most remarkable figures and talks Adam Staten through just how elite women exercised power during the 12th century.

Elisabeth van Houts

Welcome to Aspects of History, Elizabeth, and congratulations on the release of Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English. Matilda was made regent of northern Italy by her husband, the Holy Roman Emperor, at the age of just sixteen. Do you think this...

2026 Summer Reads from Aspects of History

Our authors and contributors recommend books to take on your summer holidays.

Aspects of History

Summer Reads from Aspects of HistoryZeb Baker-Smith Editor at Aspects of HistoryPaul Knox’s Lost London offers a captivating itinerary of 25 buildings which are no longer, but whose lifespan shaped the capital’s architectural story, revealing how the perennial cycle...

Norman Castles: Living Under the Norman Yoke

An overview of how early Norman castles were built, evolved, and reshaped power in England after the Norman Conquest.

Paul Bernardi

At various times during my Rebellion trilogy, castles play an important role in the narrative, not least the one built in the south east corner of York which we know today as St Clifford’s Tower. The castle would become a significant factor in the spread of Norman...

The Harrying of the North

As the final volume in the Rebellion series is released, Paul Bernardi explores the devastation inflicted on northern England and the enduring debate it triggers.

Paul Bernardi

Some historians have labelled it a ‘genocide’, whereas other have suggested that what King William I did in the north of England, in the winter of 1069/70, was not out of character with the standards of the time. But, whilst we should always try to avoid projecting...

Paul Bernardi on The Reckoning

The author discusses The Reckoning, the third and final volume in his Rebellion series, as resistance is met with Norman brutality.

Paul Bernardi

So, Paul, The Reckoning is the third and final book in the Rebellion trilogy. Bring us up to date with where Thegn Oslac of Acum is now. Yes, it seems a long time since I started the first book, but we’re finally into the home straight now. After the failure of the...

Books of 2025 from Aspects of History

Our authors and contributors recommend the titles they've enjoyed this year

Aspects of History

Books of 2025 from Aspects of HistoryZeb Baker-Smith Editor of Aspects of HistorySeven Rivers by Vanessa Taylor explores how humanity and waterways have shaped one another across millennia, offering vivid historical portraits of the Nile, Danube, Ganges, Thames,...

The Other Conquest: England’s Forgotten King

Fifty years prior to the Norman Conquest, England was conquered by the Danes.

Paul Bernardi

The Other Conquest: England’s Forgotten King Though obviously not as well-known as the events of 1066, many people will have heard of King Knut (also rendered as Cnut or Canute), who became King of England in 1016, if only to the extent of knowing him to be the fellow...

2025 Summer Reads from Aspects of History

Our authors and contributors recommend books to take on summer holidays.

Summer Reads from Aspects of HistoryLucy Ashe Author of The Sleeping BeautiesThe Eights is Joanna Miller’s debut novel that combines fascinating historical research with the creation of four compelling female characters, The Eights is set at St Hugh’s College, Oxford,...