The Anglo-Saxons at War, 800–1066

by Paul Hill

In the time of the great Anglo-Saxon kings like Alfred and Athelstan, Æthelred and Edmund Ironside, what was warfare really like – how were the armies organized, how and why did they fight, how were the warriors armed and trained, and what was the Anglo-Saxon experience of war? As Paul Hill demonstrates in this compelling new study, documentary records and the growing body of archaeological evidence allows these questions to be answered with more authority than ever before. His broad, detailed and graphic account of the conduct of war in the Anglo-Saxon world in the unstable, violent centuries before the Norman Conquest will be illuminating reading for anyone who wants to learn about this key stage of medieval history.

The role of violence and war in Anglo-Saxon society is explored, in particular the parts played by the king and the noblemen, and the means by which, in times of danger, the men of the fyrd were summoned to fight. The controversial subject of the Anglo-Saxon use of cavalry is also explored. Land and naval warfare are central sections of Paul Hill’s book, but he also covers the politics and diplomacy of warfare – the conduct of negotiations, the taking of hostages and the use of treachery.

The weapons and armor of the Anglo-Saxons are described – the spears, the scramsaxes, axes, bows, swords, helmets, shields and mail that were employed in the close-quarter fighting of the day. Among the most valuable sections of the study are those dealing, in vivid detail, with actual experience of battle and siege – with the brutal reality of combat as it is revealed by campaigns against the Danes, in the battles of Ashdown, Maldon and Stamford Bridge, and sieges at Reading and Rochester.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval History, Anglo Saxon, Military Fiction, Ebooks, British Literature

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Paul Hill is well known as a lecturer, author and expert on medieval warfare and military archaeology

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Juan Gallardo Ivanovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book outlining the main subjects of Anglo-Saxon England.
This work summarizes what an average history reader would want to know about the Anglo-Saxons kingdom prior to Norman Conquest.
On its pages we will learn how the society was built, what were the major obligations that freemen, housecarl, thegn, earl and king had; which tactics used to preserve peace and treaties, from hostages, feuding and punishment campaigns. We will also know about their battlegear, strategies, siege tactics and characters that once featured this turbulent time.
Even that book is not deep and topics are very summarized, it is a great research that comprises all important areas about Anglo-Saxon culture. It is also remarkable to say that book is not heavy and it is well organized.
There are some areas that are debatable or unclear, but it is because of lack of evidence or conclusive research, rather than the author's fault.
Recommended for whom want to see the great picture in this part of history, for Anglo-Saxon enthusiastics and people who need to know this subject in a nutshell. It is a fine read if you want to start addressing this topic.

PS: I am still looking for a book that covers 6th century onwards on the AngloSaxon England, since this book contains the period most known to all (from Alfred's reign onwards, where the information is more available).

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since doing my undergrad history degree in the 1960s, I’ve had a strong and continuing interest in both the early medieval period and in pre-gunpowder military history, so I was pleased to happen upon this well-written work by a noted expert in both subjects. Hill is a well-known lecturer and past curator of the Anglo-Saxon museum at Kingston-upon-Thames, where a number of the Saxon kings were crowned, and he’s produced several previous volumes on closely related topics. Military archaeology in recent years has led to considerable revision of what we thought we knew about how the English dealt with external threats, from the Viking raids in the early 9th century right up to Hastings, and Hill does an excellent job synthesizing the new evidence, comparing it to the ancient documentary sources, and drawing credible conclusions. His plan is basically chronological but he addresses narrower topics within each section, including the recruitment of a military force, the army’s structure and logistics, whether the English really had a cavalry force of meaningful size, tactics and strategy -- both of the English and of their enemies -- fortifications (including Alfred’s innovative and very successful “burgh” system), and, of course, the arms and armor in use on both sides. His style is lucid and not overly academic, which makes this a useful work for a wide range of readers. There are no footnotes but the selected bibliography is substantial, so you should end up with a list of additional titles to find. If this is a subject area of interest to you at all, then you should add this book to your “To Read” list. And that goes double for avid fans (like me) of Cornwell's "Saxon Chronicles" series.

[Mr Alex Maunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an area of history that I find very interesting, and yet have read very little about. This was a good book to start with. It seemed well researched and well written.

[Aaron Schuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Anglo-Saxons at War 800-1066" by Paul Hill is a fascinating and comprehensive book that delves into the military history of the Anglo-Saxons in England during the period from 800 to 1066. The book is a treasure trove of information on the weaponry and tactics employed by the Anglo-Saxons during their battles, as well as their military organization and the way they interacted with other cultures in the region. The book presents a vivid picture of Anglo-Saxon warfare, highlighting the key events and developments of the period.

In addition to the author's in-depth coverage of the various military campaigns and battles of the Anglo-Saxons, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the social, political, and economic factors that influenced the events of the period. Through a thorough examination of primary sources, the author provides readers with a vivid and nuanced portrayal of this tumultuous time in British history. In particular, the author's commentary on the motivations and strategies of the Anglo-Saxon leaders sheds new light on their military tactics and decision-making processes. With its detailed and insightful coverage of this pivotal period, "The Anglo-Saxons at War 800-1066" is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of English military history or the broader historical context of the Anglo-Saxon era.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a complete history of the Anglo Saxons, but it is a good introduction for readers just getting into the subject. Much of the focus of Hill's work is on the conduct of Anglo Saxon warfare, the tactics, the weapons, logistics, and the various cultural customs associated with conflict.

The latter half of the book deals with the historical battles and campaigns that Anglo Saxon leaders engaged in. They're not covered in-depth, but enough information is given for the reader to get a basic understanding of the opposing factions, the fighting, and the outcomes. Events covered include Alfred the Great of Wessex's campaign against the Danish army of Halfdan, the son of Ragnar Lothbrok (871), The Battle of Stamford Bridge between King Harold and the invading Norwegian army of Harald Hardrada (1066), and the Battle of Hastings between the defensive King Harold (once again) and the Norman army of William the Conquerer (1066)

If you're new to Anglo-Saxon history, this book is a fine start to go with.

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting look at the Anglo-Saxon war machine: battle tactics, soldiers, weapons, armies, etc. for the last three centuries in which they dominated England. Hill jumps around a little bit, but gives a very good picture of how the Anglo-Saxon fighting capability evolved, fell apart, and evolved again throughout the period of their rule. Hill draws mostly on chronicles, poems, and archaeology to create his account and succeeds in creating a very plausible picture of how Anglo-Saxon kings assembled their armies and led them to war.

[Robert Hausladen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and Interesting

For the most part the author is able to make the account interesting even though much is based on interpretation. Combining accounts in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle with art and archeology, this could be a full account of questionable detail.

Instead it remains interesting and flows for the most part. The one exception being the long section on weapons, but that will be of greater interest to some.

[Scott Dover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this book about the Anglo- Saxon period of English History.

[ren hudspith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Covered a very important period of Anglo Saxon history, as well as the Anglo Saxon response to the Viking raids.

[N. Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance to catch up on history, bringing us up to the Norman invasion and why it happened

[Francis Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some nice deep dives into specific case studies of battles here, as well as a really great section on weapons and armour typologies. Detailed and not too verbose. Good stuff.

[Edoardo Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hill presents a thorough exposition of our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon way of warfare, although by the end one is left marvelling at how little we still know, despite the efforts of historians and archaeologists. I find it hard to believe that battlefield tactics for the entire period did not involve more than two lines of men in shield walls pushing each other until one buckled, but it is precious hard to find evidence for anything else. But when one considers that the entire business of life for an Anglo-Saxon warrior was war, I personally find it hard to believe that they would not have tried all sorts of different tactics and strategems, particularly in the early part of the period, when warbands were composed of less than 100 warriors, each of them an elite warrior.

[Pedro · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're interested in Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and that kind of thing, this is a very good book for you to read. Though much of what it says won't be new, there are some interesting observations and challenges to information that can be found elsewhere. There is also serious discussion of points that are not clear because there isn't enough evidence. The book contains several examples and stories which make it very readable. When it describes in detail some weapons and accessories, though, the prose becomes dry and repetitive, especially nearing the end. There are some helpful images. It's a short, well-researched book.

[Paul A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make no mistake, this is a very dry, but thoroughly researched, treatise on Anglo-Saxon conflict, covering every aspect of warfare from battles, personal armament, organization, etc. Hill does a great job of laying out his arguments regarding the reasons for the average Anglo-Saxon warrior to fight, as well as demonstrating how matters of authority and centralization directly affected how the wars against the Danish were prosecuted. Overall, an excellent overview of Anglo-Saxon warfare covering every pertinent topic.