Early English Queens, 650–850: Speculum Reginae

by Stefany Wragg

This book offers the first dedicated and comprehensive examination of the lives of nearly thirty women known to occupy the office of queen in the English kingdoms between 650 and 850.

The queens of early England are often shadowy figures in the historical record, beset by numerous issues which have largely confined them to the margins of history. Through careful analysis, the volume presents a ground-breaking appraisal of the role of queens in early England, and how their actions and identities shaped their practice of queenship. Organised thematically, it offers an overview of queens in many different roles, such as agents of Christianity, mothers, and peace-weavers. From high profile queens such as �thelthryth of Ely and Cynethryth of Mercia, to the shadowy Leofrun of East Anglia and the nameless queen of Anna of East Anglia, the book engages with sources to advance fuller narratives about even the most obscure queens of the era.

Aided by resources such as genealogical tables, Early English Queens, 650-850 is an ideal resource for students and scholars at all levels, as well general readers, interested in the lives of queens and early English history.

Genres: British Literature

288 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2022

Reviews

[Moniek Bloks · Rating 4 out of 5]

English Queens from the years 650-850 have been largely confined to the sidelines of history. 

There were not only various kingdoms in what we now know as England, but written sources were also in short supply. Early English Queens, 650–850: Speculum Reginae by Stefany Wragg tries to piece together the lives of the almost 30 women who were Queen during this time.

While very interesting and well-written, there is often so little information available that it becomes frustrating. Nevertheless, their roles are thoroughly analysed and examined. Despite being aimed at a more scholarly audience, it is quite readable if you're not a scholar.

[Paul Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book along with the other one in the series by Matthew Firth that covers 850-1000. The structure of this book had me jumping around a bit because it's not really chronological, which is why I took a star off. But it's also clearly very well researched and it's amazing what the author has been able to pull out of the historical sources (which, as she explains, are pretty few an far between). Definitely worth a read if you're interested in Anglo-Saxon history.

[Fiona Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really well researched and Wragg somehow pulls together a coherent narrative from a small handful of surviving sources. The book does sometimes veer toward speculation to plug the gaps, but Wragg does this in a plausible way. My only real problem is that the book is arranged thematically instead of chronologically.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive, given the paucity of sources.