The Britain of 600-800 AD was populated by four distinct peoples; the British, Picts, Irish and Anglo-Saxons. They spoke 3 different languages, Gaelic, Brittonic and Old English, and lived in a diverse cultural environment. In 600 the British and the Irish were already Christians. In contrast the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons and Picts occurred somewhat later, at the end of the 6th and during the 7th century. Religion was one of the ways through which cultural difference was expressed, and the rulers of different areas of Britain dictated the nature of the dominant religion in areas under their control.
This book uses the Conversion and the Christianisation of the different peoples of Britainas a framework through which to explore the workings of their political systems and the structures of their society. Because Christianity adapted to and affected the existing religious beliefs and social norms wherever it was introduced, its the perfect medium through which to study various aspects of society that are difficult to study by any other means.
Table of Contents:
Maps
Introduction
1. Politics and Society in Britain c.600-800
2. The Conversion of Britain to Christianity
3. The Organisation and Culture of the Church in Early Medieval Britain
4. Society, Politics and Religion in Early Medieval Britain
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Timeline of main events and people
Appendix 2: Pictish kings from king lists P and Q
Appendix 3: The Kings of Northumbria from Æthelfrith to Eardwulf
Appendix 4: The kings of Mercia from Penda to Coenwulf
Appendix 5: The union of the Bernician and Deiran royal houses through marriage
Appendix 6: Two rival theories for the descent of the Pictish kings Constantine and Onuist, the sons of Uurguist/Fergus
About the Author :
Barbara Yorke is a Professor of Early Medieval History at King Alfreds College, Winchester.
Review :
"a most promising series intellectually as well as one that offers much to students." THES Review of the first three books in the "Religion, Politics and Society in Britain "series: "All three writers have made distinguished contributions to the specialist literature and, on the basis of these books, this will prove a most promising series intellectually, as well as one that offers much to students." "Jeremy Black, Professor of History, Exeter University"
