1217
The Battles that Saved England
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1217
Narrated by:
Veronika Hyks
Buy Now for $21.99
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Narrated by:
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Veronika Hyks
About this listen
A Sunday Times Book of the Week
'A thrilling episode from England’s medieval history.' Dan Jones, The Sunday Times
An engrossing history of the pivotal year when the future of England was secured.
In 1215 King John had agreed to the terms of Magna Carta, but then reneged on his word, plunging the kingdom into war. Rebellious barons offered the throne to the French prince Louis and set off a chain of events that almost changed the course of English history.
Louis arrived in May 1216, was proclaimed king in London, and by the autumn had half of England under his control. However, the choice of a French prince had enormous repercussions: now not merely an internal rebellion, but a war in which the defenders were battling to prevent a foreign takeover. John’s death in October 1216 left the throne in the hands of his 9-year-old son, Henry, and his regent, William Marshal, which changed the face of the war again, for now the king trying to fight off an invader was not a hated tyrant but an innocent child.
1217 charts the nascent sense of national identity that began to swell. Three key battles would determine England’s destiny. The fortress of Dover was besieged, the city of Lincoln was attacked, and a great invasion force set sail and, unusually for the time, was intercepted at sea. Catherine Hanley expertly navigates medieval siege warfare, royal politics, and fighting at sea to bring this remarkable period of history to life.©2024 Dr Catherine Hanley (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Don’t let the references to Magna Carta frighten you - they are useful to the story here and not dry and belaboured. The author’s in depth siege coverage was compelling, there were detailed castle and relevant place descriptions. The lesser known characters highlighted were interesting and well researched. I’d actually like to see this ‘year’ approach to a period of history more often. It was an innovative way to read the topic. Easily readable, enjoyable and I’d certainly read others with a similar framework from the same historian.
The narration was good, but not brilliant,
Fascinating breakdown of the Barons War throughout 1217
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