‘Battle for the Island Kingdom: England’s Destiny 1000–1066’

Scene from the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings. Public Domain

Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and Vikings. When it comes to historical players, one can hardly ask for better. Don Hollway, in his new book “Battle for the Island Kingdom: England’s Destiny 1000–1066,” takes the reader through the plotting, betrayals, usurping, and political machinations of this ongoing struggle for England’s throne. This era of intrigue and bloody violence is brought to life by Mr. Hollway’s deft writing, as he seamlessly weaves together numerous stories taking place on the British island, the Norman coast, and in Scandinavia.

It is a time of ruthless kings, and general ruthlessness. At no point in this historically significant story (so significant as to set the course of the modern world for the next millennium, at least for the West) does it feel that any figure can let down their guard, from kings to earls to queens to exiled nobles. Every head seems ready to roll and Mr. Hollway skillfully follows the varied paths to those many chopping blocks along the way.

More Than 1066

For many, the year 1066 is a memorable date. It is the year William of Normandy (famously monikered “William the Conqueror”) sailed from Normandy to the southern coast of England, won the Battle of Hastings, and took the crown from King Harold Godwinson. The date and persons may be familiar.

The coronation of Harold Godwinson, from the Bayeux Tapestry. Daniel R. Blume/ CC BY-SA 2.0

Some may even recognize it as the year of the Battle of Stamford Bridge when Harold defeated his brother Tostig and his Viking ally King Harald Hardrada of Norway before going on to his defeat against William. That, however, is all the climax. That’s where the story ends, and indeed it is an epic ending. But this entire tale is epic.

Mr. Hollway introduces the reader to the English kings and would-be (and tried-to-be) kings, like Aethelred, Edmund (Aethelred’s son), Svein, Cnut (Svein’s son), Forkbeard, Thorkell, Godwin (the Earl of Wessex who seems to possess more power than anyone), Alfred, and Eadric Streona (a vicious man who meets a vicious and justly due ending). He also introduces us to the disputes and battles taking place on the continent, specifically France and Normandy, with Duke Robert of Normandy (William’s father), Guy of Burgundy (William’s cousin), Baron Tesson, and King Henry of France―all vying to help or hinder then-Duke William.

Although this era of violence is typically associated with sword and axe-wielding bearded men, the women of this era played prominent roles in who reaches the throne and who doesn’t. Normandy-born Emma, the mother of exiled sons and wife of two English kings, Athelred and Cnut, and Herleva, the French virgin and “washing wench,” who gave birth to William the Bastard (later to be known as the Conqueror).

Murder and Piety

Amidst the sword swinging, arrow slinging, and throat cutting, there is a strange yet consistent piety among these rulers. This combination of murderous ambition and righteous pursuit portrays a psychotic behavior that seemed expected, if not altogether normalized. The idea of destiny (and Providence) is perhaps the singular driving factor for these kings and nobles.

If one doesn’t believe in destiny, the story of William might change that belief. No doubt these men and women believed in Providence and the idea of destiny and prayed to be guided by the former to reach the latter. These beliefs may also help resolve questions about William’s and Edward’s decisions before and during the Battle of Hastings.

Ethelred the Unready, circa 968-1016. Illuminated Manuscript, "The Chronicle of Abingdon," circa 1220. The British Library. Public Domain

Regarding this piety, the Church, its popes, and bishops practically rule through religious authority. Revered by some, feared by some, hated and loved, Mr. Hollway proves how emphatic their influence and power was over the nobility. Royal marriages were approved or condemned by them, which often led to either confusion, clarity, or contempt.

Tying the Parts Together

Yet, with all these moving parts, from kings and queens to nations and kingdoms to bishops and assassins, Mr. Hollway meticulously ties all of the elements together into a cohesive story and timeline. The subject matter is itself captivating, but there is so much to cover that approaching it may seem overwhelming. An impossible mountain of “how did who reach where.”

Mr. Hollway, to his credit, ties us to his carabiner and pulls us along for the climb. And what a pleasant climb it is. For this reason, Mr. Hollway has quickly become one of my favorite history writers. Exhaustively researched and sourced, and exceptionally written, Mr. Hollway has assembled another masterclass in how to tell a multi-faceted story of history in one fell swoop.

For those looking to get a grasp on early English history and the beginnings of the British monarchy, “Battle for the Island Kingdom” is a perfect selection. For those simply looking for a fun, yet bloody read, you can’t go wrong with Mr. Hollway’s latest.

"Battle for the Island Kingdom: England’s Destiny 1000–1066" by Don Hollway. Osprey Publishing

‘Battle for the Island Kingdom: England’s Destiny 1000–1066’ By Don Hollway Osprey Publishing, Nov. 7, 2023 Hardcover: 432 pages

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