554. 1066: The Shadows of War (Part 1)

Context:

The episode opens with an excerpt from the audiobook read by Churchill, describing the death of Edward the Confessor. Dominic notes it was published in 1956 but the relevant section was reportedly written in April 1940.

Context:

Described by Tom Holland as 'the definitive book on the Battle of Hastings itself' with 'amazingly detailed, subtle treatment of all the sources and the evidence.' A passage is quoted about England's military mobilization being unmatched until the total wars of the 20th century.

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Tom quotes from this book about the Anglo-Saxons not fighting in sophisticated cavalry units and England lying open without the new technology of warfare, contrasting English and Norman military organization.