In this two-part series, Matt Lewis makes a spectacular journey into the so-called ‘Dark Ages’ as he seeks out the distant roots of England in the 7th century. It was a time of powerful warlords, kings and queens, fighting to control the land and battling for the souls of their people. Christians versus pagans, Mercians versus Northumbrians and Brythonic leaders from what is now Wales exerting their ancient power.

This was a time of profound change and turmoil, but it also saw the beginnings of a unified church and the first glimmers of what would become England.

In this first episode Matt follows the warrior kings, their spectacular palaces and battlefields from the Scottish borders to the edge of Wales. In Northumbria he investigates the palace site at Ad Gefrin, seat of its first christian king, Edwin. This leads him to explore Edwin’s opponents, including the remarkable Cadwallon of Gwynedd, and Penda, the emerging warlord of Mercia. In Sherwood Forest we join an investigation into the possible site of Edwin’s death at the Battle of Hatfield. The future of Christianity in England hung in the balance.

The second episode, full of treasures, battles and ancient churches, will be released on October 22nd.

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If you are interested in the sites and organisations featured in this series you can find out more here:

The fascinating Ad Gefrin centre is in Wooler, Northumberland: https://adgefrin.co.uk/

The Battle of Hatfield Investigation Society has a very informative website: https://battleofhatfieldsociety.co.uk/

Mercian Archaeological Services have carried out a lot of relevant research in and around Sherwood Forest, detailed here: https://www.mercian-as.co.uk/

Staffordshire Hoard, Birmingham Museum: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery/highlights/staffordshire-hoard

Tamworth Castle: https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/

Old Oswestry Hill Fort: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-oswestry-hillfort/

Hexham Abbey and its remarkable 7th century crypt: https://hexhamabbey.org.uk/

Whitby Abbey: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/

St Oswald’s Church, Heavenfield: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-oswald-heavenfield