Paul Hill's book, The Fortress Kingdom, explores the period from Alfred the Great's death in 899 to 927 and the pivotal roles played by his children, Aethelflaed and Edward the Elder. Despite much of England being under Viking control at the time of Alfred's death, his descendants executed successful campaigns that expanded their power. The narrative delves into their defensive and offensive military strategies, leading to Edward's eventual conquest of Mercia after Aethelflaed's death and Aethelstan's later sovereignty over all England.
Paul Hill provides a detailed and well-researched reminder that England was not merely imagined into existence or won by a single epoch-defining battle.
The Fortress Kingdom begins with Alfred's death in 899 and the emergence of Edward's rule in Wessex and Aethelflaed's in Mercia.
Hill's focus is on the achievements of Alfred's children: his formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, and his all-conquering son, Edward the Elder.
The book follows the siblings through their successful campaigns against the Vikings, leading to Edward's takeover of Mercia in 918.
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