1217

The Battles that Saved England

By: Dr Catherine Hanley, Tina Ross - cartographer

Narrated by: Veronika Hyks

Bloomsbury presents 1217 by Catherine Hanley, read by Veronika Hyks.

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

Excellent background for events around the time of Magna Carta

Not much on the actual Magna Carta but there are plenty of books on that. This is excellent for an overview of the historical events and battles leading up to and subsequent to its signing and renunciation.

Slightly interesting

Mostly boring but has some historical interest. Could be told in much fewer words. Also, not exactly a turning point in English history with all the wars to come