Michael Wood and the Remarkable Story of Æthelstan: Brunanburh, the Forgotten Battle That Shaped England

The annals of early medieval England are filled with enigmatic figures and momentous events that shaped the course of the nation's history. Among the scholars who have brought these stories to light, Michael Wood stands as one of the most influential. A passionate historian and broadcaster, Wood has dedicated much of his career to uncovering the roots of England’s identity, and no tale captures this mission more vividly than the life of Æthelstan — the first King of all England — and the legendary Battle of Brunanburh.

Michael Wood: A Champion of England’s Hidden Past

Michael Wood has long sought to breathe life into the dusty chronicles of England’s early kings. Known for his engaging documentaries such as In Search of the Dark Ages and Story of England, Wood combines scholarly precision with a storyteller’s flair. His exploration of figures like Alfred the Great, Æthelflæd, and Æthelstan has brought much-needed attention to the formative years of English nationhood.

One of his most captivating subjects is King Æthelstan — a name unfamiliar to many, yet vital to the story of England.

Æthelstan: The First King of a United England

Born around 894 AD, Æthelstan was the grandson of Alfred the Great and the son of King Edward the Elder. Upon ascending to the throne in 924, Æthelstan inherited not only the kingship of Wessex and Mercia but also the daunting task of uniting a fractured land composed of competing kingdoms, Viking settlements, and rival rulers.

In 927, Æthelstan achieved what no other Anglo-Saxon ruler had before: he conquered Northumbria, the last of the independent kingdoms, effectively uniting all of England under one crown. His rule extended from the Channel to the Scottish borders. Yet, his greatest challenge lay ahead — a battle that would decide whether this fragile unity would endure. shutdown123