Manchester University Press
2 Penda of Mercia and the Welsh borderlands in Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica
Abstract
Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum is the earliest significant surviving source for the history of the Welsh borderlands. Penda's life provides a window into the mixed Anglo-Welsh culture of the borderlands as a region which stands apart from Bede's narrative of ethnic division between Anglo-Saxons and Britons. The Historia Ecclesiastica depicts the continued unity of the Welsh borderlands after the Battle of Hatfield Chase, as the region was increasingly set apart from other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The Historia Brittonum stands on its own as a historical source for the Battle of the Winwaed, making clear the mixed nature of Penda's army. The structure of the army at the Winwaed, with Penda in command, mirrors Cadwallon's earlier role at the Battle of Hatfield Chase, where he was the primary leader who revolted against Edwin with Penda's support.
Abstract
Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum is the earliest significant surviving source for the history of the Welsh borderlands. Penda's life provides a window into the mixed Anglo-Welsh culture of the borderlands as a region which stands apart from Bede's narrative of ethnic division between Anglo-Saxons and Britons. The Historia Ecclesiastica depicts the continued unity of the Welsh borderlands after the Battle of Hatfield Chase, as the region was increasingly set apart from other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The Historia Brittonum stands on its own as a historical source for the Battle of the Winwaed, making clear the mixed nature of Penda's army. The structure of the army at the Winwaed, with Penda in command, mirrors Cadwallon's earlier role at the Battle of Hatfield Chase, where he was the primary leader who revolted against Edwin with Penda's support.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of maps viii
- Acknowledgements ix
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Penda of Mercia and the Welsh borderlands in Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica 23
- 3 The Welsh borderlands in the Lives of St Guthlac 53
- 4 The ‘dark Welsh’ as slaves and slave raiders in Exeter Book riddles 52 and 72 82
- 5 The Welsh borderlands in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 109
- 6 The transformation of the borderlands outlaw in the eleventh century 138
- 7 Conclusion 159
- Bibliography 171
- Index 194
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of maps viii
- Acknowledgements ix
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Penda of Mercia and the Welsh borderlands in Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica 23
- 3 The Welsh borderlands in the Lives of St Guthlac 53
- 4 The ‘dark Welsh’ as slaves and slave raiders in Exeter Book riddles 52 and 72 82
- 5 The Welsh borderlands in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle 109
- 6 The transformation of the borderlands outlaw in the eleventh century 138
- 7 Conclusion 159
- Bibliography 171
- Index 194
