THE HISTORY OF ÆTHELFLED: THE IRON LADY OF MERCIA

The History of Æthelfled: The Iron Lady of Mercia

Æthelfled, the Lady of Mercia, is one of the most remarkable figures in early medieval English history. Known for her leadership, military prowess, and strategic mind, she earned the title “The Iron Lady of Mercia,” a moniker that reflects both her strength and her exceptional role in the defense and expansion of her kingdom. A daughter of Kin

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The Historical Context of The Last Kingdom

While The Last Kingdom is a work of fiction, it is deeply rooted in the history of the Viking invasions and the formation of what would eventually become England. The series takes place during the reign of Alfred the Great, one of the most iconic figures in English history. Alfred’s struggle against the Viking invaders and his efforts to unify th

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Career Beginnings and Shift to Writing

Cornwell’s early career was not immediately focused on writing, though his passion for storytelling was always evident. Initially, Cornwell worked as a teacher and later as a journalist. However, in the 1980s, he decided to pursue a career as a full-time writer. His first major success came with the Sharpe series, which follows the exploits of Ri

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