Just Finished Reading: Medieval Britain – A Very Short Introduction by John Gillingham and Ralph A Griffiths

Despite knowing most of the names and some of the highlights mentioned in this busy little volume I was surprised at the amount of detail I was clearly unaware of. After reading this excellent book I at least now know the main elements of my ignorance. I am actually surprised by how little I seem to know of my own countries history. We covered some aspects of this period in school history classes – 1066, the Wars of the Roses, things like that – but I never realised just how things fitted together before. The Middle Ages now makes a great deal more sense. I certainly have a much greater understanding about our long lasting enmity with France for example – that our political and royal histories are so deeply intertwined that it would be difficult for us not to have become century’s long enemies. Like competing siblings we simply have too many ambitions and desires in common to become friends without the maturity that only time brings. One thing that did surprise me very much, though on reflection should not have done, is how turbulent the whole period was. Not only was war an almost constant feature of the time but, combined with civil unrest, invasion, famine and plague, every thing seemed to be in flux. It’s pretty amazing how anything managed to keep going. But it did – often through the skill and willpower of kings, queens and great men.

The Medieval Period hasn’t really been on my radar. I’m actually far more interested in the 19^th Century, the Industrial Revolution and the Elizabethan Age. This very impressive little book has, however, shifted my interest in that direction and I will delve a little deeper into that murky and dangerous period of my countries history. On a wider note I’ll also be concentrating more on European history in general where, it’s becoming obvious, I have much to learn. But if you have every wondered about the foundations of British history you could do far worse than read this book. You’ll learn lots and be fired up to learn much more. Enjoy!