1: Vikings - 'The Battle of Maldon'
The first in a new history of England told through poetry, beginning with The Battle of Maldon, a myth-making poem, conjuring the idea of England as a proud warrior nation.
Catherine Clarke reads her new and original history of England - told through poetry.
Through five poems across a week, Clarke takes us onto battlefields, inside royal courts, below stairs of great houses and onto cricket pitches, with vivid voices, and surprising stories. In a portal to the past, she takes us inside the words and moments these poems capture, with new perspectives on how England has dreamed itself into existence - and who gets to tell its story.
Today: Clarke begins in Essex, in the year 1000, with The Battle of Maldon, a myth-making poem, creating the idea of England as a proud warrior nation.
Writer and reader: Catherine is a Professor at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, and Director of the Victoria County History of England.
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Justine Willett
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Broadcasts
- Tomorrow 11:45蜜芽传媒 Radio 4
- Tuesday 00:30蜜芽传媒 Radio 4