Brunanburh, 937 ⚔ Forgotten battle that made England

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🚩 In the early 10th century, Britain was divided. Several Kings and Earls vied for land and power. King Athelstan brought together the Anglo-Saxons against a newly formed Celtic/Norse army. A defeat for Athelstan would cause the fledgling Kingdom of England to disintegrate. A victory, would ensure its survival.
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📢 Narrated by David McCallion
🎼 Music:
Epidemic Sounds
Impact Allegretto - Kevin MacLeod
Filmstro
#vikings #history #ragnar

[@HistoryMarche]

🚩 Skip the waitlist and invest in blue-chip art for the very first time by signing up for Masterworks: www.masterworks.art/historymarche Purchase shares in great masterpieces from artists like Pablo Picasso, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and more. 🚩 See important Masterworks disclosures: www.masterworks.com/cd

[@geraintthatcher3076]

You should do Edward 1st conquest of Wales and Robert the Bruce Invasion of Ireland

[@michealmcneal2259]

Theres a good reason all the kings used to wear helmets....to hold what little brain matter they had in their skulls. It kept trying to escape, because they refused to use it. (Early english history proves it) lol.

[@TheJoker-fv7ez]

Great video, never thought I'd see the battle of Brunanburgh covered, thank you very much. I've been a huge fan of your videos for a while, keep up the great work 👍

[@johnruddick686]

You can find a better sponsor masterworks is pretty much a scam.

[@nss309]

​@@michealmcneal2259how?

[@UnTotal1-Requess]

I've been watching these videos not only for entertainment and to expand my historical knowledge. But to learn strategies and tactics so I can finally win some battles in total war.

[@Unknown31212]

You are a man of culture I see

[@amirfarhang5169]

me too but the difference is ,,win on mount and blade banner lord

[@phenr1r]

@@amirfarhang5169both man of culture i see

[@SolidAvenger1290]

"We the West-Saxons. Long as Lasted, in companies. Troubled the track of the host that we hated. Grimly with swords that were sharp from the grindstone. Fiercely we hack’d at the flyers before us." - Excerpt V of the Old English Poem of the Battle Of Brunanburh by Alfred Tennyson The outcome at Brunanburh might have contributed to the English state today, not because Æthelstan won, but because of the possible consequences had he lost.

[@nss309]

Same difference.

[@wohendumwing3ee9]

You basically said nothing in this comment.

[@christianfreedom-seeker934]

The modern British State was formed over several important wars. But Hastings was key.

[@celestialmusic6657]

This mentions some events portrayed in the viking series 'The Last kingdom' ! Loved that one, available of netflix btw.

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

The Last Kingdom is one of my favorite series :)

[@yojlik]

The Saxon Stories (13 novels) by Bernard Cornwell, which The Last Kingdom is based on, are excellent reads if you like historical fiction!

[@nss309]

Netflix's nonsense.

[@chrissperry1514]

@@nss309 the show is really well done for a netflix series and is very close to be historically accurate with real locations that are still around.

[@nss309]

@@chrissperry1514 it has some interesting characters and nice music, but the overall look of the time and place is like watching history's vikings.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Here's another important battle in english history, battle of bosworth, the end of the Plantagenet Dynasty and the beggining of the Tudor Dynasty, the battle that brought an end to the wars of the roses, would LOVE seeing you cover it man! Hope your dad is better

[@shahsjddjejdjd2551]

I believe he has mate

[@antorseax9492]

​@@shahsjddjejdjd2551 Nope

[@ryankassulke]

He mentions Bosworth in the intro mate

[@antorseax9492]

@@ryankassulke And?

[@nss309]

​@@antorseax9492it makes the comment kinda pointless.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

YES! Athelstan the Glorious! One of the Best Kings the English ever had! Thanks For this man! Love your content and hope your dad is doing better 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@EvoraGT430]

Shame the Normans suppressed the Anglo-Saxon history so effectively that most English people have never even heard of their first true (and great) king.

[@brylleandreibt]

Just finished watching the Last Kingdom and 7 Kings minutes ago. Really glad i found your video. Thank you.

[@HistoryMarche]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@icecoffee1361]

Love the fact I live possible 10 minutes from possibly one of the defining battles in British/English history. So much over the years has been spoken about this battle and one day I hope they find exactly where it happened on the WIRRAL 🎉

[@CerdicTheGreat]

I live on top of where another seminal battle was fought. It is here that Ecgberht beat the Mercians and established the dynasty and Wessex as a powerful country.

[@williamanderson5437]

Nearby Brimstage is also referred to in historical documents, only a mile away - and about two miles North is Tranmere Rovers - the only Norwegian named team in England. Norwegians breaking away from Norwegian's who had settled in Dublin, had settled on The Wirral Peninsular in 902ad. Many places (ending in -ton or -by), bear Norse names, including Thingwall - the local 'Parliament/Meeting Field'.

[@BigMrFirebird]

Don't hold your breath.

[@BigMrFirebird]

@@williamanderson5437 -ton names are usually associated with Anglo/Saxon settlement, not Scandinavian.

[@crystalmethking]

10 mins here too. History on our doorstep!

[@johnvanstone5336]

If we only knew where this actual battle was ! This battle was of massive importance and significance and Athelstan must rank next to Alfred in the best of the Anglo-Saxon kings

[@EvoraGT430]

Shame the Normans suppressed the Anglo-Saxon history so effectively that most English people have never even heard of their first true (and great) king.

[@williamanderson5437]

As of 2023, it was around Storeton Woods, Wirral (read 'War Lord' by Bernard Cornwell for more information, inc notes by Wirral Archaeology).

[@BigMrFirebird]

@@williamanderson5437 Did they answer what's a Scottish army doing so far away from home, on the Wirrall yet?

[@clownofthetimes6727]

If you type Brunanburgh on Wikipedia it lays out some contenders. I am a big fan of Burnley being the site. One of the clues for me is Walton spire. A dark age battle marker, menhir that was chiseled down to a more respectable and civilised size and had a cross attached to it by the local christian priest in Victorian times.!!!! Absolute vandalism! But it is in a good spot and has things like Saxfield street to add to its allure. Several papers discuss it better than I could,

[@BigMrFirebird]

@@clownofthetimes6727 As things stand, one claim is as good as another.

[@13f20-pl2fj]

I read about this battle in 'Egil,s Saga' which is one of the Icelandic Sagas. In it the main character, Egil Skelgrinson participated on the battle while in the service of Aethelstan the Faithful as he was called in the story. It gives a decent account although King Olaf is misidentified as the King of Scotland.

[@BigMrFirebird]

Which is why sagas shouldn't be taken too seriously in history.

[@Ezael]

So many accidents, someone recruited a great spymaster on Crusader Kings

[@qwaz67]

According to High School classes, England didn’t exist before 1066.

[@Rynewulf]

Our Norman ruling class that still holds the wealth and political positions certainly does like to think that way

[@Rynewulf]

@@mattg56 its also easier to send us off on behalf of The Empire, when its not pointed out that we're a pre existing conquered people beholden to the elites, and thats exactly why we're even in a Union in the first place. Suddenly devolution and questioning Parliament and the Crown make more sense when we see our history is comparable to Wales, Scotland and Ireland rather than us altruistically bringing them together

[@mijanhoque1740]

Yup. I mean I’m from England myself and didn’t even learn any of this until I got to Uni and even after it.

[@ajstevens1652]

It's insane how the Norman ruling class erased English history for centuries and still suppress it today.

[@Angelcynn_2001]

Norman propaganda

[@BJ-wx5xq]

His grandfather only English ruler to get the epithet the great , but I believe Athelstan was more than deserving of the title as well , great video about the line of ecgberht🎉

[@adventussaxonum448]

I believe contemporary sources called him Athelstan the Magnificent..

[@greva2904]

Alfred was only christened ‘the Great’ by the Victorians when they gained a patriotic interest in ancient British history. Till then he was only known as Athelstan.

[@Funeeman]

Most definitely.

[@KHK001]

Amazing video! And hope your dad is recovering well HM.

[@HistoryMarche]

Thanks so much KHK!

[@HannibalBarca137]

I love the intro it was different and I think it was the best intro you ever made yet please keep doing the types of intros, keep this amazing work up. When will Hannibal be out. Keep the work up!

[@BillCody931]

thanks for doing Athelstan the first ruler of the English. He is often overlooked in favor of his Grandfather Alfred the Great.

[@EvoraGT430]

Shame the Normans suppressed the Anglo-Saxon history so effectively that most English people have never even heard of their first true (and great) king.

[@ridvirgo1994]

I'm Uthred, son of Uthred.......(opening music intensified).... DESTINY IS ALL!

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Last Kingdom and Vikings fans stand up!

[@JgonzaloTBEJARANO21222021]

I learned about this battle from the movie Seven Kings Must Die, sequel and final point to Uthred's story in The Last Kingdom. Where Uthred and Aethelstan face the Danes, and King Constantine of Scotland.

[@EinDeutscherPatriot620]

So he was a traitor in the end. Looking at true history, there were many times where the danes could have won.

[@roseytgaming7076]

One of your first videos still on the cannel is the battle of vaslui, druing stephan the great and as a romanian is one the biggest vicotries for us against the ottomans. But we also had other enemies like polish and i'd love a video for the battle of cosmin forest. A great story lies around it and a victory while all seemed hopeless would make a great video

[@BV1646]

When is a new hannibal episode? Really looking forwars to see the series continued

[@aveekmanna912]

Hoping fr u quick recovery fr yr father....... Plz complete hannibal series😢

[@LordJayAndrew]

Incredible guys! Thank you!

[@Isidorios]

When all of your enemies unite in a coalition against you, and yet you are victorious anyway, you are mighty indeed.

[@keatonisballin]

Great video, as always. One of my favorite channels.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

Another great video .. i hope others coming .it was an informative and important episode about English history during medieval term 939 AD where Athilstan king United most English territory and defeated north correlation opponents at 939 AD ...thank you respectful (history Marche ) channel for sharing this remarkable video .

[@DrivermanO]

Actually 937! Aethelstan died in 939.

[@crusaderknight379]

As a man born as a english man i give this video a 20 out of 10

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

You're Amazing man! Your music, narration and visuals always make for an out of this world learning experience! Recommendation: Cover the Conquest of Cordoba by Ferdinand III of Castile or the Conquest of Valencia by James I of Aragon! Great Reconquista figures. You're awesome. Hope all the best to you father man!

[@HistoryMarche]

Thanks so much Daniel! Much appreciated. I'm working on Aljubarrota, it's not James I of Aragon but it's close. I'll definitely work on more Iberian history topics, as I lack them on the channel.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

@@HistoryMarche great to hear man!

[@affan3095]

​@@HistoryMarchecan you make a video about Mughal Empire and Delhi sultanate which prevented Mongols invasion of India.

[@zod56]

Another great video. Keep them coming!

[@krzysztofb.3979]

Always reliaiable and interesting content wigh good, historical background. TY!

[@juanzulu1318]

This white circle on the map to show what the speaker describes is very helpful. 👍

[@Tortuga629]

The UK is facing a much bigger threat than "under-investing".

[@Jack-xg1kg]

Quite. I didn't really appreciate having a bit of modern political ideology at the start of a history video.

[@MrLevigraz]

A different barbarian invasion. This one not so easily recoverable from.

[@boo0p707]

​@MrLevigraz what barbarian?

[@lithobolos]

​@@MrLevigraz fash trash

[@megathicc6367]

​@@MrLevigrazWhat barbarian?

[@coyote4237]

Thank you. Always well done.

[@gustavknugen2015]

great video once again! just love the narration and topics this channel provide.

[@antoniomoreira5921]

There's a splendid battle analysis by Schwerpunkt, I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the event

[@aethellstan]

ahhh those were the days, i remember the battle well...

[@williamanderson5437]

The Brunanburh Battlesite is just off the M53, on Wirral, around what is now Storeton Woods. Nearby Red Hill Road said to be so named as it ran red with blood from that Great Slaughter. The Invaders arrived at Parkgate? on the Wirral side of the River Dee, fleeing back after the Battle. The high ground at the top of Storeton Hill overlooks the M53, Clatterbridge, Mount Road, Brackenwood & Red Hill Road, Thousands of artifacts have already been discovered, note 'War Lord' by Bernard Cornwell. Brackenwood Golf Course is currently being Metal Detected as of 2023/4..

[@BigMrFirebird]

You believe that. Meanwhile, anyone seriously interested in finding the battle site rather than promoting the Wirrall would have to study Scottish early medieval history as well as the usual Anglo/Scandinavian bias on this subject.

[@brantsemallory726]

@@BigMrFirebird And yet all the actual experts agree on the general location. It was not fought in north Yorkshire as you seem to hope. Nobody serious ever mentions the battle ground being anywhere near scotland - which was not even called that at the time to use your own naming arguments against you.

[@pipins3616]

Close but not just where you say

[@pipins3616]

Red Hill was so named because of the sandstone either side of the cut, but the Quarry was mined by the Romans

[@kotominehirage8253]

Adoro esse canal pelas várias legendas 🥰🥰👌

[@nebulairan1494]

دقیقا👍

[@marceloseixas895]

Brabo

[@Coastcrawler]

Again an awesome video, perfectly presented and narrated. Thank you. And it reminds me that I once lost two empty halves of coconut somewhere in mercia.

[@jimmillward3505]

i love your videos, great voice, great narration and research and fabulous animations

[@Afat351]

Cool! Man you have changed a lot!❤ i recommend the battle of Durbe, Raseiniai,Rossbach and Manzikert! Ill apreciate it👍👍👍

[@mathiasdionne7807]

how do you do all that thing? it is a game or it an edit that you make? it so cool. your videos are amazing continue like that men!

[@them9884]

My favourite history channel by far!

[@Thyranel]

Amazing video ❤❤❤

[@ralambosontiavina7372]

Great work as always !

[@roddammit5510]

Thank you

[@carltonbauheimer]

For a second i thought the Masterworks ad read was going to get based about another invasion of Britain going on.

[@Beachdude67]

I'd suppose you can't step foot in a field anywhere in England where a battle hasn't occurred sometime in the last 2000 years.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

That Ad transition was so smooth, Respect the grind

[@galgamekthegreatlord4823]

shut up bot

[@ConstantineJoseph]

Sir what’s plan A? - It’s the shield wall And what’s our plan B? - we’ll fall back again on our trusted shield wall

[@ghosthorse77]

I haven't forgotten it.

[@philb7851]

Uhtred was there 😉

[@respectboy4966]

The Last Kingdom series is pretty good

[@MrBulky992]

Isn't there a bit missing? There were more Viking invasions after 939 quite a bit before Aethelred the Unready which are not mentioned. There were Viking kings in York until the death of the last, Eric Bloodaxe, in 954 AD. Lucky Aethelstan's successors got rid of them by the time of King Edgar the Peaceful (Aethelred's father).

[@alex_erazo]

Sounds like the battle referenced in 7 kings must die on Netflix ⚔️

[@gw7624]

Aethelwulf... man, what a name.

[@sim0n17]

sacrifice to the algorithm

[@bobsauve]

Great video!

[@tituslaird1265]

Comment for algorithm, thanks for making history fun and exciting!

[@YoreHistory]

Another great video! Cheers.

[@pixlbit9514]

That sponsor segway was legendary.

[@The_ZeroLine]

People need to read Cromwell’s Warlord series or Saxon Tales if they love these stories.

[@CorinneDunbar-ls3ej]

Bernard Cornwell.

[@jackgreen1698]

An excellent video

[@soulsishiredits]

sir battle of edington of 875 AD also play an important role in english history but at intro you did not show why

[@steelcomrade6871]

Of all the English kings, Æthelstan is BY FAR my favourite one, he founded the most influential country in human history, took on like 4 or 5 kingdoms AT THE SAME TIME AND STILL WON and so on, what a Gigachad.

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

Most influential what?

[@rayzas4885]

Rome was more influential

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

@Anglo_Stokie_Lad22 Only if you are the typical uneducated European.

[@matty7788]

Kinda ironic the battle happened near a place where we say "scouse not English"

[@TheJoker-fv7ez]

Most people don't realise, this is the most pivotal battle in English/British history! If this battle was lost, there would have been no England, no England means no United Kingdom, the world's history would have been totally different too, because it means no Great Britain. I grew up In Bromborough and this battle field has never been found, some historians don't believe the battle took place on the Wirral, whoever finds this battle field will go down in the history books!

[@malehumanperson7901]

It's meant to be on Brackenwood golf course.

[@nss309]

Debatable.

[@Jack-xg1kg]

It is and isn't. If we just look at what followed it then yes it is tremendously significant. I think though that the rough borders of the countries on this island were pretty inevitable. A nation like England would always have been formed and achieved domination over its immediate neighbours. Consider the geography of our island. England is basically 95% of the good farming land with most of the navigable rivers and good tradeports - it was always going to be the area that supported the densest population, with the power and wealth that comes with it. Whilst the areas of land of that make up Wales and Scotland were comparatively poorer, less desirable as farm land and further from continental trade partners; combined with terrain that made them more defensible and harder for a more distant ruler (one based in the wealthier regions of the Isle) to hold without significant expense.

[@TheJoker-fv7ez]

@@Jack-xg1kg thank you for your comment, now you've put it like that I can see and understand your point of view, and I agree. Thanks again

[@TheJoker-fv7ez]

@@malehumanperson7901 I have heard this rumour myself and felt like sneaking on with my metal detector ha, then I think the gold course has had so much work completed on it that if the battle was there we have found evidence by now. Thanks for your comment

[@pitel2901]

Hello, can you also cover tge battle of the Vistula basin? Also great video!

[@JamesJohnson-l6y]

Alfred the Great's passing happened on 10/26/899. Read the Episcopal Saints feasts.

[@phemstros]

Brunanburgh is for me the single most consequential battle in history given its cementing of national identity through unifying different peoples and faiths under its structure. This extends to Scots/Irish/Welsh who fought in both sides that day, as well as Danes who did the same. It was a choice between one world and a better one. The stability provided the base that the Romans first saw and built over, which had fallen away, which formed the state that William I saw had to be seized and then expanded upon. By extension, this fed into all aspects of life and form the basis of everything today via the empire, through principles of law and commerce everywhere.

[@Redsauce101]

More videos on the great migration period, plz. 😁

[@LAH92]

I've read that the battle actually took place South Yorkshire, South of York and about 10miles north Of Doncaster at Robin Hoods well 🤔

[@1bert719]

Cause of siblings death? "Got in my way!" 😉

[@DallingerM]

Ooooooh ... I’m from the Wirral 🙌🏽 not often we get some recognition

[@db123OG]

Best content on here

[@brokenbridge6316]

An old history teacher of mine once said that God is an Englishmen. And I can't help but think he's got a point.

[@Jack-xg1kg]

Our history is fascinating and I've loved learning about it all my life. That said, I think learning more world history helps put us in perspective. Compared with what else was going on in the world during this period, England was a relative backwater and our battles little more than squabbles between petty warlords. England's period of real significance is relatively modern and unfortunately fading fast already.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@Jack-xg1kg---I agree with you about perspective. That's important.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@Anglo_Stokie_Lad22---You do realize that I admitted that he had a point right?

[@michaelsinger4638]

Athelstan is an underrated ruler.

[@SoapstoneDragon]

Let's Go

[@wilfredjurassicyes]

I really hope that dude that made carthage bellium makes another game for this era!

[@DaniboyBR2]

The way the ads are done, I tune off from the video when they come up right after the intro, I go do something else, and I just realize the video played after it ends and I didn't watch it.

[@MrDawnRise]

Is the Masteworks CD not a scam?

[@alanjameson8664]

Aethelrud Unrud was not unready, he was uncouncilled, just as chicken pox has nothing to do with poultry, and everything to do with its intense itching.

[@Nicholas-p6m]

I love the early Anglo Saxon kings

[@TheIronChancellor]

When will the next basil the bulgarslayer episode release?

[@duck1t]

Athelstan chose intrigue archetype in crusader kings i see

[@Funeeman]

King Athelstan The Great 💪

[@jamesdeguara7736]

I'm quite disappointed that you missed out the involvement of the Lords of Mann, otherwise very good.

[@emadbagheri]

is there a reason why there is absolutely no continuity with regards to era and date when these are made? Why this jumping around from century to century rather than a clear narrative?

[@aidenyeskie4841]

How do you make these cool videos

[@bobfunkhouse8437]

they think this happened in the fields near the back off my house

[@debdeepdas8034]

When will there be a new episode of War of the Spanish Succession? Waiting eagerly

[@Nwunchuck27]

damn, seems that his stability corresponded to his several sisters 😂

[@maxrates]

I don't think it would have changed much, just as Knut and William didn't either.

[@voiceofreason2674]

One of the many heroes of the "Arthurian Dilemma" which is the prime question of the British Dark Age. If there is to be a High King of the island, he must be able to put an end to ALL foreign raiding. William the Conqueror ends this age in 1066, and I don't think Britain has ever been invaded again except for a few french incursions endorsed by the Scottish

[@Jack-xg1kg]

I think a good case could be made for the Glorious Revolution of 1688 as the last time Britain was successfully invaded. The army that installed William and Mary was Dutch, achieving victory over the unpopular English king with English and Irish troops. We just don't think of it as an invasion because that old saw about history being written by the victors is true.

[@adventussaxonum448]

​@@Jack-xg1kg An army which was invited over, contained many English and was supported along the way by a huge number of locals, isn't quite the same as the Bastard's invasion.

[@Jack-xg1kg]

@adventussaxonum448 The same, no. Still an invasion though. The 20k men who landed were nearly all Dutch men; the numbers of English present in the army would've been low hundreds. Elements of domestic collusion don't stop something being an invasion when the main force that affects change is foreign. A foreign army landed on our shores and was resisted by the official govt, at the time. There were interesting circumstances to it but it was still pretty much a text book invasion.

[@duncancarmichael3723]

Mary was a Stuart and the eldest daughter of James ii & vii. William despite his Dutch credentials was a cousin of hers, decended from Charles the first, I think. As for the battle, Athelstan appears to be lauded as a hero. He is a man who was motivated to conquer his neighbouring states, irrespective whether he had any legitimate rights to do so. His behaviour was in line with the Romans and in later years the Norman's. The battle was a fight between the Saxon expansionists and the rest of the people who represented the interests of the areas of Britain, which had not been or did not wish to be subjecated by a foreign influence. Which I would argue was their right. The battle was bloody with huge losses on both sides. It has been argued that Athelstan won the fight, however it was a hollow victory as he sustained heavy losses that made it impossible for him to follow up the victory with further battles or attempts at any further expansionism into his opponents territories. I would argue the due to his failure to progress further he did not define the English border and that it was the Scottish, Irish and Norse forces who were the ones that through their actions defined their territories and denied Athelstan his dream.

[@molybdaen11]

Ethelstan mastered the intrige skilltree for sure.

[@malcolmsmith333]

Cool

[@Aginor88]

Interesting.

[@TractorDog]

long live the algorithm

[@ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣΤΑΛΑΙΠΩΡΟΣ-ο3υ]

We still await to see new episodes of Hannibal and Basil II the Bulgar Slayer. At least complete them and then continue with new projects.

[@Blackmoon9u9]

England history is a series of mysterious accidents 🎉