The history of England, from the earliest times to the Norman Conquest — Context and Discussion

A Cooperative History and Its Framing

The editorial preface explains that this is one of twelve volumes by twelve different writers, each chosen for their period expertise. The editors aim for 'general similarity in method' while leaving each author 'as free a hand as possible.' Hodgkin's own method emerges in the excerpts: he weaves together chronicle entries, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's report of a great fleet that 'broke down Winchester,' with interpretive commentary. He also notes the failure of the English to maintain Roman fortresses, a point that Alfred would later remedy. The cooperative structure means that this volume is not a standalone work but part of a larger political history, and Hodgkin's narrative is shaped by that series' focus on the state as a body politic.

West Saxon Kings and the Danish Threat

The narrative centers on the West Saxon dynasty, from Ethelwulf's death in 858 through the reigns of his sons. Hodgkin describes Ethelbald's reign as marked by his 'unlawful union' with Judith of France, a marriage that 'excited the disapprobation of all Western Europe.' Judith later eloped with Baldwin, ancestor of the Counts of Flanders and, through Matilda, of William the Conqueror. Ethelbert's reign is noted for 'good agreement and much peacefulness,' but the Chronicle records that 'in his days, there came a great fleet to land and broke down Winchester.' The Danes, now bent on settlement rather than pillage, set a 'fatal precedent' by accepting ransom from Kent. Hodgkin traces the escalating threat with a sense of impending calamity.

Source Criticism and Moral Judgment

Hodgkin frequently interjects source-critical observations. In the Alfred anecdote, he suggests that the phrase 'and read it' may be 'due to some slip of the copyist or to the confused way in which Asser tells his tale.' He also notes that Alfred bore the title Secundarius, 'unique in Anglo-Saxon history.' Moral judgments are explicit: Ethelbald's death is seen as divine punishment, and the payment of ransom to the Danes is called a 'fatal precedent.' Yet Hodgkin also shows sympathy, remarking that Ethelred, had he not died early, 'had perhaps achieved renown as enduring as that of his successor.' These evaluations are grounded in the chronicle sources, but Hodgkin does not hesitate to interpret their meaning for the reader.

Readers should note that the excerpts cover only the later part of the volume, focusing on the ninth century. The earlier chapters on Roman Britain and the Anglo-Saxon settlement are not represented here. Hodgkin's method—combining narrative with source criticism and moral commentary—is consistent throughout, but the full work also includes genealogical charts and maps, as noted in the transcriber's note. This volume is best approached as part of a series, with an awareness that its political focus shapes which events and figures receive emphasis.

Reading Hodgkin’s careful tracing of Alfred’s struggles, I found myself wishing I could hear the old chroniclers’ own voices, unvarnished by later commentary. That quiet longing led me back to A literal translation of the Saxon chronicle — A Reader’s Guide, whose plain lines felt like leaning closer to a distant, murmuring fire.