Your story “Sword Song” has particular resanonce for me as I am the archaeologist managing the investigations into Sceaftesege, Saxon defences 878/9. Rumours abound but there is as yet no physical evidence, only reference in the Burghal Hidage, AS Chron, Asser and similar. Events indicate that something was built but not what or where.

You start your story with what appears to be a raid up the Thames by Danes or Vikings and a two sided fort blocking the Thames. It is thought that the Danes would have probed the defences, found it too difficult and retreated. This ultimately allowed the West Saxons to expand into Mercia and eventually the formation of England. Whilst a work of fiction your story is a remarkable illustration of these events.

One matter we, and others, are trying to understand is the administration that enabled construction strategy, as this would help us understand what was built and events. We assume that an Earl loyal to Alfred was responsible for each defence and your portrayal of Uthred is as good a guess as any other. Your story is remarkable in creating an insight into albeit fictional people within an accurate series of events.

Our investigations are starting to reveal evidence for a situation very similar to your story. Which is remarkable as when you wrote it very little of this was known, how did you do this?

I hope you don’t mind but when I give lectures on the subject I recommend reading Sword Song as a way of getting a feel for the period which enables a better understanding.

Colin Berks MIFA