Athelstan: England’s First King with Michael Wood

Join acclaimed historian and broadcaster Michael Wood in a fascinating new talk about England’s forgotten founder, King Athelstan.

In 927, King Athelstan conquered Viking York and secured the submission of Britain’s rulers at Eamont Bridge, a crowning achievement that created the first united kingdom of England. With the 1,100th anniversary just around the corner, join Michael Wood as he explores Athelstan’s extraordinary life from birth to death, offering fresh insights, dazzling tales and reflects on the challenges of writing an early medieval biography.

About the Author

Michael Wood is an internationally acclaimed historian, filmmaker and broadcaster, the author of many books including The Story of England (2010) and three Sunday Times number one bestsellers including In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great.

Among his 120 documentary films are The Story of India ( ‘the gold standard of documentary history making’ – Wall Street Journal) and The Story of China ( ‘transcends the barriers of ethnicity and belief and brings something inexplicably powerful and touching to the TV audience’ -Xinhua, China).

Michael is Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a recipient of the Historical Association’s Medlicott Medal and the British Academy President’s Medal for services to History and Outreach, he received an OBE in 2021.