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Welcome to the Mythical Britain Blog
Written by Michael Smith, the Mythical Britain Blog provides a detailed insight into a range of historical and literary topics including Middle English poetry, medieval castles and churches, Arthurian romance, historical geography, prehistoric sites, and historiography. The blog also reviews books, film and theatrical performances of relevance.
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King Alfred and the Danes on the River Lea, 895
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles tells us that in 895 King Alfred trapped the Danes on the River Lea in Hertfordshire. But was this possible and where did this happen?
Michael Smith
Sep 259 min read
The medieval brass to John and Alice Wilcotes, St Michael and All Angels, Great Tew, Oxfordshire
The church of St Michael and All Angels contains a wealth of architectural wonders and historic features. The brass to Sir John and Alice Wilcotes is certainly amongst them and is a particularly fine example of its type.
Michael Smith
Sep 177 min read
A history and description of Richard’s Castle, Herefordshire
Named after its original founder, Richard Fitz Scrob, the village of Richard's Castle in Herefordshire is home to one of the few motte and bailey castles to be built in Britain prior to the Norman Conquest. The associated church of St Bartholomew also contains elements from the Norman period.
Michael Smith
Sep 146 min read
T C Lethbridge and the lost Gogmagog giant of Wandlebury
The excavations by T C Lethbridge at Wandlebury in the mid 1950s revealed a frieze of chalk figures unknown to history but which caused considerable controversy at the time. His book in defence of his arguments met with condemnation but his work continues to attract attention nearly 70 years later.
Michael Smith
Jul 1910 min read
The marvellous medieval monuments at St Mary the Virgin church, Dodford, Northamptonshire
The church of St Mary the Virgin at Dodford in Northamptonshire has a rich collection of medieval effigies and monuments spanning three centuries. A visit is highly recommended.
Michael Smith
May 154 min read
Medieval graffiti in Hertfordshire churches
Medieval graffiti provides a fascinating insight into life six centuries ago. Here, we look at six churches to learn about their secrets
Michael Smith
Mar 145 min read
St Wystan's church, Repton, Derbyshire and its Anglo-Viking historic landscape
A visit to the historic church of St Wystan at Repton, Derbyshire, home to a magnificent Anglo-Saxon crypt and a rich Viking heritage.
Michael Smith
Nov 26, 20248 min read
The Battle of Maldon, 991 - an epic tale of defiance, folly and communal loyalty
Northsey Island near Maldon in Essex is the site of a famous battle between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons and celebrated in an epic poem.
Michael Smith
Oct 20, 20248 min read
All Saints' Church, Brixworth, Northamptonshire – a magnificent Anglo-Saxon survival
A visit to the Grade 1-listed church of All Saints at Brixworth, Northamptonshire, the largest Anglo-Saxon building standing in England.
Michael Smith
Oct 14, 20245 min read
Wayland's Smithy, Oxfordshire - the making of an original linocut print
An article about the creation of a linocut print featuring Wayland's Smithy, a neolithic chambered cairn near the White Horse of Uffington.
Michael Smith
Feb 19, 20243 min read
Book Review: The Road by Christopher Hadley
A review of Christopher Hadley's fascinating new book about a forgotten Roman Road, RR21b, and the traces it has left behind.
Michael Smith
Feb 5, 20236 min read
Book Review: Field Notes by Maxim Peter Griffin - a walk on the wild side
A book review of Field Notes by Maxim Peter Griffin. A feast of art and words describing the landscape, mood and people of Lincolnshire.
Michael Smith
Aug 13, 20223 min read
The motorway motte - Lilbourne castle and mediaeval village, Northamptonshire
A description of the fascinating early mediaeval motte and bailey, fishponds, village earthworks and church at Lilbourne, Northamptonshire
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Jul 2, 20214 min read
The Sheela Na Gig sculpture and St Christopher wall paintings at Oaksey in Wiltshire, England
A few years ago, pre lockdown, I took the opportunity to turn off the M4 and track down an astonishing mediaeval sheela na gig sculpture...
Michael Smith
May 8, 20213 min read
Pleshey and Great Canfield Castles – Two Norman Mottes in Essex
A detailed look at two magnificent Norman motte-and-bailey castles in Essex: Great Canfield and Pleshey. Both are well worth the trip to see
Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
May 25, 20205 min read
The Brereton Tomb, St Oswald's Church, Malpas, Cheshire
A detailed look at the magnificent tomb of Sir Randal and Lady Eleanor Brereton at Malpas, Cheshire. A fine example of Chellaston work.
Michael Smith
Feb 14, 20206 min read
Book Review: Hollow Places by Christopher Hadley
Hollow Places is a fascinating examination of how legends grow through time and yet have a basis in truth. A stunning examination of the leg
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Sep 2, 20194 min read
Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire - a wonder in the fens
Bolingbroke Castle is a special castle with a history fundamentally linked to the history of England. Built on an hexagonal plan, the castle
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Mar 18, 20195 min read
The historic landscape at Castle Bytham in Lincolnshire
A description of the astonishing motte and bailey castle at Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire, with its historic earthworks and man-made landscape
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
Aug 12, 20183 min read
In search of the De Veres - St Nicholas Church at Castle Hedingham
St Nicholas Church in Castle Hedingham, Essex contains a rich collection of Norman, mediaeval and Tudor work. Of particular interest is a ra
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
Jul 22, 20184 min read
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