top of page
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.
Search
The Alliterative Revival - lessons from a time of tyranny which still hold true today
The poems of the Alliterative Revival may date from the fourteenth century but their content has much to tell us about the need for good government today - and how to avoid the tyranny of terrible leaders we are starting to see.
Michael Smith
Oct 269 min read
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 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
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
Dryslwyn Castle, Carmarthenshire, Wales
A brief history and description of the evocative and dramatically-sited castle at Dryslwyn. Much remains to impress the visitor today.
Michael Smith
Aug 31, 20204 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
Castell Dinas Bran, Denbighshire, Wales
A history of Castell Dinas Bran, Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales, including a detailed site description and photogrpahs.
Michael Smith
Feb 20, 20206 min read
Holt Castle, or Castle Lion, Denbighshire
A description, history and site interpretation of Holt Castle, Denbighshire with photography and links to other information sources.
Michael Smith
Feb 9, 20207 min read
Degannwy Castle - a stronghold brought to ruin by revenge
A brief history of Degannwy (Deganwy) castle in North Wales, with a description, photographs and useful links.
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Jan 6, 20205 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
Book Review: The Castle at War in Medieval England and Wales
Dr Dan Spencer's book on the Medieval castles is a valuable and accessible guide to castles - not what they are but where they appear in
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Feb 19, 20195 min read
The Battle of Agincourt, 1415
An overview of the revolutionary tactics used by Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt 1415.
Michael Smith, Author, Translator, Printmaker
Oct 24, 20184 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
Illustrating my new translation of the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death)
A new translation of the epic fourteenth century story of King Arthur's Death by Michael Smith will feature over 32 stunning linocut ill
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
Aug 11, 20182 min read
The Mediaeval Graffiti at Anstey, Hertfordshire
Learn about the fabulous mediaeval graffiti at Anstey in Hertfordshire, including shields, helmets, writing and more.
Michael Smith, printmaker, Mythical Britain
May 23, 20183 min read
Creating a linocut print of Sir Hugh Calveley
How I made and printed a four-colour linocut of the Cheshire Knight, Sir Hugh Calveley. Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
Nov 25, 20172 min read
Battle of Agincourt rages in Brecon
Last year, I was asked by Brecon Beacons National Park if I would like to contribute some of my drawings of the battle to their Agincourt...
Michael Smith, Mythical Britain
Mar 7, 20162 min read
bottom of page