Who were the Anglo-Saxons?

The Dark Ages, as the name itself implies, have always been regarded as a dreadful historical abyss between the Roman and Norman civilisations. The native Britons, it was thought, were mere savages who, without outside assistance, were incapable of much except paganism and butchery. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. In fact this was an era in which British civilisation was being born. You may already known a few details, whether historical or textural, from this era. The writing and teaching of J.R.R.Tolkien (author of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings) featured stories and ideas regarding the Anglo-Saxons and the ancient folk of Anglia. The horse whispering folk of Rohan are a good portrait of Anglo-Saxon life, captured brilliantly in the hugely popular film trilogy (2002-2004). Both fantasy and fact are divided over how the Anglo-Saxons integrated themselves with the resident 'Britons' after the departure of the Roman's, in the 5th Century BP. Some believe it was by bloody, dominant force, while others (including myself) feel it must have been a mutual and logical step towards unification and sharing of minds. You could say that the Anglo-Saxon's introduced Britain to wider trading, clear ideas of leadership and large scale farming; the birth of a new world.

Like all births it was a painful process and involved some spilling of blood, but it was without question an act of creation rather than a mere stagnation of what had gone before. Although much of the period was taken up by the squabbles of petty leaders jockeying for position, There emerged some much more powerful figures. Arthur, for example, who-though surrounded by myth - may well have been all-important leader of the early Britons.

Anglo-Saxon Helmet built for The Lost Crown.

Alfred the Great was certainly a much less shadowy figure whose achievements in both the spheres of government and warfare were considerable.Then there was the dramatic influence, which the dreaded Northmen (literally, men from the north) exerted on the growing nation. Their terrible raids eventually led to a degree of settlement and a mixing of the two races, which did much to shape the national character.

The Vikings: These ship based raiders, from Scandanavia, terrorised the coasts of Britain from the 8th Century to the 11th Century, disrupting the Anglo-Saxon people and stealing their goods, people and treasures. Their voyages took them far and wide, from the sweltering heat of Africa to the icy mass we know as modern Canada, leaving a bloody, but influential, stamp wherever they trod. The Celtic nations of Scotland, Ireland and Cornwall often sided with these mighty warriors, to battle the Anglo-Saxons, over land and law. Many of Britain's landscapes are thought to be haunted by these ancient people, and echo with the battle cries and deathly moans of those who fell upon sword, shield and spear. The Lost Crown features several areas of the British countryside, where fearsome battles were fought. You, as the gamer, will explore this landscape to search for lost treasures and clues to a near forgotten history.

Temples, Churches and Shrines: Much is left of this era and the interested amateur historian has little difficulty in finding churches, tombs, monuments, weapons and works of art, which bear witness to the fact that their creators were not savages. ‘The Lost Crown: a ghosthunting adventure’ is intended not only to give the gamer an insight into the period but also to provide an interactive guide as to what may still be seen and where it can be found. The Anglo-Saxons were present in Britain for over 600 years, before the Norman invasion of 1066 (The Battle of Hastings). 6 centuries may seem a short period, in our modern times, but keep in mind that the Roman's occupied Britain for 400 years. 200 years less.

Yet, the Roman's left many clues as to their way of life, here in the UK, with impressive ruins (such as Lullingstone in Kent, with it's fabulous mural floors) and the well preserved bathing house in Bath. From coins to glassware, weapons to statues, the Roman's are well represented in history, yet the Anglo-Saxons fare less well. Wooden houses rot away, and a simple rural life leaves little clues. Who, or what, did the Anglo-Saxons worship? What relationship did they have with the ancient Anglian landscape? How far did they trade, and with whom? Modern archaeology is constantly finding clues to this mysterious period, presenting fascinating and appetising facts.....but, no-one can claim expertise of the period, leaving it open to interpretation and speculation. It is a wonderful period, to explore in writing, which I hope shines through The Lost Crown, revealing a world of magic, mysticism and adventure.