Exploring
Anglo Saxon Mercia
Mercia was the dominant kingdom of Anglo Saxon England for about 300 years. Controlling the English Midlands south of the River Humber to Wales where the border was defined by Offa's Dyke and incorporating London. A capital was established in Tamworth.
Mercia, originally a pagan kingdom, converted to Christianity in about 656 and the diocese of Lichfield was established in 691.
Many kings of Mercia were Warlords of Anglo Saxon Mercia. For example King Penda was responsible for the deaths of five other kings before he too was killed in battle.
Success in war as well as trade, made Anglo Saxon Mercia wealthy. The extent of this wealth has been highlighted in the Staffordshire Hoard which is the largest hoard of Anglo Saxon gold ever discovered.
Read
Saints, Structure and Spirituality
CHURCHES AND SOCIETY IN ANGLO-SAXON MERCIA
In Anglo Saxons,
The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Mercia
In Anglo Saxons,
Religion and Politics in the Kingdom of Mercia
THE LANDS OF ST CHAD
In Anglo Saxons,
Opening The Treasure Chest
A PERSONAL VIEW OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD
In Anglo Saxons, Hoard,
Offa's Dyke
A SYMBOL OF KINGSHIP?
In Anglo Saxons,
Locating Another Age
PLACE-NAMES IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
In Anglo Saxons,
Beowulf's Mirror
REFLECTIONS ON THE STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD
In Anglo Saxons,
The Anglo-Saxon Origins of The West Midlands Shires
In Anglo Saxons,
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Books from History West Midlands
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Warriors, Warlords and Saints
The Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia
In John Hunt, Anglo Saxons, Hoard, Staffordshire,
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