King Æthelstan (924 -937)

I have been getting favourable feedback about "the Migrants", my historical novel set in the fifth century. People seem to like historical novels, particularly those set in an unfamiliar period.

I am working on my next novel. It is about King Æthelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great. I have always been fascinated by Alfred, but knew little of the later Anglo-Saxon Kings. Æthelstan could be described as the first King of England or even of Great Britain.

British history did not begin in 1066. The Anglo-Saxons were defeated, but much of their influence on England remained. Alfred was keen to increase literacy and so was Æthelstan. Religious works were translated into Anglo-Saxon, and secular poems were composed in that language. One of the characters in my new novel recites his poem after a dinner.

Glastonbury at Night

The sombre Sun slumbered beyond the western sky.

I walked alone in darkness. No field or forest to be seen

Not a sound around the Tor, except the whine of wolf and owl.

Now they shone unopposed, those bright lanterns in the sky.

As I scanned the Heavens, my thoughts turned to timorous shepherds,

In pastures new at Bethlehem, and wise men from Persia

Seeing a guiding star, the herald of divine hope.

Instead I saw the Red Planet, the harbinger of war

Casting his eye on Christian lands, oft scarred by deadly conflict.

Brighter yet was the regal star, the mighty Jupiter

Calling to mind our great King, the valiant and pious Æthelstan,

Strong and brave in war, a steadfast defender of our lands,

A patron of our Abbeys, as here in blessed Glastonbury.

The fixed stars are like jewels. No precious stone on Earth

Can match those gems we call the Seven Sisters.

No Earthly sapphire compares. Stars have signs for us too.

I looked upon the Virgin, with Spica her bright star,

The Virgin’s ear of wheat, in her gentle hand,

Telling me of fertility, telling of the new- born child.

Soon the cock will crow, calling back the dazzling Sun

To show us anew the wonders of God’s Earth.

Men will soon arise for prayer and labours.

I will gladly join them. But for all the beauty of the day

I shall never ignore the riches of the night sky.

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