Dear Mr. Cornwell,

I was recently introduced to your Saxon Stories series and have very much enjoyed the numerous hours of entertainment that you have now provided me.  Thank you for that gift.

As I immersed myself in the many vivid battles you described, I found myself asking the question, “Where are the siege craft?” Granted, I am only halfway through the books so perhaps my question will be answered with due time and patience.

I understood that siegecraft (ballista, mangonels, rams and the like) were used by the Danes in the siege of Paris in 885 and certainly these were present in the Roman Empire.  As Uhtred is a clever young dux bellorum, well schooled with the ‘modern’ art of war for his time and well aware of the benefits of French steel and trade, I am surprised that these have not been mentioned so far.

Siegecraft would seem to provide an opportune solution for Bebbanburg and, if not for the well, the now fallen Dunholm.

Many thanks for the fantastic stories.

Michael