I notice there have been some postings which query Uhtred’s age or more specifically how old he would be by the time Brunanburh is fought. I am surprised at the confusion and in particular one comment that said Uhtred was born in 866.

The answer is simple. In The Last Kingdom on page 4 it says he was 9 years old in 866. That means he will be 80 in 937. I pride myself in working out, right from the start, that a series plotting the birth of England would culminate in Brunanburh and that Uhtred’s longevity would be unusual but not impossible during the 10th Century. Of course, if you want an energetic warrior in the fray there is always the son of the same name to take up the mantel.

In fact, the existence of Uhtred (junior) was such a clever narrative ploy since it means I have never assumed Uhtred was invincible – the story and action could continue even if Uhtred becomes a passive observer or even (the Gods forbid!) without him. Consequently I never took it for granted he would always survive  (unlike the immortal nature of the heroes of other popular historical novelists.) Thanks Bernard – its has added so much to my enjoyment never to know what happens next!

Paul Stein