Hi Bernard,

Just writing to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the thirteenth and final chronicle of Uhtred’s life as a warlord. I finished it mid-February of this year – and what better way to spend a Covid-cursed winter than be willingly drawn into a world of dark-age conspiracy, action, and adventure! I fondly remember, all those many years ago in 2004, Uhtred’s first steps upon a bloody path fraught with danger, conspiracy, and rival ambition that would lead him inexorably onwards as a feared leader of warriors. And what a fantastic journey it’s been! Yet, now it is over, there is a deep sense of sadness. But all good stories must come to an end. Uhtred and company has entertained millions of armchair adventurers and bookworms alike. Also, as you mentioned in a Radio Times interview, hopefully the decisive battle of Brunanburh will now receive much more attention within historical circles that has sadly been so lacking. Your novel Warlord has glaringly brought it into the light – as the entire series, along with all your novels, introduced so many more contexts from history. I’m hoping to see more historical fiction accepted as educational material within schools, secondary and college level in particular, although for primary schools a more simplistic version to wean them into it. I remember being a volunteer at Peterborough Museum, in the History section, and a girl of about eight of nine got chatting to me. She then asked me how one of the exhibits – which happened to be a Dark-Age sword blade – had ended up in the ground. I then said it possible got lost during battle, but more likely it would have been buried with its owner. Before I know it, I got a bit carried away and described how various tribes and peoples of throughout the ages of Britain lived, particularly how ‘sacrificed’ magnificent treasures and valuable weapons to the Gods, whether to appease or gain favour. At the end of the day, I received a pleasant surprise: the girl’s mother had left a note, expressing how her daughter was suddenly talking about all that I’d been describing! Clearly I’d made an impression on her, I was actually quite moved by it all, a precious lesson that has stayed with me ever since. Once things calm down (Covid-wise) it would be great to see schools re-open, ideally more with history-living guests and outings to museums. In the meantime, I’m sure Uhtred will be stoking the hearth-fires and keeping within Bebbanburg’s cosy walls – I’ll certainly be doing likewise!

I’m also looking forward to the fifth TV series of Last Kingdom! If I may, please give Alexander Dreymon my highest regards, if and when you see him! :) The entire cast and crew do a great job in bringing Uhtred’s adventures to our screens.

Robert Douglas