Mr Cornwell,
I am a 26 year old man who was born and raised, and continues to live in, Wiltshire. I was raised in Malmesbury and currently reside in Chippenham.
I have always been interested in history and in particular, Vikings.
You can probably surmise from the above that I have therefore always appreciated the importance of Malmesbury and Chippenham as it pertains to Alfred, Edward, and Aethelstan. Knowing that Malmesbury Abbey – where my parents were married – is the burial place of the latter has always been fascinating to me. Reading the first two novels of The Last Kingdom series and seeing such reference to Wiltunscir and Cippanhamm and knowing that I live in a county with such rich history behind it truly is something special.
I adore The Last Kingdom. I hope it isn’t an offense to say that I discovered the Television series before the novels, but was so stricken with the TV series – to this day one of my favourite series of all time – that I of course had to read the entire series also. And what a joy it has been.
Thank you for writing this series. Uhtred’s story has been a joy to read. The love and description of England and its deep, mythical roots stirs something deep within me. Pride? Perhaps the wrong word. Adoration for this beautiful land? I’m reminded of the poem “Jerusalem” (also one of my favourite plays by Jez Butterworth).
All that’s to say – is thank you for gracing the literary world with The Last Kingdom.
Kindest regards,
Josh