The Bone Chests
Unlocking the Secrets of the Anglo-Saxons
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The Bone Chests
Narrated by:
Cat Jarman
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Narrated by:
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Cat Jarman
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By:
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Cat Jarman
About this listen
A TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR
‘A diligent historian and a superb writer’ THE TIMES
A gripping new history of the making of England as a nation.
In December 1642, during the Civil War, Parliamentarian troops stormed Winchester Cathedral and smashed ten beautifully decorated wooden chests to the ground, using the bones inside as missiles to shatter the cathedral’s stained glass windows. Afterwards, the clergy scrambled to collect the scattered remains: the bones of ancient kings, bishops and one formidable queen.
Bestselling historian Cat Jarman builds on the ground-breaking work of forensic archaeologists to lead us through more than a millennium of history. Alongside the cutting-edge investigation to unlock the bones' secrets, this is a thrilling and sometimes tragic tale. It tells the story of both the seekers and the sought, of those who protected the bones and those who spurned them.
©2023 Cat Jarman (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
I have visited Winchester many times yet, I think, failed to fully appreciate the crucial role the city played in our national story. I've always loved the cathedral but after reading this book it has gained a new significance for me and I plan to visit it again soon, armed with new knowledge and enthusiasm.
And Emma of Normandy has become a new hero for me after reading Cat's account of her life and times - what a woman! Maybe she rests in Winchester Cathedral, maybe she doesn't, but I will make a special point of paying my respects on my next visit!
Content warning regarding Cat's discussion of the origins of Cnut's name by the way!
Finding Emma
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I would have preferred a greater tilt to the forensic analysis of the bones and a little less on the general Anglo Saxon history beyond the immediate relevance, for example, the interesting snippet about the pelvic bone possibly belonging to Aethelflaed showing changes due to long experience of horse riding gives a suddenly vivid picture of that most remarkable woman. But exactly what were these changes, what level of exposure to riding will create these changes, do these, or other bones show other revealing tales as they must of their owners’ lives. These details give a clue to why these remains interest us so much revealing surprising information about the lives of our predecessors in unexpected ways due to the skills of Professor Jarman and her colleagues.There is nothing morbid in this any more than visiting an ancient parish church or a battlefield site however much altered, something remains to give us closeness to a people only separated from us by a wisp of time.on that point I would disagree with Professor Jarman when she refers to her subjects as “ a little like us” , These people were every bit as intelligent as are we and if magically transported to our times would adapt, fascinated by our technology, probably disgusted by our huge sprawling slum like cities notwithstanding the few impressive (mainly perhaps medieval buildings ? )to relieve the mediocrity, and repulsed by the degraded rural relics of Britain.
I was particularly pleased that throughout her account Professor Jarman did not seek to impose her social and political views upon what is presumably an educated sophisticated audience perfectly capable of selecting its own worldview without receiving a sermon……….unfortunately the epilogue contained the social lecture….
There must be a basement room in each publishing house containing a table, a chair and a bare light bulb where the author is brought to ensure the purity of their social views in the presence of the Inquisition. If inadequate weight is given to this during the bulk of the text then presumably the author, having been shown the instruments of torture, is encouraged to append a confession or apologia. I think this happened to Professor Jarman on her denunciation of Rule Britannia and its “infamous lyrics”. What infamous lyrics? Have you read them there are no “infamous lyrics” in or out of context. It’s a jolly bombastic anachronistic song with a great refrain all about resisting tyranny, nothing else, and if certain political groups want to project their own propaganda aims onto it that should be resisted, one would be just as entitled to accuse those singing the joyless dirge of the “Red Flag” of plotting judicial murder and torture, starvation and population displacement of millions for the greater good, as it were.of millions when at worst most will be concerned about marginal rates of tax and lunch ( it is very long, tedious and more than a little weird).
All nationalist anthems and songs are anachronistic and lyrics usually cringey, The Marseillaise frankly requires the administration of a powerful antipsychotic drug, Flower of Scotland made a big impact but is an increasing source of concern to many Scots not least as it dies a little more with every rendition so now befits a funeral, rather than a national occasion, the Irish National anthem likewise, tune is ok for first few lines but slowly proceeds towards its tedious conclusion as the composer’s transient inspiration staggers to , well, nothing. The finest of anthems belongs to Wales, but it’s fortunate that sung in Welsh its lyrics are not generally understood…hint , don’t trouble yourself. The point is that the lyrics serve two purposes . One is to give a communal expression, the other is to find a way of adding the human voice as a musical instrument and that is it.
To come back to “RuleBritannia”. Try this. Instead of “Britannia” put,say, “Italia” and instead of ‘Britons” put “Italians”.
Interesting isn’t it, I leave you to draw your own conclusions
Professor Jarman’s clear explanation of the Anglo Saxon, Danish and Norman succession with their intertwined relationships
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Simply brilliant!
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Good
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Connections i had not thought of.
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this book explains early medieval English history in a way that is enjoyable and very informative.
fascinating
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The excuse is that there is very little written material available surviving from time between the Romans leaving and the Norman's arriving but Cat Jarman certainly found enough to be able to educate and entertain me from start to finish.
An excellent piece of well researched history.
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Very interesting!!
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Up-to-date examination of Archaeogenetics
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Marvellous
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