We chat to the historian David Woodman about his book The First King of England: Athelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom. He tells us about why Athelstan (not Alfred) should be considered England's first king, how Athelstan was able to exert so much power in England and Britain, plus gets us exciting for the upcoming millennium of the foundation of England.

Head to David's website for more information about him and his work:

https://www.dwoodman.co.uk/

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"(00:00:00) Intro"

"(00:02:30) Athelstan Becoming King"

"(00:10:29) Athelstan as First King"

"(00:15:14) Vikings"

"(00:28:16) Athelstan's Laws"

"(00:33:12) Athelstan and Religion"

"(00:38:25) Emperor of Britain"

"(00:49:57) Alfred vs Athelstan"

"(00:56:52) Farewells"

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