Featured battle : Boudicca's Revolt

Part of Roman Occupation of Britain

Date : 61

Due to an inept piece of Roman administration two 'pacified' British tribes the Iceni, under their king's widow, Boudicca, and the Trinovantes rose in revolt. They marched on Colchester and massacred the inhabitants. They destroyed a detachment of the lX legion hurriedly sent to the city's aid. The governor, Paulinus, returned hastily from Wales but the small force he brought with him could do nothing against the tribal hordes. He retreated northwards. The tribes followed him sacking Verulamium [St. Albans] on the way. Paulinus linked up with the legions he had ordered to assemble. The XlV, about half the XX and a number of auxillaries from garrisons around the Midlands. His 10,000 were massively outnumbered by at least 10 to 1. However Paulinus chose the ground and the Britons were neither disciplined nor organized. The battlefield became a blood bath where the Romans slaughtered warriors, tribesmen and non-combattants. Tacitus put the casualty figures as 400 Romans 80,000 Britons.

Stephen and Matilda's Civil War

Matthew Lewis
As a summation, an over view, Matthew Lewis’s book captures the essence, the ebb and flow, of the Anarchy. It is cleverly structured, moving chapter to chapter from opponent to opponent. The style of writing is lively and engaging which makes it difficult to put down.
The book is well researched although original sources are not extensive for the period covered. Lewis makes clear the bias in the accounts which are available and draws out some of their discrepancies. He supports his case by describing the actuality of subsequent positions and actions
The well supported conclusion is that the Anarchy was not as anarchical as the lingering legacy of Victorian writings would have us believe.
We highly recommend this book for anyone coming new or looking for a refreshing reappraisal of the Anarchy.

Pen & Sword History, 2019