Introduction

The history of England is studded with battles that defined not just its borders, but its identity. Among these, the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 stands as a resounding symbol of English military ingenuity and national pride. At the same time, the idea of “the last kingdom” evokes a deeper reflection on the fragmentation and consolidation of power in medieval Britain, particularly during the turbulent centuries that saw the decline of Anglo-Saxon hegemony and the rise of Norman and later Plantagenet dominance.

In this article, we will examine two seemingly separate yet thematically entwined elements of English history: the concept of “the last kingdom”, often associated with the waning Anglo-Saxon control in pre-Norman England, and the Battle of Agincourt, a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years’ War that marked both the zenith of English medieval military achievement and the twilight of traditional chivalric warfare.

Part I: The Last Kingdom – End of an Age

The Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy and the Rise of Wessex

From the 5th to the 9th centuries, England was not a unified kingdom but rather a mosaic of seven major Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, collectively known as the Heptarchy. These included Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, Kent, and Wessex. Among them, Wessex emerged as the most resilient, especially during the Viking invasions of the 9th century.

Under the leadership of King Alfred the Great (r. 871–899), Wessex became the bastion of English resistance against Danish incursions. Alfred’s defense of his kingdom, reforms in military organization, and promotion of learning helped solidify Wessex's supremacy. Alfred’s vision extended beyond survival—he dreamed of a unified English kingdom.

Æthelstan and the First King of England

Alfred’s grandson, Æthelstan (r. 924–939), achieved what had eluded his forebears. By defeating a coalition of Norse, Scots, and Strathclyde Britons at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937, Æthelstan cemented his reputation as the first true King of all England. This victory marked a critical step toward unification and the centralization of royal authority.

However, the struggle to maintain a united kingdom remained fraught with challenges, especially as Viking raids continued and rival claimants emerged. shutdown123