Life in Post-Roman Britain south of Hadrian’s Wall (the period we used to call the ‘Dark Ages’) is the least documented era in the two thousand years of recorded British history. A period shrouded in myth and legend behind which lie real events. Recent archaeology challenges long-held views and this course will review contemporary sources in the light of the latest finds, and consider evidence for a real ‘Arthur’.

The Picts were a group of different tribes occupying the north and east of Scotland in the late-Iron Age and early-medieval period from around 200BC to the late-9th century, when Pictish identity was absorbed within a unified nation. Having failed to subdue Caledonia, the Romans settled for containment. The Picts acquired a reputation as wild barbarians. We will challenge this perception: examining the latest archaeological discoveries; exploring the evidence from religious sites; and, tracing the impact of Christianity as expressed in Pictish art, focusing on sculpted Pictish stones and speculating on the meaning of their enigmatic symbols.

A notebook and pen will be useful.
‘Show & tell items’ are always welcome’

Richard Stone

Richard is an experienced tutor and the author of several books on history. He holds a Masters degree from the University of Leicester.