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The Bone Chests
- Unlocking the Secrets of the Anglo-Saxons
- Narrated by: Cat Jarman
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
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Summary
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.
What listeners say about The Bone Chests
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- D. Bowring
- 03-12-23
Finding Emma
This is a brilliant book which can be enjoyed either as a romp through early British history or a fascinating exploration of forensic osteoarchaeology. Either way, the book is the audio equivalent of a real page-turner.
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!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Bobbie
- 23-09-23
Simply brilliant!
A wonderful book, everything I hoped it would be. Cat is a great narrator, the subject is fascinating, and over all too soon! It makes me want to visit Winchester to see the mortuary chests in person.
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- Gail Huyton
- 29-06-24
fascinating
I have wondered about the contents of the bone chests for decades. especially since a visit in the 1980s.
this book explains early medieval English history in a way that is enjoyable and very informative.
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- Pat Glennon
- 01-02-24
Up-to-date examination of Archaeogenetics
Great exploration of up to date archaeological and ancient DNA evidence relating to the early kings of England
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- P.
- 04-03-24
Very interesting!!
The content is fascinating and well written! The author who also reads her own book does have a slight lisp though which annoyed me a bit (but that is personal preference of course).
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- Mrs. R. H. Bond
- 14-02-24
A real insight into our ancient past.
I enjoyed the content so much but the pronunciation of some of the words were hard to understand. I tried listening at a slower pace (number 7) but that makes you realise how many other words are a bit slurred. Shame because otherwise I’d give it 10 out of 10 for brilliance!
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- Chosroes
- 24-04-24
Excellent superb account of re Norman history
Just great nicely done and spokena very technical subject. It also roams through the early centuries of post Roman Britain with ease
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- Anonymous User
- 10-12-23
Disappointing
A fragmented and confusing history of Wessex/early English kings. Not really about the bone chests. Reading aloud is a skill, best left to the professionals and it is a skill that sadly the author does not possess.
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