What I’d assign as essential reading for a course on early medieval England - for the true beginner.

Are you looking for a personal curriculum for 2026, one that opens up the early medieval world? I’ve got you covered!

There are so many great books out there that it was hard to narrow down just a handful here, but these are what I’d consider truly essential - from well-thumbed classics (however out of date they may be after significant revision and new discoveries) to easily-accessible popular histories.

No reading list would be complete without including primary materials either: these are the bedrock of any in-depth study of the past. You’ll find that you want to return to them time and again as you read more secondary texts, referencing back as your knowledge grows.

Most of these should be easily sourced, and local libraries are sure to have copies. Do let me know if you decide to work through the list!