Aftermath
The battle's importance lies in Athelstan defeating the combined Norse-Celtic force facing him confirmed England as a fully unified kingdom. However, he was militarily weakened and the battle effectively forced all the kingdoms of the British Isles to consolidate in the positions they occupy today.
The Battle of Brunanburh still has a great deal of influence in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, 200 miles (320 km) south of any probable site. The townsfolk of Malmesbury fought for King Athelstan, and he granted them five hides (600 acres (2.4 km2)) of land and gave them all freemen status. This status and the organisation formed then exists today, as the Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury, and Athelstan is remembered in their ceremonies. When Athelstan died, his body was transported from Gloucester to Malmesbury for burial
Read more about this topic: Battle Of Brunanburh
Famous quotes containing the word aftermath:
“The aftermath of joy is not usually more joy.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)