The History of The Last Kingdom: From Novel to Screen and the Legacy of Uhtred of Bebbanburg
The Last Kingdom is a historical fiction series that has captivated audiences across books and screen adaptations alike. Originating from the mind of bestselling British author Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom tells the epic tale of war, identity, and loyalty during one of the most turbulent periods in English history—the Viking Age. Spanning thirteen novels under The Saxon Stories (2004–2020) and a widely acclaimed television adaptation (2015–2022), the story explores the birth of England through the eyes of a conflicted warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
This deep dive into the history of The Last Kingdom encompasses its literary origins, transition to television, historical inspirations, character arcs, cultural impact, and its lasting legacy.
1. The Literary Birth: Bernard Cornwell and The Saxon Stories
Bernard Cornwell, already renowned for his Sharpe series, began The Saxon Stories in 2004 with the novel The Last Kingdom. Inspired by his own family history and fascination with the Anglo-Saxon era, Cornwell set out to craft a narrative that would bring to life the struggle for the unification of England.
The protagonist, Uhtred Ragnarson (born Uhtred of Bebbanburg), is a fictional character whose life becomes entangled in the real historical events of the 9th and 10th centuries. Born an Anglo-Saxon noble, he is captured and raised by Danes after his father’s death. This duality—being Saxon by birth but raised as a Dane—places Uhtred at the center of the cultural, political, and religious upheaval of the time.
Over the course of 13 novels, including titles like The Pale Horseman, Sword Song, The Burning Land, and War Lord, Cornwell chronicles Uhtred’s life and the events that lead to the formation of England under King Alfred the Great and his successors.
Cornwell’s writing combines gritty battle scenes, complex political maneuvering, and vivid descriptions of medieval life. While Uhtred himself is a fictional creation, the historical context, including real figures like Alfred the Great, Aethelflaed, Edward, and others, is based on extensive research and interpretation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and other historical sources.
2. From Page to Screen: Netflix’s The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)
The television adaptation of The Saxon Stories, titled The Last Kingdom, premiered on BBC America and BBC Two in 2015, before Netflix took full control of production from season 3 onward. Created by Stephen Butchard, the series stars Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred and follows the narrative arc of Cornwell’s books, though with some creative liberties.
The series ran for five seasons and concluded in 2022, followed by a feature-length film titled Seven Kings Must Die in 2023, which served as a finale to the overarching story.
Key Highlights of the Show:
- Season 1–2 focus on Uhtred’s early years, his enslavement, escape, and his uneasy service to King Alfred.
- Season 3–4 delve into the internal strife following Alfred’s death and the challenges faced by his heir, Edward, with Uhtred acting as a seasoned warlord balancing personal vengeance and political survival.
- Season 5 brings Uhtred closer to reclaiming his ancestral home of Bebbanburg and confronting his legacy.
- Seven Kings Must Die provides a final showdown as Uhtred attempts to preserve the peace he helped build.
The show was praised for its rich historical atmosphere, character development, and tight storytelling. While it didn’t have the massive budget of HBO’s Game of Thrones, many critics and fans appreciated its more grounded approach, focusing on historical realism rather than fantasy.
3. The Historical Backdrop: Fact vs Fiction
At its core, The Last Kingdom explores the real history of how England became a united kingdom. During the 9th and 10th centuries, the British Isles were fragmented. The Danes (Vikings) were raiding and settling in large parts of the country, especially in the region known as the Danelaw, while several smaller Anglo-Saxon kingdoms—Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia—vied for power and survival.
King Alfred of Wessex (871–899), known as “Alfred the Great,” played a crucial role in resisting the Viking advance and laying the foundations for a united England. His vision of unification was continued by his son Edward the Elder, daughter Aethelflaed (Lady of the Mercians), and eventually King Athelstan, who became the first true King of England.
The show takes liberties with dates and character interactions, but its core historical events—such as the Battle of Ethandun, the creation of burhs (fortified towns), and Alfred’s reforms—are grounded in real history.
Uhtred, though fictional, is inspired by the real Uhtred the Bold, an 11th-century ealdorman of Northumbria. Cornwell, in interviews and author notes, has acknowledged this inspiration and clarified the historical foundations of his work.
4. Uhtred of Bebbanburg: The Man, the Myth
Uhtred is one of the most compelling anti-heroes in modern historical fiction. He is bold, brash, loyal, vengeful, and constantly at war with his own identity. Raised by Danes but born a Saxon, he embodies the cultural fusion and friction of his time.
His motivations are deeply personal—reclaiming his ancestral fortress of Bebbanburg from his usurping uncle and later cousin—but he becomes a key player in the wider political drama of Wessex and beyond. He serves kings, but never bends his knee easily, and his sense of honor often places him in morally complex situations.
Uhtred’s journey reflects themes of identity, faith, betrayal, and destiny. He rejects Christianity while respecting its role in uniting the people. He mocks monks and priests, yet protects them. This duality makes him unpredictable but deeply human.
Alexander Dreymon’s performance in the television series was widely praised, capturing Uhtred’s charm, rage, and vulnerability with depth and nuance.
5. Cultural Impact and Reception
The Last Kingdom grew from a cult hit into a global phenomenon, particularly as Netflix broadened its audience. It filled a gap left by shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones, appealing to fans of historical drama and action alike.
The series has sparked renewed interest in Anglo-Saxon history and the Viking Age. Tourist interest in sites like Bamburgh Castle (the real Bebbanburg), Winchester, and Mercia has increased. Fans have formed communities around exploring the real-life history behind the story, analyzing character arcs, and debating Uhtred’s many moral dilemmas.
Bernard Cornwell’s novels have seen a resurgence in popularity, often being cited as some of the finest examples of modern historical fiction.
6. The Legacy of The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom leaves behind a rich legacy in both literature and television. It succeeded in doing what great historical fiction aspires to: educating while entertaining, dramatizing real events while exploring timeless human themes.
Its influence can be felt in newer historical productions and in how it has redefined the portrayal of early medieval England. By focusing on the grittier, more personal aspects of nation-building, it presents an alternative to more romanticized or fantasy-driven epics.
For Bernard Cornwell, the conclusion of Uhtred’s saga with War Lord marked the end of an era. For fans, the conclusion of Seven Kings Must Die offered a fitting, if bittersweet, farewell.
The Last Kingdom is more than just a story about swords and kings. It is a saga of a man caught between two worlds, a meditation on loyalty and destiny, and a dramatization of the chaotic and violent birth of a nation. From Cornwell’s meticulously crafted novels to the cinematic flair of the Netflix adaptation, The Last Kingdom has carved its place in the annals of modern historical storytelling.
As Uhtred of Bebbanburg would say: “Destiny is all.” And indeed, his destiny—to defend a land, to find home, and to become legend—has become part of our cultural fabric.
