Unmasking the Historical Inaccuracies: The Last Kingdom Battle Scene Critiqued by Renowned Medieval Arms Expert

Summary

Medieval arms expert Tobias Capwell criticizes The Last Kingdom's Battle of Edington, calling the use of rectangle-shaped shields "ridiculous" and "stupid."

According to Capwell, early Medieval shields were circular, constructed by joining boards together using seals and glue, and they lacked any openings for air. Capwell also suggests that The Last Kingdom's portrayal of battle scenes, such as the Battle of Edington, might have inaccuracies concerning the Medieval weaponry.

Medieval arms expert Tobias Capwell has analyzed and criticized a battle scene from The Last Kingdom. The popular series, which premiered on BBC Two in 2015 and later moved to Netflix, is based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories. It tells the story of Uhtred, played by Alexander Dreymon, as he tries to reclaim his homeland while supporting King Alfred, portrayed by David Dawson, in defending Wessex. The cast also includes Tobias Santelmann, Emily Cox, Joseph Millson, Ian Hart, Eliza Butterworth, and others.

In a recent video from Insider, Capwell dissected footage from The Last Kingdom's Battle of Edington. He expressed his disbelief and disapproval of the use of rectangle-shaped shields, stating, "That's ridiculous, it's stupid!" Capwell further explained that Medieval shields would not have any openings and were diligently constructed to prevent the passage of air. Please read Capwell's comments regarding that particular battle scene from The Last Kingdom below.

Nobody ever used rectangular shields. It's absolutely absurd and utterly foolish! In the early Medieval period, shields were predominantly circular, presumably because if air can pass through, numerous other things can also penetrate. Most authentic shields from this era were constructed by aligning and joining boards together, like this, but with careful precision and secure adhesion. They were then often rimmed with rawhide or occasionally covered in hide or fabric, adhered with glue. It is highly unlikely that one should be able to perceive such a considerable amount of airflow through their shield.

How Accurate Is That Last Kingdom Battle Scene?

The Battle of Edington, which took place in 878, marked a significant conflict between Wessex and the Great Heathen Army. In the finale of season 1 of The Last Kingdom, Uhtred and his companions assembled at Egbert's Stone. Unfortunately, despite their defensive efforts, the Danes managed to breach their lines, striking Leofric in the neck. Ultimately, Uhtred and King Alfred emerged as the victors, although Uhtred also had to endure the heart-wrenching loss of Iseult. However, it is important to note that the show does not depict the subsequent Danish siege.

Capwell highlighted how Uhtred's approach to attacking the Danes' shield wall would not be successful, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of the armor worn. Although the depiction of the shield wall in The Last Kingdom may not be entirely accurate, attempting to take it on single-handedly would still pose a significant challenge. Despite the varied weaponry shown in battle scenes, such as the Battle of Edington, the reliance on swords was not a common practice.

In general, The Last Kingdom does incorporate historical elements into its stories. However, there may be some inaccuracies when it comes to the portrayal of medieval weapons. It is intriguing to hear Capwell's perspective on the Battle of Edington and its on-screen representation. The rectangular shields used by the Saxons and the easily penetrable armor are scrutinized by him as an expert, knowing exactly what to look for.

Source: Insider/YouTube