ELLANDUN

Commemorating the Battle of Ellandun

A Community Heritage Project

Real Kingdoms Adventure Ltd invites the people of Swindon to take part in an exciting journey into the past as we commemorate 1,200 years since the Battle of Ellandun in 825 AD.

This pivotal Anglo-Saxon battle, fought near Swindon, shaped the course of English history and remains a key moment in the
formation of England as we know it today.

Founded by Jon Abson, Real Kingdoms Adventure Ltd is dedicated to bringing history to life through immersive school visits, live-action learning experiences, and a large community event at Lydiard Park.

Our mission is to engage schools, families, and the wider community in discovering and reflecting on this historic event while making learning exciting and interactive.

Join Real Kingdoms in commemorating the Battle of Ellandun

How Can Schools Get Involved?

Our mission is to engage schools, families, and the wider community in discovering and reflecting on this historic event while making learning exciting and interactive.

We are working closely with primary schools across Swindon and Wiltshire, to bring the Battle of Ellandun into the classroom.

Schools can participate in:

• Live-action learning experiences – We will visit schools, delivering interactive storytelling, hands-on history workshops, and role-playing activities that transport students back to 825 AD
• Curriculum-aligned resources – Teachers will receive specially developed materials to support literacy, history, and creative learning, helping students connect with their local past.
• A children’s storybook – Written by local author Ross Kitchen, this beautifully illustrated book will be gifted to participating schools, enhancing literacy while educating students about their Anglo-Saxon heritage. See Below for more details.

How Can the Community Get Involved?

We want to bring the people of Swindon together to celebrate and reflect on this momentous part of our local history.

There are many ways to take part:

• live storytelling, craft activities, and hands-on workshops for all ages. It’s a chance to step into the past and experience history firsthand.
• Volunteer with us – We are looking for passionate volunteers to help with event coordination, reenactments, and educational activities. If you love history and want to be part of something special, get in touch!
• Support our project – Whether you’re a local business, heritage enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about preserving local history, there are ways to contribute. Sponsorship opportunities and in-kind support can help make this event truly memorable.
  

Be Part of History!

This is Swindon’s history, and we want everyone to feel a connection to it. Whether you’re a student, teacher, family, or local resident, this project offers an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and take pride in our shared past.

Get involved today!

Contact us at

enquiries@realkingdoms.co.uk.

ELLANDUN

A HISTORICAL FANTASY SET IN England in the year 825

Ellandun was an important battle fought between the Saxon Kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex in the year 825, just outside Swindon, in what is now Lydiard Park.

At the beginning of the year 825, Mercia was the Key Saxon Kingdom in England. King Offa had cemented his place in History as High King to all the Saxon Kingdoms.

His successor though had been assassinated and now King Beornwulf reigned in Mercia.

The other Saxon Kingdoms in the Heptarchy, Northumberland, Wessex, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Anglia were all agitating for freedom from Mercia.

In 825, King Ecgberht of Wessex found himself in a similar position to that of King Beornwulf. The men of Devon and Cornwall had been defeated during a campaign ten years earlier in the year 815. Now they were rising up again.

Calling up his, Ealdormen, Thegns and levies, King Ecgberht rode west, with his army, even knowing that this left his northern and eastern borders vulnerable.

On hearing the news, King Beornwulf of Mercia realised he would never have a better opportunity. Raising his own army, he marched south into Wessex, capturing Chippenham. In so doing he set the scene for the battle of Ellandun, fought later in the year, in what is now Lydiad Park, Swindon.

Ellandun is a Historical Fantasy for children, set against the backdrop of these events, that took place in 825.

Join Aedric amd Aelfwyn as they set off on an adventure of a lifetime.

rkitchen_author@realkingdoms.co.uk