Watling Street (book)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | John Higgs |
| Products | Non-fiction book |
Watling Street: Travels Through Britain and Its Ever-Present Past marks the fifth publication by British cultural historian and journalist John Higgs. The book details Higgs's expedition along Watling Street, among the oldest thoroughfares in Britain, spanning from Dover to Anglesey. It delves into the concealed history of this ancient path, tracing its significance from early times to the present day. Alongside historical exploration, Higgs engages with modern personalities such as Alan Moore and Alistair Fruish. He portrays Watling Street as a route steeped in both legend and history, connecting notable events including Boudicca’s final battle, the battle of Bosworth, wartime codebreaking at Bletchley Park, and the landscape designs of Capability Brown.
Synopsis
Covering the entire 276-mile stretch of Watling Street, Higgs uncovers neglected narratives that have contributed to shaping Britain's cultural fabric. The narrative weaves together ancient historical elements with contemporary British life, providing a thorough travelogue that reflects on national heritage.
Reception
Critical response to the book was notably favorable. Caroline Sanderson from The Bookseller described it as "an engrossing examination of the roots of our national identity." Melissa Harrison of the Financial Times commended Higgs for his "organising creativity" and inclusive social perspective. Ian Samson writing for the Times Literary Supplement characterized it as "a fresh interpretation of England filled with enchantment, mystery, and traces of William Blake."
In The Guardian, Ian Thompson selected it as Book of the Day, emphasizing Higgs’s interest in alternative cultural themes. Thompson called Watling Street a blend of travel writing and sociological study that uncovers myths and narratives pertinent to contemporary British societal divisions, journeying from St Margaret’s Bay—associated with Ian Fleming—to the rugged landscapes of Anglesey.
Podcast version
A four-episode podcast series accompanied Watling Street, created by John Higgs alongside writer and broadcaster David Bramwell. This series revisits various sites along Watling Street and includes discussions, poetry, music, and interviews with guests such as Alan Moore, Salena Godden, Iain Sinclair, Miranda Kane, C.J. Stone, John Constable, musician Andy Miller, Daisy Campbell, and Lord Victor Adebowale.
Publication details
- Watling Street: Travels Through Britain and Its Ever-Present Past, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2017 (UK).
Further reading
- Official author website
- Publisher page: Watling Street
- Encyclopaedia Britannica entry: Watling Street