ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a case study of a peripheral region of Anglo-Saxon England which acquired particular strategic significance during the reign of Edward the Elder: the Dee and Mersey basin between Wales, the Pennines and the River Ribble. These north-western borders of Mercia were far from the centre of Edward the Elder's power in Wessex. Yet the close proximity of the boundaries of Mercian territory with Wales, Northumbria and the newly established Viking presence, coupled with the economic potential of maritime access to Irish Sea trade, created a potent mix of opportunity and instability which formed the backdrop to Edward's death. This paper offers a synthesis of recent archaeological research, which has begun to illuminate some of the key sites in this region during Edward's reign. Additionally, it seeks to reassess the historical context, in particular the series of events which led to Edward's personal intervention.
