Bebbanburg

Bebbanburg is both a real historical site and a central symbol in modern historical fiction, most famously depicted in The Last Kingdom series and the upcoming 2025 spin-off film Return to Bebbanburg. The fortress, known today as Bamburgh Castle, is perched dramatically on the northeast coast of England in Northumberland, and it has captured imaginations for centuries—first as a seat of kings, and now as the ancestral home of the series’ protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

In real history, Bebbanburg was the royal stronghold of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Bernicia, which later became part of the larger kingdom of Northumbria. Named after Queen Bebba in the 7th century, the fortress became one of the most strategic sites in early medieval Britain. Overlooking the North Sea, it offered both defense against Viking raids and a commanding view over trade and naval movement. Its importance as a political and military hub remained long after the fall of Northumbria, and it was later rebuilt by the Normans into the stone castle that still stands today.

In the realm of fiction, Bebbanburg was thrust into popular consciousness by Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, which inspired the Netflix series The Last Kingdom. The protagonist, Uhtred Ragnarson, is a fictional warrior born into Saxon nobility but raised by Danes after being captured as a child. Throughout the saga, Uhtred is obsessed with reclaiming Bebbanburg, his ancestral home, which was stolen from his family during the Viking invasions. For him, Bebbanburg represents not just a physical place, but his identity, birthright, and personal destiny.

The series dramatizes Uhtred’s many attempts to retake the fortress, each one a mixture of military strategy, political maneuvering, and personal loss. It isn’t until the later installments—culminating in Seven Kings Must Die—that Uhtred finally reclaims Bebbanburg. This victory serves as both the emotional climax of his journey and a metaphor for reconciling his dual identity as both Saxon and Dane.

The upcoming 2025 film Return to Bebbanburg continues this legacy. With Alexander Dreymon returning as Uhtred, the story is expected to explore the burdens of leadership after conquest. Rather than battling to take Bebbanburg, Uhtred now must protect and preserve it—amid growing political threats and personal stakes. The film promises a shift in tone, focusing more on legacy, governance, and the cost of holding power in a kingdom constantly at risk of collapse.

Bamburgh Castle itself, which stands in for Bebbanburg during filming, has become a destination for fans of the series and lovers of British history. Its rugged cliffs, panoramic views, and medieval architecture offer a perfect backdrop for stories of war, loyalty, and ambition.

In conclusion, Bebbanburg is more than just a fortress—it is a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and the struggle between past and future. Whether in history or fiction, its walls tell the story of kings, warriors, and the relentless pursuit of home.