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Described as a 'gargantuan six-volume history of the Norman Conquest' commissioned to mark the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, published between 1867 and 1879. The opening passage is quoted at the beginning of the episode.

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Described as 'probably the most famous comic version of English history ever written' and noted as being written in 1930. The hosts quote from it regarding the Norman Conquest being 'a good thing.'

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Referenced as 'the historian of this process, who is best associated with the idea that this United Kingdom of England is a nation state.' His quote about the creation of the English state being 'the most remarkable and certainly the most lasting feat of statecraft in 10th century Europe' is cited.

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Referenced as a historical source when discussing the 'bloody cloud' portent during Æthelred's consecration, with the comment 'this is in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, so it must be true.'

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Described as 'one of the most famous old English poems' about the Battle of Maldon in 991, and noted as an inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's scene of Gandalf's stand at the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.

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Mentioned in the context that Tolkien wanted to write Lord of the Rings 'to give the English back the mythology that he thought they had lost as a result of the conquest.'

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Referenced as a comparison when describing Richard the Fearless's tomb, which was 'not in a church, but a great earthen mound looking out to sea. So like something out of Beowulf.'