Northerners
A History, from the Ice Age to the Present Day
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:25th May '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£20.00(9780008471200)

This comprehensive history of northern England traces its evolution through the lives of its people, as explored in Northerners.
In Northerners, Brian Groom presents a comprehensive history of northern England, intricately woven through the lives of its diverse inhabitants. This remarkable work captures the essence of the region, detailing the significant events that have shaped its identity over centuries. From migrations and invasions to cultural revolutions, the narrative spans from ancient times to the present, revealing how the people of the north have influenced both Britain and the world in unexpected ways.
The book highlights pivotal figures and events, including the reign of six Roman emperors from York and the cultural prominence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. Groom brings to light the contributions of various communities, from Neanderthals and Vikings to modern-day artists and activists. The stories of renowned individuals like the Brontes, Emmeline Pankhurst, and the Beatles illustrate the north's rich cultural tapestry, showcasing how it has defined music, literature, and social movements.
Furthermore, Northerners delves into the historical echoes that resonate today, such as the impact of industrial decline in the 1980s, drawing parallels to earlier conflicts. Groom also navigates the complexities of regional rivalries and what it means to be northern in contemporary Britain, making this book not only a historical account but also a timely exploration of the north's future role in the UK.
‘Entertaining and informative. … Avoids sentimentality and stereotypes. … Groom keeps his history admirably down to earth.’ The Times, Book of the Week
‘A definitive new chronicle of the region, the first to appear this century.’ The Mirror
‘Groom’s chronicling of northern setbacks is urbane rather than indignant. … Comprehensive and highly readable.’ Financial Times
‘This is a huge book, in which the author slips seamlessly and triumphantly from one subject to another.’ Literary Review
‘Hugely impressive.’ Big Issue
‘A rich and kaleidoscopic history of a region, its landscape, industries, culture and people. Northerners is rigorous, digressive, discursive, always entertaining and enlightening, as full of good things as the North itself.’ Stuart Maconie, author of Pies and Prejudice
‘A wonderful compendium of the North’s proud, deep, ancient otherness.’ James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England
‘An essential writer on politics and business and a tireless champion of the north.’ George Parker, political editor, Financial Times
‘A measured and essential voice in these compromised times.’ Adam Boulton, editor-at-large at Sky News and presenter of All Out Politics
‘Few people are better placed to write the story of northerners. One of journalism’s most astute observers of the state of Britain.’ Helen Pidd, North of England editor, The Guardian
‘Brian Groom is one of the leading experts on Britain’s regions and nations and a perceptive analyst.’ Duncan Weldon, The Economist, author of Two Hundred Years of Muddling Through
‘Panoramic, authoritative and a beautiful read. Brian has written the book everyone who wishes to understand the north of England must read.’ Sebastian Payne, author of Broken Heartlands
ISBN: 9780008471231
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 27mm
Weight: 310g
432 pages