I'm looking for recommendations for books to read prior to an upcoming trip to England and Scotland. I'd appreciate any recs on the following:

1. history of York (either focusing on the medieval period or a comprehensive history).
2. anything about St. Bede or St. Cuthbert (visiting Durham Cathedral)
3. Hadrian's Wall
4. Border Wars
5. Dissolution of the monasteries (will be seeing a lot of ruined abbeys!)

I'd prefer non-fiction, and don't mind primary or older sources (if for example the best thing you've read about St. Bede was by one of his contemporaries, that's cool.) I would also read historical fiction, although it's not my favorite. Thanks everyone!

I'm pretty hopeless about non-fiction. It so much isn't my thing. But can I recommend The Steel Bonnets by George MacDonald Fraser. You do know that most of that stuff was families fighting over land and money rather than nation fighting nation? But I did find this one, which would, at least, probably have a good bibliography

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Border-Warfa...857580&sr=1-35

We didn't really have a "dissolution" in Scotland. You might find this one useful, tho'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Abb...6&sr=1-1-fkmr1

Give this novel a try: "Dissolution," by C. F. Sansom. It's one of the best pieces of historical fiction ever and is set smack in the period that interests you. The author is a lawyer and has a great sense of place.

Anything by H. V. Morton.

4. The Border Wars

The de facto read of our very tawdry and dark history is The Steel Bonnets by George MacDonald Fraser. I love the introduction which highlights the point in history when US president spoke to the first man on the moon. Both were Bordermen.

It also gives a good insight as to why many Border families still feel little nationalism for either nation, as I do.

We look after ourselves.

http://www.phphotoimages.co.uk/photo_7325344.html

Always sends shivers down my spine.

Sorry Sheila just spotted you already suggested Steel Bonnets.

http://www.tulliehouse.co.uk/

Has great coverage of all your subject matter, particularly the Romans in Britain.

One my hubby likes - how the scots invented the modern world and everything in it.

Bonnie Scootland : never conquered. Even Longshanks dropped dead at the prospect.