Michael Wood Obe

Michael Wood is a historian and film maker who for forty years has brought history alive for viewers and readers in Britain, the US and worldwide. He is the author of highly praised and bestselling books on English history including number one best sellers In Search of the Dark Ages, Domesday, and The Story of England. He has made 120 documentary films, among them In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great and The Story of India, which the Wall Street Journal described as ‘the gold standard’ of documentary history making’.

Michael has written widely on British history. His special academic interest is in Anglo-Saxon history, and the origins of the English monarchy and state in the tenth century. He also has a long-term interest in Shakespeare – his many films include a highly praised four-part series for BBC 2: In Search of Shakespeare

Michael is currently Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester. He is a recipient of the Historical Association’s Medlicott Medal for ‘Outstanding Services and current contributions to History.’ He recently received the British Academy President’s Medal for services to History and outreach.

Born in Manchester, Michael lives in North London with his partner the producer/director Rebecca Dobbs: they have two daughters.