Wessex in classical heraldry and is found on a number of church windows in derived shields such as the Arms of the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster (Westminster Abbey, which was founded by the king). At its greatest extent Wessex encompassed the modern areas of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the western half of Berkshire and the eastern hilly flank of Somerset. This covers an area of about . The English author Thomas Hardy used a fictionalised Wessex as a setting for many of his novels, adopting his friend William Barnes' term "Wessex" for
Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set before 1286 Set between 1248–1264, the book tells the story of Alexander III and David de Lindsay "First published in 1981 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition" Set ?1265–1292. Based on Thomas the Rhymer, it follows the life of Alexander III, and the turmoil of the kingdom following his death. Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set before 1286 Nigel Tranter is a Scottish author who wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters. This page includes those of his books set in Scotland from earliest times until the death of Alexander III in 1286. For other historical novels by Nigel