During the early Middle Ages, several Anglo-Saxons made their way to what is now the Low Countries, as missionaries, pilgrims, mercenaries and refugees. On this blog, I will regularly shed light on places in The Netherlands and Belgium associated with these visitors from early medieval England. This post focuses on the Belgian town of Ghent, … Continue reading Anglo-Saxons in the Low Countries: Ælfthryth of Wessex in Ghent
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An Anglo-Saxon Anecdote: The Real Night of the Long Knives
Alfred and the cakes, Cnut and the waves, and Eadmer the flying monk: Anglo-Saxon history is full of anecdotes. On this blog I will regularly highlight some amusing and/or remarkable episodes from early medieval England, along with a selfmade cartoon. This blog discusses one of the events during the Adventus Saxonum, the conquest of the … Continue reading An Anglo-Saxon Anecdote: The Real Night of the Long Knives
What if Shakespeare HAD written Old English?
What if William Shakespeare HAD written Old English? Sceal ic þē gelīcian tō sumeres dæge?
The Medieval in Middle-Earth: Thror’s Map
As a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford, J. R. R. Tolkien could not help but be inspired by the language and literature he studied and taught. As a result, his fictional world is infused with cultural material of the Middle Ages, particularly Old English language and literature. In this blog, I will … Continue reading The Medieval in Middle-Earth: Thror’s Map
Arseling: A Word Coined by Alfred the Great?
This blog post discusses the origins and use of the word 'arseling' in Old English, where it occurs as 'earsling'. There may be a surprising connection to none other than King Alfred the Great himself!
Old English is alive! Five TV series and movies that use Old English
Old English a dead language? Think again! the language of the Anglo-Saxons is making a comeback in modern cinema.
Passion, Piles and a Pebble: What Ailed Alfred the Great?
The second episode of The Last Kingdom (UK airdate: Thursday, 29 October, 9 pm, BBC 2) introduces Prince Alfred, who would later become King Alfred the Great (d. 899). In his first scene, Alfred is portrayed as a man tormented both physically (because of his health) and morally (because of his lustful feelings towards the … Continue reading Passion, Piles and a Pebble: What Ailed Alfred the Great?
Splitting Anglo-Saxon Hairs: Cuthbert’s Comb
Splitting Anglo-Saxon Hairs: Cuthbert’s Comb Vikings, Alfred the Great and ninth-century England - The Last Kingdom (BBC; based on the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell) will undoubtedly spark an interest into the Anglo-Saxons. On this blog, I will regularly discuss some of the historical and/or cultural background of The Last Kingdom, without major plot spoilers. In the first … Continue reading Splitting Anglo-Saxon Hairs: Cuthbert’s Comb
The Latest Miracle of Anglo-Saxon Missionary Saint Adalbert of Egmond (d. c.740)
Learn more about the Anglo-Saxon saint Adalbert (d. 740; Feast day: 25 June). In Holland, water from his holy well is used to brew beer.
A medieval giant on display: Last resting place of Beowulf’s Hygelac discovered?
Where was the giant Hygelac (mentioned in Beowulf) buried?
Thijs Porck 