Good Question it occurred to me too the other day. Im working on that one
Ireland may not be too dissimilar to OTL with the rate of Catholic conversion but I'll write something up.Saints and Sunrises: An Anglo-Saxon Timeline
- Thread starter Bolt451
- Start date
Ireland may not be too dissimilar to OTL with the rate of Catholic conversion but I'll write something up.
705-717: The First King of Angland
Really not happy with the framing of this. Far too much like a plain textboook. Also, if people want it, I have a list of post-PoD kings, but I can't think of a decent way to show it "In universe"
The Real Royals: The Portrayal of the Early Kings.
By Morwen Aidansholm
Laudenwic Press, 2013
The Real Royals: The Portrayal of the Early Kings.
By Morwen Aidansholm
Laudenwic Press, 2013
It is a common theme in stage and screen that Aedwine manipulated and shaped his half brother Ecgfrith into a compliant, submissive king who would allow Aedwine to remain as regent (Later retitled Lord Minister) for the rest of Aedwine’s life. This has been shaped by such sources as the 15th century plays of Aldred Lichfield and later works such as Steiner’s History of the Early Kingdom. This impression carried on into the Kino show Royals with the calm and sinister portrayal of Aedwine, prone to fits of anger. We do not know for sure how much was true and how much wasn’t. It is possible Ecgfrith was just a quiet person, it is documented that he had a troubled birth and was quite a sickly man, prone to periods where he was stuck in bed.
However if Aedwine did shape and mould Ecgfrith, it could be said that he tried again and failed with his own son, Osred. Osred was born in 684 to Aedwine and Edlyn, daughter of Oswald of Bernicia (Burmecia) whose role appears to be the King’s senior representative in the northern parts of the kingdom, what might later be called a Lord or Thegn. Its recorded that the young Prince Osred (as was his title) would travel with his father on tours of the kingdom. It is recorded in Bede’s History of Britain that Osred, at the age of sixteen, visited Lindisfarne in 700 with Aedwine. He also travelled to the south to be a guest of Aldred, regent of Mercia, following the pronunciation of the unification of the two kingdoms under Aethelfrith’s eventual heir.
Series 5 of Royals portrays Osred as an insecure, violent man who has taken his father’s desires for him as almost divine providence that he should rule. This isn’t recorded in any journals or records of the time it is recorded that following the death of Aedwine in 705 (and seen in Royals season 5, episode 1) he was made Lord Minister. It could be argued this fits with the image of Aedwine being obsessed with his legacy and overcoming his illegitimate birth. It wasn’t just Osred, Aedwine had two daughters, who he had married to nobles both within and outside of Northumbria and he many noblemen loyal to him.
Osred’s first test was in putting down an army of Britons in the Hrybeorgs(1). He lead the army out from Bamburgh and was defeated in a crushing blow that left the lands west of the Hrybeorgs free from Northumbrian (then Anglish) rule for several decades. Osred did however escape with his life and perhaps inflicted significant damage on on the British army as they didn’t actually cross into Northumbria proper. Far from stabbing people for disagreeing with him or hanging men for treason out of paranoia and delusions, it is recorded that Osred was known for having a temper. Later mishandling of military and diplomatic occasions have been recorded. When discussing what to be done with the city of Glecaster in , Bede again records in book three of his History of Britain.
But with fire in his heart and anger in his mind Prince Osred left negotiations with the King of Wessex without conclusion to the disagreements over Glecaster as he could not find any accommodation from that king of the south west.
But other historians of the time, (who continued in Bede’s tradition) such as Moira of Hereford give the a different portrayal
Prince Osred marched North back to Bambrugh, King Ine of Wessex later stated in court that the Prince was “stubborn and angry child who would have Wessex for himself”
Although it should be noted that Moira of Hereford was known to be a recipient of King Ine’s patronage so some bias may be expected.
The other thing the Aedwine didn’t neccesarily account for was Eanfrith, who reigned as the first offocial King of Angland from 709 onwards (as portrayed in the finale of series five of Royals). Eanfrith didn’t have the same quite and reserved demeanor that his father and grandfather had and instead took more after his mother Cynedryth of Mercia. Osred failed to or simply didnt try to overturn Aethelfrith’s decree in 710 that the capital be moved to Dunholm, for a more central position compared to Bamburgh given the incorporation of Mercia into the King’s lands. Eanfrith is recorded as putting down Pictish rebellions in the North of Angland with armies directly under his command. He also made multiple decrees over the next few years about establishment of abbies and assigning people to positions of state, something that under the two previous kings was carried out by the Lord Minister.
Osred died in 717 and historical myth as well as the show Royals suggest Eanfrith poisoned Osred. Although tests on Osred’s remains in Dunholm Abbey have found evidence of poison, it is conjecture to say it was Eanfrith who did it. What is known and recorded (Again by Bede) Eanfrith was quick to abolish the role of Lord Minister and once again became directly involved in running the kingdom (At least, directly). Eanfrith ruled from Dunholm as sole supreme power of his Kingdom of the Anglish, stretching from the Severn to the Forth and with his marriage to Cwenburgh of East Angliain 716 , east to the Danish sea.
The Real Royals: The Portrayal of the Early Kings.
By Morwen Aidansholm
Laudenwic Press, 2013
The Real Royals: The Portrayal of the Early Kings.
By Morwen Aidansholm
Laudenwic Press, 2013
It is a common theme in stage and screen that Aedwine manipulated and shaped his half brother Ecgfrith into a compliant, submissive king who would allow Aedwine to remain as regent (Later retitled Lord Minister) for the rest of Aedwine’s life. This has been shaped by such sources as the 15th century plays of Aldred Lichfield and later works such as Steiner’s History of the Early Kingdom. This impression carried on into the Kino show Royals with the calm and sinister portrayal of Aedwine, prone to fits of anger. We do not know for sure how much was true and how much wasn’t. It is possible Ecgfrith was just a quiet person, it is documented that he had a troubled birth and was quite a sickly man, prone to periods where he was stuck in bed.
However if Aedwine did shape and mould Ecgfrith, it could be said that he tried again and failed with his own son, Osred. Osred was born in 684 to Aedwine and Edlyn, daughter of Oswald of Bernicia (Burmecia) whose role appears to be the King’s senior representative in the northern parts of the kingdom, what might later be called a Lord or Thegn. Its recorded that the young Prince Osred (as was his title) would travel with his father on tours of the kingdom. It is recorded in Bede’s History of Britain that Osred, at the age of sixteen, visited Lindisfarne in 700 with Aedwine. He also travelled to the south to be a guest of Aldred, regent of Mercia, following the pronunciation of the unification of the two kingdoms under Aethelfrith’s eventual heir.
Series 5 of Royals portrays Osred as an insecure, violent man who has taken his father’s desires for him as almost divine providence that he should rule. This isn’t recorded in any journals or records of the time it is recorded that following the death of Aedwine in 705 (and seen in Royals season 5, episode 1) he was made Lord Minister. It could be argued this fits with the image of Aedwine being obsessed with his legacy and overcoming his illegitimate birth. It wasn’t just Osred, Aedwine had two daughters, who he had married to nobles both within and outside of Northumbria and he many noblemen loyal to him.
Osred’s first test was in putting down an army of Britons in the Hrybeorgs(1). He lead the army out from Bamburgh and was defeated in a crushing blow that left the lands west of the Hrybeorgs free from Northumbrian (then Anglish) rule for several decades. Osred did however escape with his life and perhaps inflicted significant damage on on the British army as they didn’t actually cross into Northumbria proper. Far from stabbing people for disagreeing with him or hanging men for treason out of paranoia and delusions, it is recorded that Osred was known for having a temper. Later mishandling of military and diplomatic occasions have been recorded. When discussing what to be done with the city of Glecaster in , Bede again records in book three of his History of Britain.
But with fire in his heart and anger in his mind Prince Osred left negotiations with the King of Wessex without conclusion to the disagreements over Glecaster as he could not find any accommodation from that king of the south west.
But other historians of the time, (who continued in Bede’s tradition) such as Moira of Hereford give the a different portrayal
Prince Osred marched North back to Bambrugh, King Ine of Wessex later stated in court that the Prince was “stubborn and angry child who would have Wessex for himself”
Although it should be noted that Moira of Hereford was known to be a recipient of King Ine’s patronage so some bias may be expected.
The other thing the Aedwine didn’t neccesarily account for was Eanfrith, who reigned as the first offocial King of Angland from 709 onwards (as portrayed in the finale of series five of Royals). Eanfrith didn’t have the same quite and reserved demeanor that his father and grandfather had and instead took more after his mother Cynedryth of Mercia. Osred failed to or simply didnt try to overturn Aethelfrith’s decree in 710 that the capital be moved to Dunholm, for a more central position compared to Bamburgh given the incorporation of Mercia into the King’s lands. Eanfrith is recorded as putting down Pictish rebellions in the North of Angland with armies directly under his command. He also made multiple decrees over the next few years about establishment of abbies and assigning people to positions of state, something that under the two previous kings was carried out by the Lord Minister.
Osred died in 717 and historical myth as well as the show Royals suggest Eanfrith poisoned Osred. Although tests on Osred’s remains in Dunholm Abbey have found evidence of poison, it is conjecture to say it was Eanfrith who did it. What is known and recorded (Again by Bede) Eanfrith was quick to abolish the role of Lord Minister and once again became directly involved in running the kingdom (At least, directly). Eanfrith ruled from Dunholm as sole supreme power of his Kingdom of the Anglish, stretching from the Severn to the Forth and with his marriage to Cwenburgh of East Angliain 716 , east to the Danish sea.
- OTL Pennines, my awful old english bastardisation of “Spine Hills”
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731: The History of the Anglish People is Published
Excerpts From a History of the Anglish People
By Bede of Jarway
Preface
TO THE MOST GLORIOUS KING EANFRITH, KING OF ANGLAND, BEDE, THE SERVANT OF CHRIST AND PRIEST FORMERLY, at your request, most readily transmitted to you the History of the Anglish Nation, which I had newly published, for you to read, and give it your approbation; and I now send it again to be transcribed and more fully considered at your leisure. And I cannot but recommend the sincerity and zeal, with which you not only diligently give ear to hear the words of the Holy Scripture, but also industriously take care to become acquainted with the actions and sayings of former men of renown, especially of our own nation.
My principal authority and aid in this work was the learned and reverend Abbot Enda; who, educated in the Church of Lindisfarne by those venerable and learned men, Archbishop Eadberht of blessed memory, and the Abbot Adrian, transmitted to me by Aethelwulf, the pious priest of the Church of Eorforwic, either in writing, or word of mouth of the same Eorforwic, all that he thought worthy of memory, that had been done in the province of Deira, or the adjacent parts, as he had learned the same either from written records, or the traditions of his ancestors.
Thus, from the beginning of this volume to the time when the Anglish nation received the the faith of Christ, have we collected the writings of our predecessors and from them gathered matter for our history; but from that time till the present, what was transacted in Church of Lindisfarne by the disciples of St. Aidan or their successors, and under what kings the same happened, as told to me by those mentioned above such as Eadberht and Enda.
In short I was chiefly encouraged to undertake this work by the persuasions of the same Enda. In like manner, Alfred, the most reverend Bishop of Glecaster who is still living, communicated to me in writing some things relating to the Ecclesiastical History of Wessex, and the next adjoining to it of the South Saxons, as also of the Isle of Whitgar. And information given unto me by those bishops of the roles outlined by the Saint Cuthbert in his reform and solidifying the most Holy Anglish Church.
It is to be observed, that what I have written concerning our most holy father, Bishop Cuthbert, either in this volume, or in my treatise on his life and actions, I partly took, and faithfully copied from what I found written of him by the brethren of the Church of Lindisfarne; but at the same time took care to add such things as I could myself have knowledge of by the faithful testimony of such as knew him.
And I humbly entreat the reader, that, if he shall in this that we have written find anything not delivered according to the truth, he will not impute the same to me, who, as the true rule of history requires, have laboured sincerely to commit to writing such things as I could gather from common report, for the instruction of posterity. Moreover, I beseech all men who shall hear or read this history of our nation, that for my manifold infirmities both of mind and body, they will offer up frequent supplications to the throne of Grace. And I further pray, that in recompense for the labour wherewith I have recorded in the several countries and cities those events which were most worthy of note, and most grateful to the ears of their inhabitants, I may for my reward have the benefit of their pious prayers.
****
CHAPTER XXIV CHRONOLOGICAL RECAPITULATION OF THE WHOLE WORK: ALSO CONCERNING THE AUTHOR HIMSELF I HAVE thought fit briefly to sum up those things which have been related more at large, according to the distinction of times, for the better preserving them in memory. In the sixtieth year before the incarnation of our Lord, Caius Julius Caesar, first of the Romans, invaded Britain, and was victorious, yet could not gain the kingdom. In the year from the incarnation of our Lord,
46, Claudius, second of the Romans, invading Britain, had a great part of the island surrendered to him, and added the Orkney islands to the Roman empire. In the year from the incarnation of our Lord,
167, Eleutherius, being made bishop at Rome, governed the Church most gloriously fifteen years. Lucius, king of Britain, writing to him, requested to be made a Christian, and succeeded in obtaining his request. In the year from the incarnation of our Lord,
189, Severus, being made emperor, reigned seventeen years; he enclosed Britain with a trench from sea to sea.
In the year 381, Maximus, being made emperor ln Britain, sailed over into Gaul, and slew Gratian.
In the year 409, Rome was crushed by the Goths, from which time Roman emperors began to reign in Britain.
In the year 430, Palladius was sent to be the first bishop of the Scots that believed in Christ, by Pope Celestine.
In the year 449, Martian being made emperor with Valentinian, reigned seven years; in whose time the Anglish, being called by the Britons, came into Britain.
In the year 538, there happened an eclipse of the sun, on the 16th of February, from the first to the third hour.
In the year 540, an eclipse of the sun happened on the 20th of June, and the stars appeared during almost half an hour after the third hour of the day.
In the year 547, Ida began to reign; from him the royal family of the Northumbrians derives its 241 original; he reigned twelve years.
In the year 565, the priest, Columba, came out of Scotland, into Britain, to instruct the Picts, and he built a monastery in the isle of Hii.
In the year 596, Pope Gregory sent Augustine with monks into Britain, to preach the word of God to the Anglish nation.
In the year 597, the aforesaid teachers arrived in Britain; being about the 150th year from the coming of the Anglish into Britain.
In the year 6o1, Pope Gregory sent the pall into Britain, to Augustine, who was already made bishop; he sent also several ministers of the word, among whom was Paulinus.
In the year 602, Augustine establishes the church as Glecaster, then called Gloweaester by the Gewisse
In the year 603, a battle was fought at Degsastane.
In the year 604, the East Saxons received the faith of Christ, under King Sabert, and Bishop Mellitus.
In the year 605, Gregory died.
IN the year 635, King Oswald of Northumbria sends for a Bishop and is sent Aidan
In the year 651, Bishop Aidan died and was decreed Apostle of the Anglish by Pope John
In the year 652, Anna, king of the East Angles received the faith and established the abbey at Rendlasham.
In the year 655, Oswald dies in battle against Penda of Mercia, who is also slain. Oswin becomes king of Northumbria
In the year 653, the Midland Angles, under their new prince, Peada, received the mysteries of the faith.
In the year 655, Peada was slain,
In the year 661, Wulfhere of Mercia conquered the Meonwara
In the year 664, there happened an eclipse of the sun/ Ceadda and Wilfrid were ordained bishops of the Northumbrians and establish churches at Inderawuda and Eorforwic
In the year 672, a synod was held at Eorforwic and it gave the archbishop of Lindisfarne official authority over the whole of the Anglish Church.
In the year 674, the abbey at Monkwearmouth was established
In the year 675, Oswine died, the throne was passed to Ecgfrith but Aedwine was made regent. The Priory of Hereford was founded by missionaries from Northumbria.
In the year 678, Wulfhere of Mercia died in battle at the hands of Aedwine, prince of Northumbria and Eadric, King of Kent. Chad is sent to Lindisfarne whereupon the bishopric of the Mercians was moved from Tamworig to
In the year 679, Aedwine published his code of law
In the year 681, Ecgfirth died, the throne passed to Aethelfrith
In the year 683, Cuthbert became bishop of Eorforic
In the year 690, Aethelfrith of Northumbria married Cynedryth , sister of Wulfgar of Mercia.
In the year 694, Wulgar of mercia died in a hunting accident. Loyalty of the mercians was split between Cynedryth and Paedwyn, the latter being a cousin of the king
In the year 696, upon the victory of Cynedryth and Aethelfrith over Paedwyn. It was decreed that the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria would be unified under one throne upon the ascension of their child and this king would be King of the Anglish
In the year 705, Aedwine of Northumbria died
In the year 709, Aethelfrith of Northumbria died. Eanfrith is named King of Angland
In the year 710, the capital was moved to Dunholm,
In the year 727, Adward, Ealdorman of Glecaster fought the Britons of Gwent at the battle of Cantref Coch after which, the Wye is set as the border between Angland and Gwent
---
Excerpt from A Tourist's Guide to Angland
Global Print Books, 2014
by Amit Dileep
Bede's History of the Anglish People was published in 730AD and given as a gift to Eanfrith, first King of Angland (being the unified throne of Northumbria and Mercia). Whereupon Bede was praised by Eanfrith who ordered copies to be made to be sent to both Lindisfarne and Glastonbury (being the seats of the two Archbishops of the Anglish Church) where further copies were later made by the monks there. Only the latter copy is still intact and is preserved carefully in Glastonbury Abbey. Its unknown what happened to the Lindisfarne copy, it is believed that it was destroyed or stolen in the sacking of the Holy Island in the late 8th century.
Bede died five years later and was buried where he had worked, in the monastery at Jarway. He was made a saint by the order of Archbishop Eacgfrith in 741. His tomb survived the sacking of Jarway in 804 and when the larger Abbey was built in the 13th century, his bones were given a more substantial and grandiose tomb. This has become a site of pilgrimage for many throughout the centuries.
OOC: Bloody hell that was long winded. Awwww. Thank you ATL Bede for your service to this work of fiction.
By Bede of Jarway
Preface
TO THE MOST GLORIOUS KING EANFRITH, KING OF ANGLAND, BEDE, THE SERVANT OF CHRIST AND PRIEST FORMERLY, at your request, most readily transmitted to you the History of the Anglish Nation, which I had newly published, for you to read, and give it your approbation; and I now send it again to be transcribed and more fully considered at your leisure. And I cannot but recommend the sincerity and zeal, with which you not only diligently give ear to hear the words of the Holy Scripture, but also industriously take care to become acquainted with the actions and sayings of former men of renown, especially of our own nation.
My principal authority and aid in this work was the learned and reverend Abbot Enda; who, educated in the Church of Lindisfarne by those venerable and learned men, Archbishop Eadberht of blessed memory, and the Abbot Adrian, transmitted to me by Aethelwulf, the pious priest of the Church of Eorforwic, either in writing, or word of mouth of the same Eorforwic, all that he thought worthy of memory, that had been done in the province of Deira, or the adjacent parts, as he had learned the same either from written records, or the traditions of his ancestors.
Thus, from the beginning of this volume to the time when the Anglish nation received the the faith of Christ, have we collected the writings of our predecessors and from them gathered matter for our history; but from that time till the present, what was transacted in Church of Lindisfarne by the disciples of St. Aidan or their successors, and under what kings the same happened, as told to me by those mentioned above such as Eadberht and Enda.
In short I was chiefly encouraged to undertake this work by the persuasions of the same Enda. In like manner, Alfred, the most reverend Bishop of Glecaster who is still living, communicated to me in writing some things relating to the Ecclesiastical History of Wessex, and the next adjoining to it of the South Saxons, as also of the Isle of Whitgar. And information given unto me by those bishops of the roles outlined by the Saint Cuthbert in his reform and solidifying the most Holy Anglish Church.
It is to be observed, that what I have written concerning our most holy father, Bishop Cuthbert, either in this volume, or in my treatise on his life and actions, I partly took, and faithfully copied from what I found written of him by the brethren of the Church of Lindisfarne; but at the same time took care to add such things as I could myself have knowledge of by the faithful testimony of such as knew him.
And I humbly entreat the reader, that, if he shall in this that we have written find anything not delivered according to the truth, he will not impute the same to me, who, as the true rule of history requires, have laboured sincerely to commit to writing such things as I could gather from common report, for the instruction of posterity. Moreover, I beseech all men who shall hear or read this history of our nation, that for my manifold infirmities both of mind and body, they will offer up frequent supplications to the throne of Grace. And I further pray, that in recompense for the labour wherewith I have recorded in the several countries and cities those events which were most worthy of note, and most grateful to the ears of their inhabitants, I may for my reward have the benefit of their pious prayers.
****
CHAPTER XXIV CHRONOLOGICAL RECAPITULATION OF THE WHOLE WORK: ALSO CONCERNING THE AUTHOR HIMSELF I HAVE thought fit briefly to sum up those things which have been related more at large, according to the distinction of times, for the better preserving them in memory. In the sixtieth year before the incarnation of our Lord, Caius Julius Caesar, first of the Romans, invaded Britain, and was victorious, yet could not gain the kingdom. In the year from the incarnation of our Lord,
46, Claudius, second of the Romans, invading Britain, had a great part of the island surrendered to him, and added the Orkney islands to the Roman empire. In the year from the incarnation of our Lord,
167, Eleutherius, being made bishop at Rome, governed the Church most gloriously fifteen years. Lucius, king of Britain, writing to him, requested to be made a Christian, and succeeded in obtaining his request. In the year from the incarnation of our Lord,
189, Severus, being made emperor, reigned seventeen years; he enclosed Britain with a trench from sea to sea.
In the year 381, Maximus, being made emperor ln Britain, sailed over into Gaul, and slew Gratian.
In the year 409, Rome was crushed by the Goths, from which time Roman emperors began to reign in Britain.
In the year 430, Palladius was sent to be the first bishop of the Scots that believed in Christ, by Pope Celestine.
In the year 449, Martian being made emperor with Valentinian, reigned seven years; in whose time the Anglish, being called by the Britons, came into Britain.
In the year 538, there happened an eclipse of the sun, on the 16th of February, from the first to the third hour.
In the year 540, an eclipse of the sun happened on the 20th of June, and the stars appeared during almost half an hour after the third hour of the day.
In the year 547, Ida began to reign; from him the royal family of the Northumbrians derives its 241 original; he reigned twelve years.
In the year 565, the priest, Columba, came out of Scotland, into Britain, to instruct the Picts, and he built a monastery in the isle of Hii.
In the year 596, Pope Gregory sent Augustine with monks into Britain, to preach the word of God to the Anglish nation.
In the year 597, the aforesaid teachers arrived in Britain; being about the 150th year from the coming of the Anglish into Britain.
In the year 6o1, Pope Gregory sent the pall into Britain, to Augustine, who was already made bishop; he sent also several ministers of the word, among whom was Paulinus.
In the year 602, Augustine establishes the church as Glecaster, then called Gloweaester by the Gewisse
In the year 603, a battle was fought at Degsastane.
In the year 604, the East Saxons received the faith of Christ, under King Sabert, and Bishop Mellitus.
In the year 605, Gregory died.
IN the year 635, King Oswald of Northumbria sends for a Bishop and is sent Aidan
In the year 651, Bishop Aidan died and was decreed Apostle of the Anglish by Pope John
In the year 652, Anna, king of the East Angles received the faith and established the abbey at Rendlasham.
In the year 655, Oswald dies in battle against Penda of Mercia, who is also slain. Oswin becomes king of Northumbria
In the year 653, the Midland Angles, under their new prince, Peada, received the mysteries of the faith.
In the year 655, Peada was slain,
In the year 661, Wulfhere of Mercia conquered the Meonwara
In the year 664, there happened an eclipse of the sun/ Ceadda and Wilfrid were ordained bishops of the Northumbrians and establish churches at Inderawuda and Eorforwic
In the year 672, a synod was held at Eorforwic and it gave the archbishop of Lindisfarne official authority over the whole of the Anglish Church.
In the year 674, the abbey at Monkwearmouth was established
In the year 675, Oswine died, the throne was passed to Ecgfrith but Aedwine was made regent. The Priory of Hereford was founded by missionaries from Northumbria.
In the year 678, Wulfhere of Mercia died in battle at the hands of Aedwine, prince of Northumbria and Eadric, King of Kent. Chad is sent to Lindisfarne whereupon the bishopric of the Mercians was moved from Tamworig to
In the year 679, Aedwine published his code of law
In the year 681, Ecgfirth died, the throne passed to Aethelfrith
In the year 683, Cuthbert became bishop of Eorforic
In the year 690, Aethelfrith of Northumbria married Cynedryth , sister of Wulfgar of Mercia.
In the year 694, Wulgar of mercia died in a hunting accident. Loyalty of the mercians was split between Cynedryth and Paedwyn, the latter being a cousin of the king
In the year 696, upon the victory of Cynedryth and Aethelfrith over Paedwyn. It was decreed that the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria would be unified under one throne upon the ascension of their child and this king would be King of the Anglish
In the year 705, Aedwine of Northumbria died
In the year 709, Aethelfrith of Northumbria died. Eanfrith is named King of Angland
In the year 710, the capital was moved to Dunholm,
In the year 727, Adward, Ealdorman of Glecaster fought the Britons of Gwent at the battle of Cantref Coch after which, the Wye is set as the border between Angland and Gwent
---
Excerpt from A Tourist's Guide to Angland
Global Print Books, 2014
by Amit Dileep
Bede's History of the Anglish People was published in 730AD and given as a gift to Eanfrith, first King of Angland (being the unified throne of Northumbria and Mercia). Whereupon Bede was praised by Eanfrith who ordered copies to be made to be sent to both Lindisfarne and Glastonbury (being the seats of the two Archbishops of the Anglish Church) where further copies were later made by the monks there. Only the latter copy is still intact and is preserved carefully in Glastonbury Abbey. Its unknown what happened to the Lindisfarne copy, it is believed that it was destroyed or stolen in the sacking of the Holy Island in the late 8th century.
Bede died five years later and was buried where he had worked, in the monastery at Jarway. He was made a saint by the order of Archbishop Eacgfrith in 741. His tomb survived the sacking of Jarway in 804 and when the larger Abbey was built in the 13th century, his bones were given a more substantial and grandiose tomb. This has become a site of pilgrimage for many throughout the centuries.
OOC: Bloody hell that was long winded. Awwww. Thank you ATL Bede for your service to this work of fiction.
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Lindisfarne and Glastonbury seem as good a places as any to be seat of Archbishops.
Thanks for the update.
Was going to make a comment to keep using the Anglian (i.e. Northumbrian/Mercian) versions of names but you have this well in hand.
Was going to make a comment to keep using the Anglian (i.e. Northumbrian/Mercian) versions of names but you have this well in hand.
Currently writing an update to this
Quick question: I'm tempted to change the name of the country and people from England/English to Angland/Anglish. Is this just silly? I just like the difference.
(Paging @KingCrawa and @Alex Richards )
Quick question: I'm tempted to change the name of the country and people from England/English to Angland/Anglish. Is this just silly? I just like the difference.
(Paging @KingCrawa and @Alex Richards )
Alex Richards
Donor
Well, Bede and Alfred the Great used forms such as Angelfolc and Angelcynn for the English, so it's not that out there.
733: Queen Aethelflaed
The Museum of Anglish History, Laudenwic
Visitors guide
Part 3: the Early Kingdoms
12th century illustration of Aethfleaed, Queen of England
In the case to your left (8.1) you can see both the original and a reconstruction of a letter written in 733 from Egbert, Archbishop of Lindisfarne to Aethelflaed who at time of writing was the younger sister of King Eanfrith of Angland. It was kept at Dunholm castle and later moved to Dunholm abbey and kept in the archives of the Abbot until it was rediscovered presented to the royal household in the early 20th century. It was then given to the museum in the fifth decade of the last century.
Translated from the old English it reads
To the good lady Aethelflaed, Lady of Eorforwic and sister of King Eanfrith
From your servant and Brother in service of Christ, Egbert, Archbishop of Lindisfarne
Having received your messenger on the Holy Isle concerning your brother’s health I will make haste towards you in the hope of seeing the king before he is taken unto the lord but I given your grave warnings of his condition I fear my old body will travel too slow to reach you in time. I have sent a messenger ahead of me on this horse. I share your fears for the future of our fledgling nation, that it might be struck down by warring factions in its infancy. Your brother’s lack of a male heir could take the throne far from your good family to distant cousins and descendants by some other brother or sister of your ancestors not chosen by the will of god.
When the time comes I will support you in your assumption of the throne. Though I am aware there is little precedent for an Anglish Queen you have shown yourself to be of noble mind and judgement and a good friend to the church. I only hope you continue this friendship when you assume the throne. I have left orders with the abbot of Lindisfarne to immediately recognise your reign when news travels back from Dunholm to that holy island.
You and your royal brother are in my prayers. I hope I shall see both of you soon and that you shall both see me.
(Audio and textured print versions of this letter and indeed the entire guide is available at the entrance )
Egbert’s eventual arrival barely hours after Egfrith’s death is famously portrayed in the 18th century painting “The Grief of Egbert” by Egmund Crundelmen and can be seen on the wall opposite the letters (8.2). Following Ecgfrith’s death the throne passed to Aethfelflaed, who became the first Queen of Angland. Exhibit 8.4 and 8.5 show contemporary and later illustrations of Aethflaeds coronation by Theodmund of Lindisfarne (8th century) and Theodred Seward (1922-1970) respectively and its visible how the image of Aethflaed developed in the national psyche and by the early 20th century she had become a great symbol of independence and strength. Initially however her position was unsteady given her gender and to cement her position she married Oswiu of Eorforwic (not to be confused with Oswiu of Bernicia), Son of Osred and grandson of Aedwine and her own distant cousin. Oswiu would be named co-ruler and king of Angland.
Although the descendents of Aedwine still lacked royal blood, several generations had seen them build a strong power base and with his ascension to the throne he pledged his forces and lands to the throne. Exhibit 8.5 shows the belt buckle of a soldier in Oswiu’s army, bearing the Anglo Saxon leters “O, E and R ” for Oswiu, Eorforwic and Rex, an old latin word meaning king. This dates it after 734 when Oswiu's army had put down any potential threats to the throne.
Visitors guide
Part 3: the Early Kingdoms
12th century illustration of Aethfleaed, Queen of England
In the case to your left (8.1) you can see both the original and a reconstruction of a letter written in 733 from Egbert, Archbishop of Lindisfarne to Aethelflaed who at time of writing was the younger sister of King Eanfrith of Angland. It was kept at Dunholm castle and later moved to Dunholm abbey and kept in the archives of the Abbot until it was rediscovered presented to the royal household in the early 20th century. It was then given to the museum in the fifth decade of the last century.
Translated from the old English it reads
To the good lady Aethelflaed, Lady of Eorforwic and sister of King Eanfrith
From your servant and Brother in service of Christ, Egbert, Archbishop of Lindisfarne
Having received your messenger on the Holy Isle concerning your brother’s health I will make haste towards you in the hope of seeing the king before he is taken unto the lord but I given your grave warnings of his condition I fear my old body will travel too slow to reach you in time. I have sent a messenger ahead of me on this horse. I share your fears for the future of our fledgling nation, that it might be struck down by warring factions in its infancy. Your brother’s lack of a male heir could take the throne far from your good family to distant cousins and descendants by some other brother or sister of your ancestors not chosen by the will of god.
When the time comes I will support you in your assumption of the throne. Though I am aware there is little precedent for an Anglish Queen you have shown yourself to be of noble mind and judgement and a good friend to the church. I only hope you continue this friendship when you assume the throne. I have left orders with the abbot of Lindisfarne to immediately recognise your reign when news travels back from Dunholm to that holy island.
You and your royal brother are in my prayers. I hope I shall see both of you soon and that you shall both see me.
(Audio and textured print versions of this letter and indeed the entire guide is available at the entrance )
Egbert’s eventual arrival barely hours after Egfrith’s death is famously portrayed in the 18th century painting “The Grief of Egbert” by Egmund Crundelmen and can be seen on the wall opposite the letters (8.2). Following Ecgfrith’s death the throne passed to Aethfelflaed, who became the first Queen of Angland. Exhibit 8.4 and 8.5 show contemporary and later illustrations of Aethflaeds coronation by Theodmund of Lindisfarne (8th century) and Theodred Seward (1922-1970) respectively and its visible how the image of Aethflaed developed in the national psyche and by the early 20th century she had become a great symbol of independence and strength. Initially however her position was unsteady given her gender and to cement her position she married Oswiu of Eorforwic (not to be confused with Oswiu of Bernicia), Son of Osred and grandson of Aedwine and her own distant cousin. Oswiu would be named co-ruler and king of Angland.
Although the descendents of Aedwine still lacked royal blood, several generations had seen them build a strong power base and with his ascension to the throne he pledged his forces and lands to the throne. Exhibit 8.5 shows the belt buckle of a soldier in Oswiu’s army, bearing the Anglo Saxon leters “O, E and R ” for Oswiu, Eorforwic and Rex, an old latin word meaning king. This dates it after 734 when Oswiu's army had put down any potential threats to the throne.
Alex Richards
Donor
Ooh a reigning Queen who seems to be supplanting/supplementing? Boudicca in historical iconography.
Currently writing an update to this
Quick question: I'm tempted to change the name of the country and people from England/English to Angland/Anglish. Is this just silly? I just like the difference.
(Paging @KingCrawa and @Alex Richards )
Engle was the late Mercian and Kentish form of Ængle so it depends on how your history goes.
Mostly Ængle. I'm unclear whether it was primarily I-umlaut or brightening or Kentish influence or something. In Kentish all the mid-low front vowels became e (hence the pronunciation of bury as berry).