The origin of the days of the week in English, are rather different to our neighbours in Europe. The all-conquering Romans chose to adopt celestial bodies to name the days of the week, which aligned with the Gods they worshipped. They believed there were seven …
The Anglo-Saxons were not called Anglo-Saxons when they first arrived in Britain by force in 449 AD. These skilled warriors were farmers from foreign lands, much like the Vikings were 340 years later. Some were already living in Britain, during the Roman occupation of Britannia (43 – 410 AD) as subjects of …
Viking ships strike a powerful image of the battle-hardened, invading Norsemen of Scandinavia. With their low sides, tall bow and stern, their silhouette on the water was something to be feared. Design of the Viking Ships Viking ships were incredibly well designed for the time, with …
Uhtred of Bebbanburg is a son of the Saxon Ealdorman Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, and was born in Northumbria. He lived during the era of Alfred the Great in the late 9th century, when Britain was divided between warring kingdoms, each one ruled by it’s own …
Feudalism in the middle ages was a strict hierarchical system, based on land being exchanged for military service, and allegiance to the king under oath. Medieval Feudalism began first in France around the 9th century. However, before the middle ages, Feudalism in Europe was being used …
The History of Halloween goes back as far as the 8th century for Christians. Pope Gregory III chose the 1st November as a day to honour all the saints (hallows) and martyrs, who did not have a specific day of their own. This would therefore be known as …
Read moreWhat is Samhain? Discover the Old History of Halloween Celebration
Medieval Life and Times – What was Medieval daily life like? It is well documented that Medieval life and times for most people of that era was hard. Back-breaking work during the days, cold and uncomfortable sleep during the night. Life was difficult. Medieval Life and Times …
A church in Kingston, Cambridgeshire has revealed a haunting glimpse into the horrors of the plague during medieval times. We can only imagine what Medieval daily life was like! Norfolk and Suffolk Medieval Graffiti Survey volunteers were carrying out a survey on pre-Reformation graffiti in the …