This chapter really falls into two halves. First, we see Mildryth in a domestic setting with her friend, Branda. I doubt that anyone would be surprised to know that Anglo-Saxon people enjoyed talking about what other people were up to; it is a very human activity enjoyed the world over. Although Mildryth is theign-worthy she chooses to work in the longhall of High-Theign Athelwine. She is not comfortable living on the charity of one of her husband’s friends and there are tasks that someone of her class can undertake within the hall.

For her part, Branda is from the upper class of the peasants. Her husband sells grain and has done rather well for his family. She is a sympathetic soul and knows only too well what fate has put Mildryth through.

I wanted to show something of the life of ordinary people in 1066. It is easy to lose sight of this aspect of history when following the activities of kings and dukes. Creating fictional characters like Mildryth and Branda allowed me to explore in greater detail the interesting social matrix of the Anglo-Saxons. Although the various levels of their society were clearly understood movement between them, particularly upwards, was much easier than people were going to find it to be in the later medieval periods that were to follow.

Socially, the Saxon world was small and it was often said that everyone knew everyone else’s business. Mildryth might have chosen Coenred for her protector, but many another sees a match in the making. In terms of age and rank they well suited, and Coenred has a large estate in Holderness where a wife would easily be accommodated, as Branda suggests. This might have not been Mildryth’s original motivation for introducing herself to him, but this new knowledge does make her realise that their relationship might develop further than she might originally have expected. Coenred’s character is well known and highly spoken of; she most certainly could do worse.

As if that were his cue, up pops Wulfhere. The incident at the homestead was just a diversion; he had an ulterior motive for coming to York. Acting on behalf of his theign gives him the excuse to search out Mildryth who he already knows has a complaint laid before the court against Tostig Godwinson. He understands that the case has yet to be heard and may not be proven, but in the Saxon world compensation was a common outcome for wrongs suffered and as Tostig is the brother of the King of England then Wulfhere hopes that Mildryth will receive a large monetary settlement. An easy life is his one and only ambition, even better if paid for by someone else’s money.

In the second half Coenred is required to act as an eorl’s man. The High Theign is still absent and so it falls to the huscarl to make a decision. After the expulsion of the Danes from York many chose to remain in England even after their army was defeated by the Anglo-Saxons. The Danes settled and lived throughout the country and were, it seems, treated equally. This is not something that is always apparent in modern histories of the period. I make passing reference to the fact that Mildryth is of Scandinavian descent and so are some of the people who were attacked by King Hardrada of Norway in Scarborough. It seems that Hardrada was hoping that many of these people of Viking blood would flock to his banner. The fact that they fled before him and helped alert King Harold in London of the invasion indicated which way their sense of loyalty would fall, however.

Coenred is a man who values loyalty highly. After sending messengers to London he deals with his servant, Eanfrid, who is waiting outside the longhall with their horses. Coenred has one thing in common with Wulfhere; he has an ulterior motive to be in York. Ostensibly, he is there to alert Athelwine of the coming of the brothers, Eorl Edwin of Mercia and Eorl Morcar of Northumbria. Normally, a messenger’s duty would not fall to a man of the rank of huscarl, but Coenred volunteered hoping that he might also make a visit to his estate near the River Humber. Athelwine’s absence has put paid to that, but he can still achieve his ambition in part. Huscarls were rich men who were attended by at least one servant, for whom they had to provide a horse, armour, and weapons. This servant was the shield-bearer who often fought alongside his master. They shared the same danger if not the same rewards.

Eanfrid has grown old before his time. Coenred is very aware of this and keen to reward his servant appropriately. This occurrence gave me the opportunity to introduce Edwin, a young man who, through no fault of his own, has fallen on hard times. I could have retained Eanfrid if I wished, I suppose, but I liked the idea of Coenred taking on a new servant and seeing how their relationship would develop. It was an opportunity to examine how a fighting man could act with nobility towards those lesser than himself and also to illustrate what was in store for young Edwin. By the way, Edwin is my father’s name, which is one of the reasons why I chose it.

Below is a PDF file of the chapter under discussion. Please, click on the link and enjoy.