2024

The Eolder’s Ramblings

Myles Stevens

Last year I talked about becoming a reenactor. It’s a good thing I checked or you’d have had the same story this year!

I was thinking though of why I stayed. I’m especially passionate about our combat. I know it’s nothing like real combat (I hate the idea of actually hurting people) and it’s not remotely accurate, but I bloody love having a sword or spear in my hand, or roaring nonsense on the battlefield: using my voice to win a battle is every bit as satisfying as using my sword.

Having said that, combat won’t go on for ever. I’m 52 now and had expected to retire from the field at 50, but COVID changed my outlook. I now plan to continue as long as I’m safe. That said, my left foot hurts all the time now (New! This season, a gift from Sherwood), I’ve had various wear and tear injuries (frozen shoulder, torn rotator cuff and tennis elbow in both arms) as well as being barely able to walk with a slipped disc the following day every time I wear armour. I’ve usually got at least one broken, one sprained and/or one bruised finger too. So maybe I’ll fall apart first.

A summary of this year from our officers

Living History
Helen Mallalieu

We have had quite a full season this year. The LHE went from strength to strength, with a huge variety of displays. We have tried to have a theme across the LHE, with the A-boards used to introduce the site and inform the public.

At Lincoln there were plenty of games as well as a great display on casting gaming pieces. Although there were limitations on the site at Wirral, with the LHE being in basically a swamp, Regia was great at working with the conditions. I look forward to seeing what we can do with the new site next year. Craigtoun is developing into a great show, and I would recommend those who can make the trip up to Scotland to make the effort. This year a slightly different layout was tried which works well, and it was great to see some traders. I know plans are already in place for next year to make this a multiperiod show and it would be great to see more groups there. Reports from the shows in the middle and end of summer were great, the ecclesiastical display at Malmsbury looked good. Detling was once again our best attended show of the year, but only just. There are plans in the works to try and do another big display there next year, but we will need volunteers to help set up so do get in touch. It was great to be back at Sherwood Pines, always such a great location and it was good to see all the different displays. 

That being said there are a few wic items with questionable authenticity creeping in. Dave and I have plans over the off season to pull together a guide on what we want to see with firebox, pot/pans and other furniture.

To make gathering data easier, and save the LHE team from having to remember to bring printed wic forms along every show we have now introduced digital wic forms, which are emailed to all group leaders the day after the show is finished. They are still a work in progress so if you do have suggestions on how to improve them let me know. Please make sure you return them within a week of the show. These forms should be filled out regardless of if wic fees are being claimed, as it gives us great insight into the displays that have been put on, as well as the number of structures and people who attended. We are already starting to plan for next years show. The Regia cookbook is over 10 years old and due an update to include more authentic recipes. Please get in touch with Darren Orritt if you would like to be involved. We are always open for new ideas and projects, so if there are things you think would help enhance the LHE please do get in touch.

Maritime
Greg Collier-Jones

This year has been particularly busy for the Maritime team. I would like to thank my deputies and other keen volunteers who have covered for me this year with various other things taking my attention away.

The Raven (née Rat) was used by the publicity team for a fantastic photoshoot. The Bear has been used for four dry hires for the Bear. At both the Lincoln History Festival and the Wirral Viking Festival we unfortunately had no viewing platform, but the team made do. It was particularly great to see Tom at Lincoln who whipped the shrouds and supervised the boat for most of the day. Tamworth was hugely busy and I barely got a second away from the boat and those on board were talking pretty much constantly. Wallingford School was a tidy little show with a lot of very interested children and families.

We were also able to hold two training weekends returning to Cardiff Bay and Kielder. At Cardiff Bay we only had enough people for one day of sailing. It costs around £500 a shot to get the boat to places so please do try and attend both days to make it worthwhile.

We have neglected several jobs past few years some major repair works need doing to keep the boat operational for us both as an earner and for the use of the membership. We will send out details for this soon so please support if you can.

Missiles
Tony Peel

The standard of archery continues to improve as do the numbers of competent archers both in ability and in safety. If you do have any complaints regarding missiles please bring them to the missiles team. combatants have a tendency to go with their complaints to the MTO or his team. That’s not what they are there for, you wouldn’t go to the AO for medical attention would you?

Regia bows are all in good condition and have strings although some are showing their age and as such have lower poundage, the lowest being 16lb. Regia arrows are scattered around the country with most members of the missile team having some available for use and thanks to the consideration of all combatants not many arrows have been broken this year with supplies being adequate to replace broken arrows and a culture of salvaging heads has prevailed allowing them to be reused when possible.

Javelin use continues to be sporadic, people enjoy javelin training but are still not using them in combat except for the occasional javelin enthusiast.  I have had a few conversations, most people leave javelins at home as the default position and consider them a novelty rather than a basic piece of equipment. I’m not really sure what do about that. I suspect my influence isn’t great enough to effect that change of attitude. I’m also struggling to find a great deal of evidence in how they were used and to what extent, beyond some references in the battle of Maldon evidence is scarce. My suspicion in this regard is that either, the method of use is to be so obvious to contemporary chroniclers as to not be worth mention, or that it is varied and irregular possibly with the boundary between a javelin and a spear may be vague.

Equestrian
Claire Collier-Jones

This year we have held three events, and they have all been fantastic with the wonderful horses from the Welsh Horse Yeomanry accompanying us. Our first event was a lovely parade through Tamworth as part of their Tamworth Charter event. Nigel, as Offa of Mercia, led us through the streets to the church. I would like to say a huge well done to Robyn on her first show.

Over the Easter weekend we held our well attended yearly training session at the Welsh Horse HQ with regular faces and some new. Stuart and Allyson ran some fantastic skill at arms training sessions whilst I attempted to keep my morning sickness under control on horseback.

The final event of the season was a return to one of our favourate events, Sherwood. For this event I almost entirely handed the reigns over to Stuart and Allyson to organise our displays because I was only 10 days off my due date. We had a very busy show with Stuart, Allyson, Lauren and Danny putting on a fantastic skill at arms display, a basics in infantry vs. cavalry session, and a photo shoot. Two horses also lead the Norman army onto the battlefield. Lauren and Danny took on the parts of the army leaders and Danny’s Theoden-style rallying speech was great. I believe that this was a wonderful addition to the battlefield, and the feedback from the other officers and members has been very positive. I have had excellent feedback from all of these sessions and I am very proud of all of our riders. The groundcrew at this event were indispensable. As we discovered, the cavalry would have been thwarted by a simple rope line without you.

Military
Tom Robinson

There has been a great deal of variety on our battlefield this season; from the tightly packed lines at Detling to the extended battlefield at Sherwood pines, from the large-scale multi-society fights at Jorvik to smaller (but no less enthusiastic) affairs at brand new events. We’ve had raids between Vikings and Saxons and dusted off the kite shields and hauberks as Noman armies put down the last Saxon resistance. Plenty of variety, but a common theme of hard fought competitive battles that deliver energetic and entertaining displays for the public.

Sherwood Pines was the last show I was able to attend this season and felt like the perfect conclusion to a great series of shows for our combatants, with excellent training sessions, hard fought and finely balanced battles, and properly dramatic displays. It was a thrilling addition to see a Norman army led from horseback once again and this is something I’m hoping we can continue to build on with the Equestrian team.

Next season, I will continue to explore ways to improve the dramatic elements of our displays, whilst maintaining the highly competitive element that keeps our combat fresh for all involved. This will involve finally pulling the trigger on some further amendments to the Battlefield Regulations to more formally embed show fighting training in the combat regime. Whether we achieve this by including an element of show fighting in a full weapons test or through a different route is still to be explored.

The Training Team is also focused on continuing to encourage those who achieve ‘Warrior’ rank in the Society to fully embody that role on the battlefield. Whether that is by stepping up as section commanders, volunteering as champions, or leading armies – the rank is a lot more than an extra hit when wearing mail and a helmet. The ranking structure is not just about assigning a number of hits or determining the weapons you can use, it is also a guide for the roles that you are supposed to take on the battlefield and we rely on our experienced Warriors to be voices of leadership on the field.

We do have a further concern that our weapons test regime can sometimes encourage fighters to rush through the various weapons tests in an attempt to ‘collect them all’ as quickly as possible. We continue to rely on local groups and local Training Officers in particular to encourage members not to rush on to new weapons too quickly or race to take their test as soon as possible. It’s a much better approach to ensure you take the time to develop your expertise with a smaller set of weapons first, rather than becoming a Jack of all trades, master of none.

There are always areas for improvement and something new for us to focus on as a Training Team. However, an area that has been a consistent source of pride for us is the culture that Regia combatants have developed for the battlefield. In a highly competitive environment, where accidents and injuries will happen and emotions run high, you all continue to display one of the finest battlefield cultures I have seen across Viking Age reenactment. You are honourable, gracious in victory and defeat, level-headed and, above all, you always remember that this is a hobby which should be enjoyable for all. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to all of you that you continue to ensure this culture permeates all of our groups, from our most experienced warriors to the newest fighters.

Finally I would like to end with a note of thanks to the training deputies, Master-at-Arms team, and first-aiders who ensure that our battlefield continues to tick. These people give up considerable amounts of their time and energy to ensure we can all enjoy the hobby that we love. I wish I could name you all here, but please do know that your commitment and dedication is never overlooked or taken for granted.

MaA
Simon Kent

Another year has gone by and I have very little to complain about, which is brilliant! I do my best to keep track of any emerging trends over the course of the year with an eye on dealing with the negative before they become a real problem, and reinforcing the positive. I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to devote most of my energy this year to praise.

This has been a good year for people experimenting with new techniques for producing new, more authentic war gear or improving what they already have which is wonderful to see. That input was requested from the MaA, and the AO beforehand was even better. This is the kind of thing that sees our standards raise, so please keep it up!

Dave and I have raised a number of people to Warrior rank this year – something that brings me great joy, and represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, dedication and research. This year I’ve raised the bar a little so if you’re approaching Warrior status don’t be surprised to be asked about the typology of that sword, or to explain how the construction of your shield might differ from a shield of the period!

My only gripes include water cups; please either bring your own cup or use the disposable ones provided and place these into the waste bin (bucket), and banned war gear; do not attempt to get it passed by another deputy or present it again at the next event. We’re not out to spoil anyone’s fun, and don’t ban things from the field without good reason.

A couple of rulings came into effect this year. Any maille without an integrated hood must now be rivetted and minimum spear-head sizes have now come into effect. Neither of these represent significant changes from where we were at the start of the year, but both are worth takin note of. Expect an updated edition of the MaA regs early next year to reflect these changes coming into effect.

I would like to say a loud, vigorous ‘thank you!’ to the current crop of MaA deputies. I missed a few gigs this year and the team really pulled together to ensure that not only were we able to provide MaA cover, but also that all the logistics were taken in hand to make sure we were able to provide an arena, first aid equipment, water points, disposable cups, rubbish bins, Regia banners, and the various other bits and pieces that we require to put on a show and do it safely. It’s easy to forget that national deputies (of all flavours) willingly give up their time both during ‘office hours’ at shows and beyond to keep Regia running smoothly. I one for am eternally grateful to all of them (not just because it gives me less work to do…honest!)

Wychurst
Wychurst Project Council

12th night as always was a great hit and Wychurst at War always brings great noise and people to the site. The new Regia Festival is a great way to experience the site in kit for hours and hours on end! We cannot wait to host that again.

We use an off grid power generation and storage to power the facilities building and water system (used for toilets and providing potable water). After a very nervous winter watching the battery voltage dropping through the winter months and very little good weather for the sun to top them up, the power generation and usage figures were examined and a plan to upgrade the power system was formulated. The upgrade consisted of doubling the battery storage, which occurred in early June and adding a further 1kW peak solar panel array, which occurred in September. The system is now under close monitoring to see how it performs over the winter. During the spring the diesel generator died, a member contact was helping us diagnose the issue and also helped source a donated replacement. The new generator is also diesel but twice the power (6kW). The facilities building consumer unit was rewired to cope with the extra capacity. A remote start for the generator is in development. 

Quite a lot of work went into the authentic side of the site this year (cannot say thank you enough to those that have helped out this year!)

• The current tables have been repaired
• 10 new oak benches were built in time for the 2024 12th night feast. (We now have a total of 2 benches for each of the 10 tables)
• The external plaster has been repaired and is awaiting limewashing.
• New pathways were installed making the use of site easier.
• Completed the roof to the cookhouse
• Created the bread oven
• Removed the old standing wood store and developed the old original cottage in its place (still a work in progress). 

The site requires quite a bit of maintenance throughout the year including the infamous strimming around site. This is an area that is generally the most time consuming and requires constant maintenance so we appreciate all the help we get. While it’s not the most engaging job at Wychurst weekends we appreciate any little bit people do.

In Your Local Area

Grim, Havelok and a legend reignited
James Leigh Nuttall

So what an incredible year it has been, inspired by Regia’s interpretation and fuelled by the legend, our fledgling group has taken its first few steps.

After being ratified on the 1st November 2023, Lindesige Sæweard set out in the world of reenactment with 9 members. So what do we do, how do we get people to book us, and how do we buy all that kit? As if the gods willed it I was doing my usual doom scrolling through Facebook and came across an exhibition of Grim and Havelok, Grimsby’s founder, if the legend is to be believed. I rolled up my sleeves, pulled up my big boy pants and sent my first message for Lindesige Sæweard… “I see you are having an exhibition”, “would you like some of Grimsby’s very own Vikings to come and join you at your event?” I was called in for a meeting and told of a saga almost as exciting as the legend itself. The statue of Grim and Havelok had fallen into disrepair (including several stolen penises) and was taken off its original plinth outside of Grimsby college. Funds were secured for the repair but next followed a custody battle to decide who would repair “the boys” which meant that they would not be ready for their big day, their return to the limelight would have to wait.

We attended the opening of the exhibition which went well considering the star attraction was still untouched and in storage. A few months later I received a phone call, “it’s going to be ready soon and we would really like you guys back to unveil it”.

Of course we jumped at it, but this time I would be given the honour of unveiling the statue with all of Grimsby’s local dignitaries in attendance. “The boys” were getting noticed again and we grabbed their coat tails, ironic if you have seen their attire, and started to puff out our chests into the public domain. Legends! Once thought of as a legend bigger than Robin Hood, how many public openings could they command? Well, certainly not one, as I have already mentioned two, two would be enough though right? No! This is Grim and Havelok, legends, the inspiration for a National award, they were going to have three!! We had been invited to put on an event in our local market on Freeman Street in Grimsby where the statue would have its final unveiling in its permanent new home. Ok, that sounded more impressive in my head, but I have the knowledge that Freeman street was home to some of the country’s finest fish sellers, Grim, the fisherman had found his home.

I can’t even imagine what adventures we and the tale of Grim and Havelok have ahead but it’s certainly an exciting time for Grimsby and reenactment. I know that we at Lindesige Sæweard are extremely proud to have had a hand in rekindling the legend, our heritage and inspiring the next generation to keep that fire burning. Nearly one year on, as a growing group presently at 45 members, we have Regia Anglorum to thank for supporting this dream to become a reality.

Vivat Regia Anglorum!

While I know many will debate the level of freedom and status a Christian Woman had in the British Isles during the Middle Ages, with huge variations between times and cultures, there is a general consensus that Jewish women processed freedoms many of their Christian sisters did not. As such Jewish women are a unique group within this time period. Able to hold property and chattel, run businesses in their own name (albeit after widowhood), and stand in courts themselves. Furthermore Jewish women could obtain divorce on multiple grounds, which included for being subject to violence within the marriage, ‘repugnance’ towards and ‘incompatibility with’ the husband. While for English Jews these cases had to go to higher rabbis in France and was thus a larger process, divorces were viable options for Jewish women in unhappy marriages and this did often not affect her standing (although this did fluctuate over time). A husband was required by Talmudic and Mishnah law to respect his wife and this granted her a platform within the marriage (although one of the highest reasons for divorce by Jewish men was citing that his wife was a moredet, a rebellious wife – the system worked both ways).

The most famous example from England of a Jewish woman is undoubtedly Licoricia of Winchester, a wealthy twice married widow who acted as a moneylender and ran the business, both with and against her four sons, was briefly imprisoned in the Tower of London by Henry III, and was eventually murdered along with her Christian servant in 1277. While her life is probably a more extreme example of a Jewish woman, with vast wealth and important clients like the King, Queen, and Simon de Montfort, it also shows us the possibilities of what Jewish women could obtain. She was not seen as an exception to the status quo amongst Jewish women. We know the names of other wealthy Jewish female moneylenders in the same town, like Chera and Belia, and from other places such as Belaset of Oxford. But as with all people in history, the majority are hidden.

Many, if not most Jewish women, were most likely mothers and keepers of the home, like their Christian counterparts, but we see a higher proportion of Jewish women recorded as working in businesses than we do Christian. Indeed the majority of Jewish women would have not achieved such fortunes, but we know of Jewish women acting as partners in their husbands’ businesses, including kosher butchers, perfumers, book binders and more.  Like all peoples we portray, they were all individuals and processed great variety within their own times, locations and experiences.

Brevis Historia Regia Anglorum

Folo Watkins has been compiling a brief history of Regia Anglorum. Here is an excerpt from 2015-2016.

On Christmas Day, Kim Siddorn died.

Fore ðæm nedfere nænig wiorðe ðonc snottora ðon him ðearf siæ to ymbhycgenne ær his hinionge hwæt his gastæ godes oððe yfles æfter deað dæge doemed wiorðe.

The society mourned its loss. In August a memorial feast at Wychurst was held. “It was a fitting celebration for a man who considered Wychurst his home from home, and I think he would have approved of the casual deforestation of the memorial area to allow room for the cross commissioned in his name.”

Jones said, “We said our goodbyes to Kim yesterday, there were many tears and even more quivering lips. But there was also pride and joy about having known and been influenced by him…. But the greatest memorial we have is our hobby and the friendships which it engenders. Kim’s greatest legacy is this rag-tag bunch of social misfits we call Regia. It is often said that this is the family we chose. Extending that analogy, our father did a great job raising us and, consequently, we are ready to continue the family business.”

The design was chosen by Williamson from several offered, and Gary Golding wrote in runes: “Beorn, father and friend to many a man. Wise and full of wit, a warrior and weaver of tales. He was brave and the best of men.” Golding later said that “It was decided Anglo-Frisian runes were best to use and modern English was chosen so that members could read and understand it with only a little rune knowledge.” It was carved on a 1.5 x .3 meters x .6 meters, and “a decent portion is sat in the ground.” Piece of hard sandstone from Yorkshire not far from Stanford Bridge, and was carved there by Matthias Garn of a carving firm from Skirpenbeck.

Amos read a moving eulogy for Siddorn at the Jorvik festival this year. Noting that the Jorvik Viking Festival was 33 years old, Amos said, “For most of those 33 years, Kim Siddorn, founder and Eoldor of Regia Anglorum, was the voice of the finale of the Viking festival here in Jorvik. His tones, softly accented by his Wessex homeland, sometimes mellow, sometimes powerful, and when the mood took him, sometimes sharp and harsh, have echoed through the streets of this great city, telling the story of the struggles of the Vikings and the Saxon folk so long ago. Cast your mind back across a thousand years, he would say, and we did…. Today we will stand and recall his gift with words, how he could pluck magic seemingly from the air, inspired as much by his love of our native tongue as by his passion for the history, and the romance, of the Viking age…. There were many who loved Kim Siddorn, many more who respected him, and I say now that any man who took against him was the poorer for it. These societies and groups that we form are little communities, little countries, and Kim was deeply loved in the land that he ruled, and held in righteous and high regard by – most of our neighbours. Though he always scorned that Regia Anglorum should make any man its King, he was the only one of us fit to wear the crown.”

His words, Williamson said, brought him to proud remembrance and tears.

• 

First Aid Coordinator
Kelvin Mawer (Goremonkey-in-Chief)

This edition of Chronicle presents an excellent opportunity to present some changes and standardisation of first aid practices ahead of the 2025 season…and I’m sure that line has seen everyone turn the page already. It’s also a good chance to announce our new mentorship programme (a rather grand title for what it is.)

Dealing with head trauma

Let me begin by saying that the First Aid Team will continue to distinguish between “superficial injuries to the face” and “head trauma”. Head trauma being both closed and penetrating head injuries in line with NICE guidance. Here we have a handy illustration of a non superficial head wound.

We will continue to insist on medial treatment and/or an A&E visit for the usual list of “red flag” symptoms in accordance with our training and with guidance published by the Headway Association. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Any loss or deterioration of consciousness
• Changes in character or behaviour
• Loss of balance
• Fits
• Severe and/or increasing headaches
• Deafness in one or both ears if not previously present

However a new three-check system will also be in use on the battlefield next year. This new system will bring us in line with current best practice as it relates to both suspected head and spinal injuries. Anyone that falls into one or more of the below categories will be treated as both a suspected concussion AND a suspected spinal injury until assessed by suitably qualified medical personnel.

1. Anyone receiving a blow to the head sufficient to induce vomiting, dizziness/disorientation, or blown pupil(s)
2. Anyone receiving a blow to the head sufficient to knock them off their feet
3. Any compressive blow to the head

The practical change here is mostly related to that comment around suspected spinal injuries. Namely that should you now fall into any of the 3 categories above, you will be held on the field in a neutral spinal position until medical professionals arrive or direct the first aider by some other means to release you. Or until you refuse treatment, but why would you do that?!

Bleeding on the battlefield

This isn’t a change so much as a standardisation so that everyone is experiencing the same rules regardless of where the show or training takes place.

At its most essential, bleeding on the battlefield is a no-no. It’s unhygienic at best and an excellent disease vector at worst. A cut or graze, no matter how large or small, must be treated. There are to be no free-bleeding injuries around other people. Human blood can be nasty stuff.

If you find yourself with cuts, scrapes, or grazes, on the battlefield or LHE, get them attended to and cleaned up immediately. It takes two minutes to stop small bleeding injuries. Because in practice this rule mostly effects two categories: small, easy-to-deal-with bleeds, and bleeds so bad you’re leaving the field or LHE anyway.

Additionally I have it on good authority that bleeding on the Eolder’s wargear violates Intergalactic Law.

First aid mentorship programme

It was recently brought to my attention that there are some members of Regia that meet the requirement to be a First Aider (a 3 day First Aid at Work Course) but are nervous about what we do. Or are nervous about working on people they don’t know.

Firstly, let me start by saying that there is no reason to be nervous. Regia people know we are there for their benefit. Additionally, most of what we do is really just cuts, scrapes and bruises. We don’t really charge around doing CPR, stripping people off for AED’s, and yelling “Stat!”

So moving forward, if you would like to be a Regia First Aider there will be a basic mentorship programme running. If you let your First Aid Coordinator or a member of the team know you are interested we will find someone to shadow at a show. You can stick with them, go to shouts with them, help them with assessment and treatment, and see what it’s really like to be a member of our illustrious brigade.

When you’ve shadowed a show or two, and you feel comfortable enough, you can then decide whether you would like to become a member of our team in your own right.

Missiles Officer
Tony Peel

This is my crossbow there are many like it but this one is mine my crossbow’s name is “Mr Crossbow”

Below is part of the upcoming ammendment to the missile regs and is intended to be useful to combatants and to explain the testing procedure to reassure those on the receiving end of a crossbow bolt. If you are interested in using a crossbow in Regia then the whole article will be of interest but if you are a combatant then please take a look at the crossbows in combat section so you will know what to expect from crossbows and their users.

Crossbows in combat

A crossbow is an advanced missile weapon so combat bow must be passed first and also range crossbow so anyone shooting a crossbow in combat is going to be very experienced in missile use on the field. Crossbows can be cocked but not loaded with

a bolt while moving once a bolt is loaded it needs to be shot or unloaded if the user wants to move more than a step or so, this should eliminate the accidental discharge. Crossbows are complicated and in places delicate so shouldn’t be thrown down or knocked about so a crossbow user if approached in melee range will yield and not put up a fight (execute them later after combat if you wish). A crossbow user must not shoot at a melee fighter clearly running towards at short range and should instead spill a loaded bolt or discharge into the ground. Please be kind to crossbow users they have taken a deliberate decision to be LESS effective in combat than they would be with a bow. (the rate of shooting is less and the available target options are less and drawing a sword isn’t an option either).

Testing crossbows

For range use the same issues in their use does not apply so like bows crossbows can be whatever power the user wishes provided they are authentic for the show and at which they will be used and consistent with the attire of the user.  Extremely high powered crossbows might not be allowed on a range

that has a dead zone behind the targets rather than a backstop as they are likely to stray beyond the confines of the range.
For combat use crossbows being very variable in performance a testing procedure needs to be carried out to determine the safe minimum range against armoured and un-armoured targets, if a crossbow is found to hit too hard at 20m it will not be allowed to be used against that target. The minimum permissible range for a shot is 4m which is pretty close but the majority of crossbows would only be able to shoot an armoured target at that range but I would also expect the majority of crossbows to be safe against armour at that range. A crossbow assessed in this manner would be given a rating (4/10 for example) and it’s user expected to understand an approximate range and select shot/targets appropriately. One of the results of this is that people in armour are more likely to be shot by crossbow users (sorry).

The Oseberg find is perhaps the most spectacular and well known find from the Viking age.  In 1904, a mound on an obscure farm in Oslo fjord was excavated, revealing an unparalleled wealth of objects that had been buried in the early ninth century; tents, sledges, a cart, cooking equipment, looms; a bucket probably from Ireland, a peacock from – who knows where.  And more – enough to fill a museum (it does!).  The centrepiece was a ship, seventy feet long, carved front and back like a work of art, and with the earliest clear evidence of sails in the Viking world.  This book is about the ship, as you might be able to guess from the title; for the artefacts, you’ll have to look elsewhere!

So is there anything in this for us, more humble, re-enactors?  Well, possibly.  The low opinion of the sailing qualities was started by archaeologists (many at the top of their field) who knew little about Viking boats.  The poor sailing results achieved in the first sailings were caused by other experts (also at the top of their fields) who assumed that the Oseberg ship must behave like the traditional boats they were used to.  Both sets of experts brought their preconceptions to the party.  It was only when the evidence itself was listened to, by people who were prepared to put their initial ideas to one side (and indeed to admit that they had preconceived ideas) that things began to make sense.  The ship did not tell them how to sail her – but she did let them know when she was working well.  By investigating the details, sticking as close as possible to the evidence, and believing in the reconstruction without insisting that it performed to anticipated norms, real and useful insights could be gained.  Which might just be something that can help us, from time to time.