A 13th c. Northumbrian lady
I don’t think he did it on purpose, but Emperor Charlemagne left an amazing set of manorial instructions that will help my persona building a LOT. The document is called the Capitulare de Villis and dates from the 8th century in southern France. Either Charlemagne or his son Louis might have commissioned the document, which… Continue Reading Charlemagne Helps Out My Persona
I couldn’t help myself when I wrote the title as I always think of CSI in terms of the T.V. show. So do the people who founded and run CSI, Sittingbourne — except their CSI means “Conservation Science Investigation.” It’s a fascinating approach to doing archeology and conservation in the public eye and with the… Continue Reading CSI: Crime Lab (O.K., not Crime)
Lines from from the early Anglo-Saxon poem “The Wanderer.” Where is the horse gone? Where the rider? Where the giver of treasure? Where are the seats at the feast? Where are the revels in the hall? Alas for the bright cup! Alas for the mailed warrior! Alas for the splendour of the prince! How that… Continue Reading Quote from "The Wanderer"
What year and place is it? It is 1110 AD deep in the Cheviot Hills of Northumbria, England. I was born in 1075, after the Conquest and before the Harrowing of the North. I gave birth to my son in 1097 and was widowed in 1100, the same year that King William Rufus of bloody… Continue Reading Persona Q&A
I was married to Erik of Fairhall, whose mother was a Dane and whose father was English. He died 10 years ago. Three days before we were wed, which is to say Easter of 1095, many stars were seen to fall from heaven. Not just one or two, but so many that no one could… Continue Reading Caitlin's Journal: Kings