Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Friday, 1 May 2015

Æthelwold ætheling


Each day Wikipedia features one of their onine articles, and yesterday they chose a very interesting one about the aetheling Aethelwold, the nephew of King Alfred, and the son of the King's elder brother and predecessor King Aethelred I. After his uncle's death he revolted against King Edward the Elder at the beginning of his reign, allied with forces in the Danelaw where he was acknowledged as King, and was killed in battle in 902 or 903.

The article is a detailed study and a fascinating insight into the dynastic and power politics of later-ninth and early to mid-tenth century England. It includes an excellent and up to date bibliography. The whole article can be read at Æthelwold ætheling


File:Coin of Æthelwold ætheling c. 900.jpg

A coin issued by King Alwaldus - Æthelwold ætheling - in the Danelaw

Image: Wikimedia commons

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2 comments:

Ben Whitworth said...

Have you read the novels "The Bone Thief" and "The Traitors' Pit" by V.M. Whitworth, in which Æthelwold plays a key role? I recommend them!

1 May 2015 at 12:54
Once I Was A Clever Boy said...

No, I was not aware of them. Thank you for the recommendation.

1 May 2015 at 13:28

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