This is not a Saxon huscarl. Not even close. A typical Norman horseman's chain mail, a Romanesque sword not typical for Britain of that period, a fantasy helmet. This is not a historical reconstruction, this is a character from the Vikings series.
I highly, highly doubt you are even close to being correct. Feel free to DM me on Instagram what you believe an authentic 11th Century Saxon huscarl would look like. IG - Alex The History Guy
fantasy helmet, romanesque sword?? the helmet is a spangenhelm with minimal face protection, not much fantasy. maybe a larp version, but still, i'm doubtful of where you got that from and about the sword; it could be a bit thicker, but i'm not sure how it's romanesque
I think it's safe to say he doesn't know what he's talking about - especially considering this entire harness is directly built from Harold's depiction in the Bayeux Tapestry dated 1080AD, but I am always happy to educate :)
We see the same type of maille hauberks and haubergeon being used across Europe. We have many depictions in Denmark from the 11th and 12th century. The same goes for the helmets and shields
Thank for another interesting video Alex, this is a subject that I've always been interested in. I'm especially grateful as know that these videos take a huge amount of time and research to produce. Unfortunately with this one, I found the text boxes almost impossible to read. The cursive font was the main problem. May I suggest a voice-over in future? I know from your previous videos that you have a good voice which is pleasing to listen to.
Good video. That Huskalr was quite wealth to afford that mail shirt . And to detractors, it might not be perfect but its close enough . i think the shield might have been round in most periods, but if this was meant mid 11th century its hard to say
King Cnut introduced a rule/law that insisted all his Huscarle's must have a gold decorated sword. Effectively this was a clever move as it meant the guys he himself was entrusting to be his tax collectors, fix-it men and of course his bodyguard were from the wealthiest families from across his empire. Giving him the opportunity to not only build loyalty of these elite troops directly to himself but also potentially give him eyes on rivals from within the aristocracy. So Huscarles would have been wealthy its right for re-enactors to demonstrate that. Also Kite sields were quite common (if the tapestry is to be believed) for any elite/professional warrior by the mid 11thC although obiously round shields were still a thing.
The Bayeux tapestry does not show what Harold *would* have worn, it shows pretty much all the Saxons wearing the same thing (since only around 4 or 5 colour threads were used in the construction of the tapestry). So in the tapestry Harold is wearing the same as most of the other Saxon warriors depicted. The kit is based off this, using Harold's depiction as a specific base to build from. I hope that clears it up a bit more :)
Weren't the Huscarls the elite of the day, they certainly could have afforded the best gear, Harold wouldn't want his personal guards to running around in rags and hand me downs would he?
@@AlexTheHistoryGuy Practical testing by a rëenactor 😉. I've given combat demonstrations at Archeon museum park during a heat wave. A soaked rag in the right place helps a surprising amount. Any historical evidence of a neckerchief may point that they used the same trick back then.
Most of these comments are cringe redditors who love to hate. Great showing, the mustache completed the Harold Godwinson ensemble. I would love an accurate tv show about the death of Edward the Confessor and the conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and Normans. I think there’s plenty of good drama that can be found from the events like Harold having to march his army up the length of England to suppress a Norse invasion and back again, and beginning the battle of Hastings already exhausted. William flying the pope’s banner perhaps without attaining his blessing yet. The story ought to be written in such a way that both kings have an equal claim to the throne and the audience is torn over who has the rightful claim. Like a better Game of Thrones.
Haha well only a couple comments, and backed up by a huge amount of positive and well informed comments which I do love to see. I pinned the silly comment because I thought it was pretty funny! Yes that would be a wonderful series to see, alas it seems impossible for film productions to discuss the early medieval era without delving straight into silly fantasy things. I'd love to see a Game of Thrones style production about the War of the Roses but alas we will never see that...ironic considering the inspirations for game of thrones itself.
Dane axes are for Danes! This kit is a reproduction of Harold Godwinson depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry and he was depicted as holding a spear. Huscarls likely did also have two handed axes as well.
@@AlexTheHistoryGuy not true, the English Huscarles of 1066 were using long axes/Dane Axes and are referenced in the historic matterial. Its thought they may have been adopted in England in the early 11thC while Cnut was on the throne. Interestingly, after 1066 so many English warriors fled to join the Varangian Guard (another force famed for its use of the 'Dane Axe' that for a while it became known as the English Guard. Sort of an ironic twist considering the English defeated Harold Hadrada would was obviously a commander of the VG previously.
Huscarl is the contemporary Danish term, 'housecarl' is the C19th Victorian version. The word came into English usage during Knut's reign as King of England. It could ge used interchangably with existing Old, English terms such as thegn, cniht or geneat. There was no elite royal guard of either Eadweard 'the Confessor' or Harold II Godwineson called huscarls, that is another Victorian myth.
Yes there was a large population of peasants, however, not all peasants were necessarily poor. Saxons did utilize slavery quite a lot though so household slaves were not uncommon.
Great kit! Fingered leather gloves did rise my eyebrows, however. Care to share sources for that? Not claiming they aren't historically accurate, I'm no expert when it comes to British Isles, but it isn't something I expect in this time period.
To be honest they are mainly for protection as I was fighting literally 5 minutes after this video. But in terms of sources physical is difficult due to well…. Leather rotting in our highly acidic soil. And textual is difficult, we don’t really have many early 11th century depictions of anything let alone the gloves. Cheers for asking though mate!
@@mitchelllawrence7407 I think it is understandable to forgo some historical accuracy for additional safety and comfort in reenactment. Especially when the rest of your kit is so well done and researched. Thanks for answering. Cheers!
to be fair in Britain most re-enactment clubs/societies either insist or recommend the wearing of protective gloves as a safety compromise despite the lack of historic evidence. Similarly, some require helmets to although historically these would have been much less widespread at the time but at the end of the day, most re-enactors have a day job they need to return to on Monday after a weekend of rampaging battles ;-)
@@Huscarle09 Yep, this is pretty much universal in reenactment. I personally don't experience it that much since I'm doing XVth century reenactment but I had friends doing earlier periods so I am aware they have to compromise in order to practice this hobby with relative safety. Although I have to say interacting with doctors after receiving injuries in reenactment is usually material for the funniest stories.
A most important topic in these modern times is that Saxon means "Sons of Isaac." I will not say more here, just look up W.H. Bennett's Story of Celto-Saxon Israel if you are interested. Rev. 2:9, 3:9 extremely important in these modern times.
It does not mean that. Saxon as a name and as a culture predates the appearance of Christianity in northern Europe and the name is most likely related to their cultural style of knife.
@@Jtbrahh Around 900 BC the twelve Tribes of Israel were split in two, due to Solomon sacrificing children to Ba'al. The ten northern tribes (Israel) and the two southern (Jews). In fact, the first time Jews are mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 16:6 is in the context of a war between the Jews and Israel. The Ten Northern Tribes (Israel) were taken north into captivity in Assyria in 700 BC and the Jews were taken east to Babylon in 600 BC. After the collapse of the Assyrian empire, the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel migrated north into Europe, and became the waves of Celts and Saxons. The symbols of their tribes from Genesis 49 can be found in the European family crests. They were supposed to use these symbols as in Numbers 2:2 so as not to forget their heritage. The fact that the modern state of Israel is called "Israel" is to help erase the memory of the Celto-Saxon as being of the Lost Tribes of Israel. "British" means "Covenant People." The Irish had the Harp of David on their flag for many centuries, and Gaelic has many similarities to ancient Hebrew. Jacob's Pillow, the Stone of Scone, is in the Royal Coronation Chair. But the main evidence is in the European family crests. Sacae, Scythian, Saxon...the Sons of Isaac..."Iberia" (Spain) means Hebrew...
@@Jtbrahh Around 900 BC the twelve Tribes of Israel were split in two, due to Solomon sacrificing children to Ba'al. The ten northern tribes (Israel) and the two southern (Jews). In fact, the first time Jews are mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 16:6 is in the context of a war between the Jews and Israel. The Ten Northern Tribes (Israel) were taken north into captivity in Assyria in 700 BC and the Jews were taken east to Babylon in 600 BC. After the collapse of the Assyrian empire, the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel migrated north into Europe, and became the waves of Celts and Saxons. The symbols of their tribes from Genesis 49 can be found in the European family crests. They were supposed to use these symbols as in Numbers 2:2 so as not to forget their heritage. The fact that the modern state of Israel is called "Israel" is to help erase the memory of the Celto-Saxon as being of the Lost Tribes of Israel. "British" means "Covenant People." The Irish had the Harp of David on their flag for many centuries, and Gaelic has many similarities to ancient Hebrew. Jacob's Pillow, the Stone of Scone, is in the Royal Coronation Chair. But the main evidence is in the European family crests. Sacae, Scythian, Saxon...the Sons of Isaac..."Iberia" (Spain) means Hebrew...
This is not a Saxon huscarl. Not even close. A typical Norman horseman's chain mail, a Romanesque sword not typical for Britain of that period, a fantasy helmet. This is not a historical reconstruction, this is a character from the Vikings series.
I highly, highly doubt you are even close to being correct. Feel free to DM me on Instagram what you believe an authentic 11th Century Saxon huscarl would look like. IG - Alex The History Guy
fantasy helmet, romanesque sword??
the helmet is a spangenhelm with minimal face protection, not much fantasy. maybe a larp version, but still, i'm doubtful of where you got that from
and about the sword; it could be a bit thicker, but i'm not sure how it's romanesque
I think it's safe to say he doesn't know what he's talking about - especially considering this entire harness is directly built from Harold's depiction in the Bayeux Tapestry dated 1080AD, but I am always happy to educate :)
We see the same type of maille hauberks and haubergeon being used across Europe. We have many depictions in Denmark from the 11th and 12th century. The same goes for the helmets and shields
Never cook again
this is incredibly cool
Ayy thank you
The fit check is on point
Indeed.
This is so cool. Subbed, can't wait to see more!
Got another one already in the works ;)
Thank for another interesting video Alex, this is a subject that I've always been interested in. I'm especially grateful as know that these videos take a huge amount of time and research to produce. Unfortunately with this one, I found the text boxes almost impossible to read. The cursive font was the main problem. May I suggest a voice-over in future? I know from your previous videos that you have a good voice which is pleasing to listen to.
thank you sir
Good video. That Huskalr was quite wealth to afford that mail shirt . And to detractors, it might not be perfect but its close enough . i think the shield might have been round in most periods, but if this was meant mid 11th century its hard to say
The entire kit is a reproduction of Harold Godwinson depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry from 1080AD and he's wearing a kiteshield :)
@@AlexTheHistoryGuy, But Harold Godwinson was not a huscarl, he was a king and had access to a completely different level of equipment than a huscarl.
King Cnut introduced a rule/law that insisted all his Huscarle's must have a gold decorated sword. Effectively this was a clever move as it meant the guys he himself was entrusting to be his tax collectors, fix-it men and of course his bodyguard were from the wealthiest families from across his empire. Giving him the opportunity to not only build loyalty of these elite troops directly to himself but also potentially give him eyes on rivals from within the aristocracy. So Huscarles would have been wealthy its right for re-enactors to demonstrate that. Also Kite sields were quite common (if the tapestry is to be believed) for any elite/professional warrior by the mid 11thC although obiously round shields were still a thing.
The Bayeux tapestry does not show what Harold *would* have worn, it shows pretty much all the Saxons wearing the same thing (since only around 4 or 5 colour threads were used in the construction of the tapestry). So in the tapestry Harold is wearing the same as most of the other Saxon warriors depicted.
The kit is based off this, using Harold's depiction as a specific base to build from. I hope that clears it up a bit more :)
Weren't the Huscarls the elite of the day, they certainly could have afforded the best gear, Harold wouldn't want his personal guards to running around in rags and hand me downs would he?
Where's his big, scary axe?
Embedded in a Normans back, I'd assume.
Nice work!
Impeccable fit
from what skyrim told me, huscarls are big strong women
Wonderful. Have you ever read Bulwer Lyttons book 'Harold Last of the Saxon Kings' ?
The cloth scarf around the neck would be made wet in warmer weather, to help shed the heat of the armor.
Do we have a source for that? 🧐
@@AlexTheHistoryGuy Practical testing by a rëenactor 😉. I've given combat demonstrations at Archeon museum park during a heat wave. A soaked rag in the right place helps a surprising amount. Any historical evidence of a neckerchief may point that they used the same trick back then.
Good work.
informative. Nice
Thank you :)
great video! does the helmet have a padded lining, or does the coif provide the padding?
Epic kit
Much appreciated
Very cool! Where did you get the chainmail from? Thanks
I believe he got it from Habibi Armoury. I have also ordered multiple high quality items from them and I have been very happy with everything!
Wow.
I can't imagine trying to wear maille while sporting an epic beard. All the tugging, yanking, pulling, jerking...
You underestimate the strength of his mustache wax. His tache could cut through metal.
Most of these comments are cringe redditors who love to hate. Great showing, the mustache completed the Harold Godwinson ensemble.
I would love an accurate tv show about the death of Edward the Confessor and the conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and Normans. I think there’s plenty of good drama that can be found from the events like Harold having to march his army up the length of England to suppress a Norse invasion and back again, and beginning the battle of Hastings already exhausted. William flying the pope’s banner perhaps without attaining his blessing yet. The story ought to be written in such a way that both kings have an equal claim to the throne and the audience is torn over who has the rightful claim. Like a better Game of Thrones.
Haha well only a couple comments, and backed up by a huge amount of positive and well informed comments which I do love to see. I pinned the silly comment because I thought it was pretty funny!
Yes that would be a wonderful series to see, alas it seems impossible for film productions to discuss the early medieval era without delving straight into silly fantasy things.
I'd love to see a Game of Thrones style production about the War of the Roses but alas we will never see that...ironic considering the inspirations for game of thrones itself.
Im not sure about the spear. I mean there probably would be huscarls using spears but wouldnt a daneaxe fit more^^
Dane axes are for Danes! This kit is a reproduction of Harold Godwinson depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry and he was depicted as holding a spear. Huscarls likely did also have two handed axes as well.
I agree, Dane axes are way cooler and in the tapestry too! Any old Fyrd can have a spear 😂
@@AlexTheHistoryGuy not true, the English Huscarles of 1066 were using long axes/Dane Axes and are referenced in the historic matterial. Its thought they may have been adopted in England in the early 11thC while Cnut was on the throne. Interestingly, after 1066 so many English warriors fled to join the Varangian Guard (another force famed for its use of the 'Dane Axe' that for a while it became known as the English Guard. Sort of an ironic twist considering the English defeated Harold Hadrada would was obviously a commander of the VG previously.
Yes I said the Saxons probably did have Dane axes too, but they just probably didn't call them Dane axes :^)
I've heard of housecarl. Is that the same thing?
Yep. No uniform spelling of it.
Huscarl is the contemporary Danish term, 'housecarl' is the C19th Victorian version. The word came into English usage during Knut's reign as King of England. It could ge used interchangably with existing Old, English terms such as thegn, cniht or geneat. There was no elite royal guard of either Eadweard 'the Confessor' or Harold II Godwineson called huscarls, that is another Victorian myth.
So who are the guys beneath this guy?
There was a huge peasant faction right?
Please excuse my ignorance.
Yes there was a large population of peasants, however, not all peasants were necessarily poor. Saxons did utilize slavery quite a lot though so household slaves were not uncommon.
Great kit! Fingered leather gloves did rise my eyebrows, however. Care to share sources for that? Not claiming they aren't historically accurate, I'm no expert when it comes to British Isles, but it isn't something I expect in this time period.
To be honest they are mainly for protection as I was fighting literally 5 minutes after this video. But in terms of sources physical is difficult due to well…. Leather rotting in our highly acidic soil. And textual is difficult, we don’t really have many early 11th century depictions of anything let alone the gloves. Cheers for asking though mate!
@@mitchelllawrence7407 I think it is understandable to forgo some historical accuracy for additional safety and comfort in reenactment. Especially when the rest of your kit is so well done and researched. Thanks for answering. Cheers!
to be fair in Britain most re-enactment clubs/societies either insist or recommend the wearing of protective gloves as a safety compromise despite the lack of historic evidence. Similarly, some require helmets to although historically these would have been much less widespread at the time but at the end of the day, most re-enactors have a day job they need to return to on Monday after a weekend of rampaging battles ;-)
@@Huscarle09 Yep, this is pretty much universal in reenactment. I personally don't experience it that much since I'm doing XVth century reenactment but I had friends doing earlier periods so I am aware they have to compromise in order to practice this hobby with relative safety.
Although I have to say interacting with doctors after receiving injuries in reenactment is usually material for the funniest stories.
Well if you do 15th century reenactment then be sure to watch my "how a knight shall be armed" video that I also filmed with Mitch ;)
Can’t read the font.
:(
That font is wretched
:(
þæt is eac swelc wundorlice cytel. Ic eom wundrod!
You took the words right out of my mouth!
We need to dress like this. Why did we ever give it up?
Well, as a reenactor I still do dress like this hahah
Go to any big city on a Friday night in England and it’ should be compulsory.
A most important topic in these modern times is that Saxon means "Sons of Isaac." I will not say more here, just look up W.H. Bennett's Story of Celto-Saxon Israel if you are interested. Rev. 2:9, 3:9 extremely important in these modern times.
Utter bollocks. Go away.
It does not mean that. Saxon as a name and as a culture predates the appearance of Christianity in northern Europe and the name is most likely related to their cultural style of knife.
@@Jtbrahh Around 900 BC the twelve Tribes of Israel were split in two, due to Solomon sacrificing children to Ba'al. The ten northern tribes (Israel) and the two southern (Jews). In fact, the first time Jews are mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 16:6 is in the context of a war between the Jews and Israel. The Ten Northern Tribes (Israel) were taken north into captivity in Assyria in 700 BC and the Jews were taken east to Babylon in 600 BC. After the collapse of the Assyrian empire, the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel migrated north into Europe, and became the waves of Celts and Saxons. The symbols of their tribes from Genesis 49 can be found in the European family crests. They were supposed to use these symbols as in Numbers 2:2 so as not to forget their heritage. The fact that the modern state of Israel is called "Israel" is to help erase the memory of the Celto-Saxon as being of the Lost Tribes of Israel. "British" means "Covenant People." The Irish had the Harp of David on their flag for many centuries, and Gaelic has many similarities to ancient Hebrew. Jacob's Pillow, the Stone of Scone, is in the Royal Coronation Chair. But the main evidence is in the European family crests. Sacae, Scythian, Saxon...the Sons of Isaac..."Iberia" (Spain) means Hebrew...
@@MasonBryant Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"
John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
@@Jtbrahh Around 900 BC the twelve Tribes of Israel were split in two, due to Solomon sacrificing children to Ba'al. The ten northern tribes (Israel) and the two southern (Jews). In fact, the first time Jews are mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 16:6 is in the context of a war between the Jews and Israel. The Ten Northern Tribes (Israel) were taken north into captivity in Assyria in 700 BC and the Jews were taken east to Babylon in 600 BC. After the collapse of the Assyrian empire, the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel migrated north into Europe, and became the waves of Celts and Saxons. The symbols of their tribes from Genesis 49 can be found in the European family crests. They were supposed to use these symbols as in Numbers 2:2 so as not to forget their heritage. The fact that the modern state of Israel is called "Israel" is to help erase the memory of the Celto-Saxon as being of the Lost Tribes of Israel. "British" means "Covenant People." The Irish had the Harp of David on their flag for many centuries, and Gaelic has many similarities to ancient Hebrew. Jacob's Pillow, the Stone of Scone, is in the Royal Coronation Chair. But the main evidence is in the European family crests. Sacae, Scythian, Saxon...the Sons of Isaac..."Iberia" (Spain) means Hebrew...