Those oarsome people who are building a working replica of the Sutton Hoo Ship have launched a public competition to choose a name for the vessel. Entries will be accepted until January 31, 2026; then the top 3 will be put to a public vote.They stipulate no silly names, that it has evoke the ship’s heritage and that it is simple to pronounce.Hmm – that last stipulation really took the wind out of my sails. I fear that my first choice, Brimhengest (Anglo-Saxon for brine-stallion/sea-stallion), founders on the rocks of not tripping sufficiently lightly off the modern tongue.Even so I think that the name should encompass something of the Anglo-Saxon tradition of ‘kenning’ - when a compound word is formed by connecting ideas related to the plain meaning, but which elevates it to poetic metaphor.In that spirit, perhaps something like ‘Wave-eater’ or ‘Wave-splitter’. After all the Anglo-Saxons came over in waves.Given that this particular ship served as King Raedwald’s transport to the afterlife, and also that he hedged his celestial bets by adopting Christianity, whilst continuing to worship the Anglo-Saxon pantheon, it could be called the ‘Waelhaell Ferry” – Waelheall (Hall of the Slain) being equivalent to the Norse Valhalla.I’m sure you all have better ideas. Let the sails of your imaginations unfurl. See the link below for where to submit.saxonship.org/suggest-a-name-for-saxon-ship/... See MoreSee Less
Here's a link to a quick read (2.5 mins) on my Substack today that might intrigue you all. loadesofhistory.substack.com/p/the-heist-at-hever-henry-viiis-daggerI have always been captivated by Hever Castle. I used to live nearby, I have jousted there and I have filmed there. It is a very special place and this is a cracking story!If you haven't taken a look at Substack yet - why not dip your toe in with this one? It is entirely free.My community there is growing nicely and I have a headful of articles I'm eager to write. It is just a matter of making the time. Of course your support goes a long way in encouraging that, so if you find any of the articles of interest, don't forget to like. Thanks. ... See MoreSee Less
