HistoryExtra podcast The royal threesome that rocked Anglo-Saxon England
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Feb 12, 2025 Join Katherine Weikert, a Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval History, as she unpacks the scandalous story of King Eadwig, who allegedly left his coronation feast for a daring rendezvous with his wife and her mother. Discover how this sensational tale, likely fabricated, reveals much about the royal authority and societal norms of 10th-century England. Weikert also explores the political significance of royal marriages, the hidden power of women in the monarchy, and how these dynamics shaped the tumultuous landscape of early Anglo-Saxon politics.
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Eadwig's Background and Reign
- Eadwig, a descendant of Alfred the Great, became king at 15 in 955.
- His reign faced challenges as he navigated a court dominated by established figures.
Importance of Coronation Feasts
- Coronation feasts were essential displays of kingship in the 10th century.
- Kings demonstrated largesse and reinforced their authority.
The Threesome Narrative
- The story of the threesome first appeared 40 years after Eadwig's coronation.
- It's told from Dunstan's perspective, who supposedly dragged Eadwig back to the feast.