Hide Tanning in Anglo Saxon England

Hide Tanning in Anglo Saxon England

Author: Frank Docherty April 22, 2024 Duration: 9:06

In Anglo-Saxon England, hide tanning was a significant craft. Hides were processed to create leather, which served various purposes, including clothing, footwear, armor, and household items. Here are some true facts about hide tanning in Anglo-Saxon England:

  • Importance of Leather: Leather was a crucial material in Anglo-Saxon society, used for a wide range of products due to its durability and versatility. It played a vital role in daily life, from clothing to tools to housing.

  • Tanning Methods: Anglo-Saxons used several methods to tan hides, including vegetable tanning and brain tanning. Vegetable tanning involved the use of tannins from plant sources such as oak bark, while brain tanning utilised animal brains to soften and preserve the hides.

    1. Craftsmanship: Hide tanning was a skilled craft, often performed by specialised craftsmen known as tanners or leatherworkers. These artisans had extensive knowledge of the tanning process and techniques for achieving different qualities of leather.

    2. Tanning Locations: Tanning was typically carried out in specialised workshops or areas within Anglo-Saxon settlements. These locations were equipped with tools and facilities necessary for the tanning process, such as vats for soaking hides and stretching frames for drying.

    3. Economic Significance: Leather working was an economically significant trade in Anglo-Saxon England. Tanners produced leather goods not only for local consumption but also for trade with neighbouring communities and beyond, contributing to the region's economy.

    4. Social Status: Leather working was a respected craft, tanners were not typically among the highest social classes in Anglo-Saxon society. However, skilled artisans could still achieve a level of prosperity and respect within their communities.


      Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of hide tanning in Anglo-Saxon settlements, including tanning pits, tools, and residues associated with the tanning process. These findings provide insights into the techniques and practices employed by Anglo-Saxon leatherworkers.


  • Overall, hide tanning was a vital craft in Anglo-Saxon England, supporting various aspects of daily life and contributing to the region's economy and material culture.


    Frank Docherty hosts The Wanderer, a podcast that moves through the deep forests and mead halls of early medieval England. This isn't a dry recitation of dates, but an exploration of how people thought, believed, and told stories. You’ll hear discussions on the foundational myths and local spirits that populated the Anglo-Saxon world, understanding how folklore was woven into daily life. The conversation naturally extends to the complex religious landscape, from the old gods to the coming of Christianity, and how these forces collided and merged. History provides the anchor, examining the society and events that formed the backdrop for everything else. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering layers of a rich tapestry, where a heroic poem, a pagan ritual, and a historical king might all be connected. Each episode aims to make the distant past feel tangible and relevant, exploring the wisdom and the weirdness of a foundational era. The goal is to provide a thoughtful, nuanced perspective that goes beyond the stereotypes, all while appreciating the haunting beauty of the language and ideas left behind. It’s for anyone curious about the roots of stories and the echoes of a world that still subtly shapes our own.
    Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

    The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion
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