The Anglo Saxon Huscarls

The Anglo Saxon Huscarls

Author: Frank Docherty January 10, 2023 Duration: 9:15

Founded by nut the great, the Danish ruler of England in the early 11th century, the Huscarls were modelled upon the Joms Vikings although new research has found that the Joms Vikings weren't as disciplined as was thought, and the Saga was probably embellished.

Cnut established them as a permanent body of professional warriors, They were 3000 strong. They attended the king and were maintained in 3 corps: two stationed around London, the third in the north near York. They were further divided into crews to man the 40 longships maintained from Canute onward, as a royal Navy. Thus the Huscarls formed a nucleus for any English national force, both on land and sea.

This was maintained by a special tax, on each “hide” of land. In later days, individual Huscarls were granted land of their own, which they lived upon and oversaw. Feudalism was spreading to England from the continent; and had the Norman Conquest not interrupted their evolution, in time the Huscarls would likely have assumed most aspects of the feudal chivalry found elsewhere; becoming England’s version of the Feudal knight.


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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