Summary of "The Royal Threesome That Rocked Anglo-Saxon England" – History Extra Podcast

Episode Title: The Royal Threesome that Rocked Anglo-Saxon England
Podcast: History Extra Podcast
Host: David Musgrove
Guest: Dr. Catherine Wyckert, Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval European History at the University of Winchester
Release Date: February 12, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the History Extra podcast, host David Musgrove delves into a scandalous account from 10th-century Anglo-Saxon England involving King Eadwe. The episode explores the controversial claim that Eadwe engaged in a sexual affair with both his wife and her mother during his coronation feast—a story that has intrigued historians for centuries. To unravel this narrative, Musgrove engages with Dr. Catherine Wyckert, whose expertise sheds light on the historical context and the veracity of these claims.

King Eadwe and His Reign

Timestamp: [02:45]

Dr. Wyckert begins by outlining King Eadwe's ascent to the throne in 955. As a young monarch, approximately 15 years old, Eadwe inherited a relatively stable succession after the reigns of his father, Edmund, and his uncle, Eadred. This smooth transition was noteworthy in a period often marked by contested successions and familial strife.

Dr. Wyckert: "Eadwe comes to the throne as a young man whose entire royal court is dominated by established political figures. Establishing his rule meant navigating a court entrenched by his uncles' factions." [04:25]

Eadwe's lineage traced back to the influential line of Wessex, being the great-grandson of the renowned King Alfred. This prestigious heritage positioned him as a legitimate successor in the eyes of contemporaries, although underlying tensions simmered beneath the surface.

The Coronation Feast Incident

Timestamp: [02:45] – [09:26]

The crux of the episode centers on the dramatic account of Eadwe departing his coronation feast to indulge in a sexual liaison with his wife and her mother. According to sources from the 10th century, this act was deemed highly inappropriate, both politically and morally.

Host (David Musgrove): "The Anglo Saxon Chronicle makes a great show of essentially pretending that all the succession of the kings were perfectly fine... But when Eadwe leaves his coronation feast for such a scandalous act, it paints a very different picture." [03:19]

Dr. Wyckert discusses the nature of the sources that recount this event, highlighting that the first mention appears approximately four decades after the alleged incident. This temporal gap raises questions about the reliability and potential biases of the accounts.

Dr. Wyckert: "It's a great story, and whether it happened or not, honestly, doesn't really matter because it's too good to pass up in terms of a king just deciding to leave his coronation feast and basically go have a ménage à trois." [03:01]

Sources and Credibility of the Account

Timestamp: [09:26] – [16:28]

Examining the origins of the scandalous tale, Dr. Wyckert emphasizes that the narrative originates from hagiographies—biographies of saints that often contain embellished or biased accounts intended to glorify religious figures. The primary source attributes the incident to the writings of an author closely associated with Abbot Dunstan, a powerful churchman of the time.

Dr. Wyckert: "The first time we hear it is in one of these hagiographies, which have a vested interest in making Dunstan look really good." [18:26]

This connection suggests that the story may have been crafted to damage King Eadwe's reputation by portraying him as morally corrupt, thereby elevating the moral authority of figures like Dunstan.

Political Context and Family Dynamics

Timestamp: [12:04] – [28:44]

The episode delves into the intricate web of family politics that characterized Eadwe's court. His marriage to Elfgifu was a strategic alliance meant to bolster his political standing by connecting with influential kin from Mercia and Wessex. However, this union later faced annulment on grounds of consanguinity, indicating that the couple was too closely related by church standards.

Dr. Wyckert: "Eadwe's marriage to Elfgifu was crucial for building his own political network, but its annulment weakened his alliances significantly." [16:11]

The presence of powerful women like Ead Gifu, Eadwe's grandmother, and Elfgifu's mother further complicated the political landscape. These women wielded considerable influence, acting as power brokers within the royal court.

Moreover, the introduction of Eadwe's younger brother, Edgar, as co-king in 957 reflects the delicate balance of power within the kingdom. This division of kingship could be interpreted as either a pragmatic approach to governance or a sign of underlying weaknesses in Eadwe's rule.

Role of Women in the Court

Timestamp: [14:05] – [29:40]

Dr. Wyckert highlights the significant roles played by women in the royal court, challenging the traditional perception of medieval politics as exclusively male-dominated. Ead Gifu and Elfgifu were instrumental in maintaining and expanding political alliances, demonstrating that royal women could effectively influence governance and power structures.

Dr. Wyckert: "Royal women in this period had a lot of power that they could wield depending on where they were in the order of things." [17:25]

The episode emphasizes that the scandalous narrative of Eadwe's actions may have been a means to undermine the authority and influence of these powerful women.

The Aftermath and Eadwe's Death

Timestamp: [30:10] – [32:16]

Eadwe's reign, lasting only four years from 955 to 959, concluded with his untimely death at the age of 19. The circumstances surrounding his death remain obscure, with no records indicating foul play. The annulment of his marriage to Elfgifu and her subsequent exile weakened his position, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to internal strife.

Elfgifu's return to the court during Edgar's reign and her considerable influence, evidenced by her will leaving estates to King Edgar, suggests that she successfully navigated the political turmoil to maintain her status and power.

Dr. Wyckert: "Elfgifu was able to regain her status and land, indicating her resilience and enduring influence within the kingdom." [30:23]

Conclusions

The episode concludes by questioning the validity of the sensational account of King Eadwe's alleged misdemeanors. Dr. Wyckert posits that the story was likely fabricated or exaggerated to tarnish Eadwe's legacy and diminish the power of influential women in his court. This narrative serves as a historical example of how political motivations can shape the recording of events, often blurring the lines between fact and propaganda.

Dr. Wyckert: "It's too great a story to let down. That's why we're still talking about it a thousand years later." [29:50]

The discussion underscores the importance of critically evaluating historical sources and recognizing the potential biases that can influence our understanding of the past.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Catherine Wyckert:
  "It's a great story. We can't just pretend it's not there, can we? Because it's also too good to pass up in terms of a king just deciding to leave his coronation feast and basically go have a ménage à trois." [03:01]

• Dr. Catherine Wyckert:
  "Royal women in this period had a lot of power that they could wield depending on where they were in the order of things." [17:25]

• Dr. Catherine Wyckert:
  "It's too great a story to let down. That's why we're still talking about it a thousand years later." [29:50]

Final Thoughts

This episode of the History Extra podcast provides a nuanced exploration of a controversial episode in Anglo-Saxon history. Through the expert analysis of Dr. Catherine Wyckert, listeners gain insight into the complex interplay of politics, power, and gender dynamics that shaped the reign of King Eadwe. The discussion serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which history is recorded and interpreted, highlighting the necessity of critical examination of sources to uncover the broader truths of our past.