The History of English Podcast
Host: Kevin Stroud
Episode: 63: Restorations and Remedies
Release Date: June 2, 2015

Overview

In Episode 63 of The History of English Podcast, titled "Restorations and Remedies," host Kevin Stroud delves into the intricate tapestry of English history leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066. This episode intertwines political restorations with the evolution of Anglo-Saxon medical practices, exploring how Edward the Confessor's reign influenced both the monarchy and the language.

Restoration of the Wessex Monarchy

Kevin begins by tracing the political restoration that saw the revival of the Wessex monarchy under Edward the Confessor. Edward's ascension to the throne in 1042 marked the end of a tumultuous period where multiple half-brothers vied for power after Canute's death in 1035. As Kevin explains:

“Edward became king... he was half Norman, but he was also half English... Thus, the Old West Saxon monarchy was restored”
(00:09)

This restoration was significant as it reestablished a lineage tracing back over 400 years to Alfred the Great, underscoring the deep-rooted traditions of the West Saxon bloodline.

Edward’s Religious Devotion and Westminster Abbey

Despite his roots, Edward the Confessor was more aligned with Norman culture, having spent much of his life in Normandy. His reign was characterized by religious devotion rather than strong political leadership. Early in his reign, Edward initiated the construction of a new cathedral in the Norman style, which eventually became Westminster Abbey. Kevin notes:

“Edward's new church would be Westminster, and it's still known by that name today, Westminster Abbey. That cathedral has actually been rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries.”
(Detailed within the transcript)

Westminster Abbey not only served as a religious center but also became a pivotal site for future English coronations and burials of prominent figures, cementing its place in English history.

Edward the Confessor: From King to Saint

Edward earned the moniker "the Confessor" due to his piety and reputed ability to perform miracles, such as healing the sick. The term "confessor" in this context derives from old French, meaning someone who professes religious beliefs, not the negative connotation it holds today. Kevin elaborates:

“...the word confess has a bit of a negative connotation... in old French, the meaning was more akin to profess.”
(Around 00:09)

Edward's sanctity was further recognized posthumously when Pope Alexander III canonized him as a saint, largely influenced by legendary tales of his healing touch.

The Legend of Edward’s Healing Touch

One of the most captivating stories from Edward's reign is his supposed ability to cure ailments by touch. Legend has it that Edward healed a paralyzed man covered in sores simply by carrying him to a church and setting him down. Historian William of Malmesbury recounted:

“Edward cured blindness in several people.”
(Timestamp included within the transcript)

This miraculous reputation led to the tradition of the "king's evil," scrofula, being associated with royal touch cures. People believed that Edward's divine gift was bestowed upon subsequent English monarchs, perpetuating the myth through practices like rubbing coins bearing the king's image on afflicted areas.

Anglo-Saxon Medicine: Bald’s Leech Book and Lok Nunga

Transitioning from legends to the practical, Kevin explores Anglo-Saxon medical practices documented in Bald’s Leech Book and Lok Nunga. These manuscripts are treasure troves of herbal remedies, charms, and prayers aimed at curing various ailments. For instance, Lok Nunga, compiled in the late 10th or early 11th century, contains:

“Remedies for scrofula included mixtures like coriander and beans or barley meal with wax and oil.”
(Within the transcript)

Bald’s Leech Book is particularly noteworthy as it presents a physician’s manual with detailed remedies ranging from treating shingles with bark from 15 different trees to concocting salves for eye infections using leeks and garlic. One remarkable Old English remedy for warts involved:

“Take a dog’s urine and a mouse’s blood, mingle together, and smear the warts with it.”
(Estimated around mid-transcript)

The Theory of the Four Humors and Bloodletting

Central to Anglo-Saxon medicine was the Greek theory of the four humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—which posited that an imbalance of these fluids caused illness. Kevin explains:

“Blood and phlegm are actually cognate, and they were two of the four humors or bodily fluids... The word humor passed into English meaning the same thing.”
(In-depth discussion around the four humors)

To restore balance, practices like bloodletting were employed, albeit less prevalently compared to continental Europe. Bald's Leech Book advises prudence in bloodletting, suggesting it should be performed only under specific conditions to avoid misuse.

Revival of Old Remedies in Modern Times

Interestingly, some Anglo-Saxon remedies have found validation in modern science. Kevin highlights a study by the University of Nottingham, where an old recipe from Bald's Leech Book was tested against MRSA bacteria with impressive results:

“...the Anglo Saxon remedy kills up to 90% of the MRSA bacteria.”
(Around 49:34)

This revelation bridges ancient practices with contemporary medical advancements, showcasing the enduring legacy of Anglo-Saxon knowledge.

The Power Dynamics: Edward and Godwin

As Edward aged without an heir, his relationship with the powerful Earl Godwin became increasingly strained. Godwin, the wealthiest earl with strong roots in Wessex, had orchestrated a strategic marriage between his daughter Edith and Edward to secure his family's influence:

“...this marriage between Edward and Edith ensured Godwin's position as the most powerful earl in the land.”
(Later in the transcript)

However, the union was childless, heightening succession concerns. Godwin’s sons, Harold and Tostig, were positioned in influential roles, further consolidating Godwin’s power. Edward's declining authority and reliance on Norman advisors deepened the rift, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Succession Crisis and the Road to the Norman Conquest

With Edward approaching 50 and no heir in sight, multiple claimants eyed the English throne:

• Harald Hardrada of Norway, driven by his claim through earlier agreements, poised for conquest.
• William, Duke of Normandy, Edward's cousin and a close relative, with Edward allegedly promising him the throne.

Kevin outlines the impending showdown among these factions, which culminated in the pivotal events of 1066, shaping the future of England and significantly influencing the English language.

Conclusion

Episode 63 masterfully intertwines the political restoration under Edward the Confessor with the rich tapestry of Anglo-Saxon medical practices. Through detailed exploration of historical texts and legendary narratives, Kevin Stroud illuminates how these elements collectively set the stage for the transformative Norman Conquest, leaving an indelible mark on the English language and culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Stroud on Edward’s Ascension:
  “Edward became king... he was half Norman, but he was also half English... Thus, the Old West Saxon monarchy was restored.”
  (00:09)

• On Legendary Healing:
  “Edward cured blindness in several people.”
  (Attributed to William of Malmesbury)

• On Modern Validation:
  “...the Anglo Saxon remedy kills up to 90% of the MRSA bacteria.”
  (49:34)

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Kevin will explore the evolution of Normandy and the culmination of the power struggles that led to England's transformation under Norman rule.