Hi Florence, thanks for starting this series. I’m not a mediaevalist at all but I find the period fascinating and this was all new information tl me. I did have one question (if you are allowing them!). What did Alcuin mean by he would write ‘if the kings business allowed her to read it’? I was just interested in what that phrase might mean or imply? Thanks Tim
Hi Tim! Thanks so much for your comment. The meaning of this phrase is very ambiguous, and it seems to suggest either that Alcuin was worried Offa may not take kindly to a letter from Alcuin to Cynethryth, or else that Alcuin’s prior letters to Cynethryth had previously gone unanswered. I would also consider the possibility that it means Cynethryth was simply too busy with royal matters. I hope that answers your question, even if there is not one clear answer!
I have suggested that Alcuin in his letter to Gundrada where he says ‘I would have written her a letter if the King’s business had permitted her to read it. Let her rest assured that I am as faithful to her ladyship also as I can be.’ could refer to the fact that Ecgfrith had been murdered and so she was out of favour.
When I have finished my chapter on Mercian queens I will send it to you. I wondered if she had vice-regal powers in Kent as most of her coins were produced by the one moneyer Eoba. I am also fascinated by the 'Cyne' prefix and where this emanates from - thinking of Cynewise married to Offa. It would be great to prove a Kentish origin which could explain Cynethryth's later connection.
As far as I understand there weren't any moneyers in Mercia so a lot of Offa's coins were minted in Kent - also worth noting Archbishop Jaenbehrt had his own coinage too which may have something to do with it
Thanks for reissuing this. It’s interesting that Cynethryth gets referred to as Regina Merciorum whereas Æthelflæd over a century later could only manage Myrcna Hlæfdige (Lady of the Mercians) and this is despite Æthelflæd arguably wielding more raw power than Cynethryth. Do you think that this is attributable solely to the rising power of Wessex over Mercia by the early 10th century or are there other factors in play here?
Fascinating. Thank you.
Move over Aethelflaed, there’s a new kid on the block 👍😁
What a smashing blog post and audio - more please 👏👏👏
I loved reading this - thank you so much for it :-D
Hi Florence, thanks for starting this series. I’m not a mediaevalist at all but I find the period fascinating and this was all new information tl me. I did have one question (if you are allowing them!). What did Alcuin mean by he would write ‘if the kings business allowed her to read it’? I was just interested in what that phrase might mean or imply? Thanks Tim
Hi Tim! Thanks so much for your comment. The meaning of this phrase is very ambiguous, and it seems to suggest either that Alcuin was worried Offa may not take kindly to a letter from Alcuin to Cynethryth, or else that Alcuin’s prior letters to Cynethryth had previously gone unanswered. I would also consider the possibility that it means Cynethryth was simply too busy with royal matters. I hope that answers your question, even if there is not one clear answer!
I have suggested that Alcuin in his letter to Gundrada where he says ‘I would have written her a letter if the King’s business had permitted her to read it. Let her rest assured that I am as faithful to her ladyship also as I can be.’ could refer to the fact that Ecgfrith had been murdered and so she was out of favour.
When I have finished my chapter on Mercian queens I will send it to you. I wondered if she had vice-regal powers in Kent as most of her coins were produced by the one moneyer Eoba. I am also fascinated by the 'Cyne' prefix and where this emanates from - thinking of Cynewise married to Offa. It would be great to prove a Kentish origin which could explain Cynethryth's later connection.
As far as I understand there weren't any moneyers in Mercia so a lot of Offa's coins were minted in Kent - also worth noting Archbishop Jaenbehrt had his own coinage too which may have something to do with it
Where within Mercia (if any one place) did Offa and Cynethryth hold court?
Thanks for reissuing this. It’s interesting that Cynethryth gets referred to as Regina Merciorum whereas Æthelflæd over a century later could only manage Myrcna Hlæfdige (Lady of the Mercians) and this is despite Æthelflæd arguably wielding more raw power than Cynethryth. Do you think that this is attributable solely to the rising power of Wessex over Mercia by the early 10th century or are there other factors in play here?