Sevenoaks Branch Talk: Toni Mount on How to survive in Anglo-Saxon England

If you are planning to travel back to the England of Anglo-Saxon times and begin a new life without technology, how will you manage? If you were a king, a thegn or even a slave, what rights do you have under the law?

Are women treated well by their husbands, and if you become sick, what are your chances of recovery? How might you earn your living, and the biggest worry: what to do about those fearsome Vikings?

All these questions and more are answered in this self-help guide for time-travellers.

It explores the difficulties you may encounter and the problems that might occur, especially as you are a newcomer in this very different world. Fear not: keep this talk will help you find your place in society, learn the language and make friends. You will also meet some of the celebrities of the day, from Alfred the Great to the Venerable Bede, and more humble folk such as Tatberht of Lundenwic and Ardith the local baxter.

Learn how to make bread and tell a great story; enjoy the mead, and the beauties of Anglo-Saxon art and jewellery. And if you do find yourself involved in a Viking attack, at least you will know your assailants are well groomed - and afterwards, both sides know how to have a great time in the mead-hall!

About the Speaker: Toni is very well known to us, researches her talks impeccably and knows her subject.

Toni earned her Research Master’s degree from the University of Kent in 2009 through study of a medieval medical manuscript held at the Wellcome Library in London. She is a well-known lecturer, historian and author whose books are based on her research into the lives of ordinary and sometimes extra-ordinary people through history. Toni has spoken to us many times before and it will be a pleasure to hear her again. She lives in Gravesend.

 Doors open 10.45am, meeting starts 11am.

There is a large public car park (payment required, 50p for 2 hours, £1 for 3 hours) adjacent to the hall but it can be busy.

No booking, just turn up.

The Society is a registered charity and membership fees and donations are an important part of our income. The Talk is free to members but guests and visitors are asked to make a donation towards hall hire and speaker's fee. There will be a donations box at the venue.

 But Society membership only costs £10 a year (£12 joint members)