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is the only major historical society devoted to the study of the Anglo-Saxon period. All aspects are covered, including language and literature, archaeology, anthropology, architecture, art, religion, mythology, folklore and material culture.
Ða Engliscan Gesiðas is Old English for 'The English Companions'.
It is pronounced approximately 'Tha Englishan yeseethas'
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The society was formed in 1966 as a reaction against the public celebration of the Norman victory at Hastings. Its aims are to increase awareness of the foundations and growth of English culture and to bring together all those with an interest in the period, roughly AD 450 to 1066. It tries to stimulate interest and debate on relevant subjects through the pages of its periodical, Wiþowinde ('bindweed'), which is produced four times per year.
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On joining, members receive a Handboc (the cost being covered by the initial joining fee), which contains articles by gesiðas on many aspects of Anglo-Saxon history, culture and studies; and details of other society publications.
The society does not follow any particular interpretation of history, and maintains a strictly neutral line on political and religious matters.
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The folcgemot (Annual General Meeting) is held on a weekend and coincides with the annual feast ('symbel'). This is held in a different location each year. In recent years Durham, Bristol, Leicester, Battle, Brandon and Tamworth have been the venues.
Membership is open to all with an interest in the period of Anglo-Saxon England. A correspondence course in Old English, complete with cassette, grammar drills, and specially-designed lessons, is available to members for a modest fee.
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Internal regional groupings are based on the ancient English kingdoms of the East Saxons, South Saxons, Middle Saxons, West Saxons, Kent, Lindsey, East Angles, Middle Angles, Mercia and the Northumbrian kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira. Some of these areas are served by Scir Gerefan (the origin of the modern word 'sheriff') who have been appointed to coordinate local interests and activities by issuing regional newsletters and arranging meetings and excursions. Each year an annual feast is held in one of the old Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. This event gives the members around the country a good opportunity to meet up.
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On payment of the membership subscription, termed the gield, the applicant becomes a gesiþ or companion. The spouse or parents of the gesiþ can also join for a nominal gield provided they reside at the same address as the said gesiþ. The latter's children up to the age of 16 years can also join for a nominal gield. The membership year runs from October 1st.
Gield for one year for a full gesiþ is currently £17.00
Adult relatives living at the same address £1.00 each.
Joining Fee (paid once only) £6.00
For more information about Ða Engliscan gesiðas send email to ealdor@tha-engliscan-gesithas.org.uk.
Sadly we are unable to process applications for membership via the internet, but the membership application form is available for download for you to print out, complete and return (with payment).
If you cannot print the PDF form, please write to
who will be pleased to send a form.
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