You are welcome to download copies of the text and images from our calendars of previous years. Use the links below to download a PDF version.
Category: About Us
About the English Companions
Founded in 1966, Ða Engliscan Gesiðas (The English Companions) is pronounced “tha ehnglishan yuhseethas”, which is Old English for “The English Companions”. We aim to bring together all those with an interest in the history, language and culture of Early England CE 400-1100. All aspects of the foundations and growth of English culture are covered, including language and literature, archaeology, anthropology, architecture, art, religion, mythology, folklore and material culture. The period itself spans the years following the departure of the Roman administration, around CE 400-450, until the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the impact of the early years of Norman rule.
Though we try to stimulate interest and debate on relevant subjects through the pages of our magazine and on-line, The English Companions does not follow any particular interpretation of history, and maintains a strictly neutral line on modern political and religious matters.
The society includes a wide range of individuals, from academics to armchair enthusiasts, with an even wider range of interests. Members are encouraged to share their enthusiasm through their local groups, magazine articles or even at public events, if they wish, as well as participate in members’ trips and activities.
Some of our members are able to offer talks and activities to interested social or community groups or to primary schools for KS2 children; please contact us for more information if you are interested in finding out more.
To learn more about membership and its benefits click here.
Membership Application Form
Please download our Application Form by clicking the link below…
Welcome! Wilcuma!
This website is the home of Ða Engliscan Gesiðas (The English Companions).
The English Companions promotes interest in and research into the Anglo-Saxon era (CE 400-1100); we do not follow any particular interpretation of history and maintain a strictly neutral line on modern political and religious matters.
The period of history that is our main interest covers over 600 years and saw tremendous changes, many of which have influenced our later national story. The chart shows the relative lengths of approximate historical periods, and demonstrates the length of Anglo-Saxon history in Britain.
On this website you will find information and articles of interest about this extensive period, and we invite you to have a look around.
For our members, we publish a quarterly magazine, Withowinde . We also offer members an Old English correspondence course which teaches both the written and spoken language. We have local groups of members, organised on a geographical basis, who arrange meetings and attend events.
Some of our members are able to offer talks and activities; please contact us for more information if you are interested.
You would like to know more about us or find out more about membership options then there is more information on the ‘About the English Companions’ page.