The Battle of Byland also took place on the 14^th October, the same day as the Battle of Hastings, and at the event we talk to people about the changes in military tactics and equipment between the two, as well as discussing anything and everything Anglo-Saxon that visitors are interested to ask about! The event on 13^th October was really well attended, and although the focus was on a battle from the 14^th century, our stall had a lot of interest too. We provided children’s crafts, dressing up, a tabletop game and plenty of information and display items for anyone wanting to learn more about Anglo-Saxons.

The Yorkshire Gesithas also enjoyed a members’ calligraphy day on 26^th October in York As we were commemorating the death of King Alfred in 899 CE we were provided with a line from his translation of the “Consolations of Philosophy” by Boethius:

 “In short, I wanted to live honourably as long as I lived, and leave behind, for the people who would come after me, the memory of me in good works.”

Our teacher and guide was the delightful Dawn Burgoyne, a highly experienced early medieval calligrapher, and she patiently and expertly introduced us to the joys and challenges of writing in an English Vernacular Miniscule of Alfred’s period using a genuine quill and iron gall ink.

Our 2025 calendars are still available. Members can find details about how to order in Wiðowinde, or you can contact us via the contact page for information on ordering. The calendars cost £6 each but postage costs vary according to where you live, with examples of costs of calendar + postage below:

Postage for the UK is £9.19 for 1 calendar, £15.19 for 2 calendars and £21.19 for 3 calendars.

For Europe the cost of 1 calendar plus postage is

• £11.55 in Zone 1 (Denmark, France and Germany)
• £12.05 in Zone 2 (Austria)
• £12.45 in Zone 3 (Switzerland).

For the Rest of the World the cost of 1 calendar plus postage is £13.45 in all zones.

You can also pick up calendars at our events, and avoid postage costs.