On boundaries

A weekend visit by gesta and myself to the Alfred exhibition in Winchester was interesting as a day (or half-hour, given the low attendance) out. A bit hagiographical, and given the subtitle (“Warfare, Wealth and Wisdom”) and location (Winchester library) it was perhaps unsurprising which topic was the focus.

Straight through the door – and straight at the beginning of the obligatory video – were the mentions of warfare; the artefacts, whether original “ritually killed” swords or the replica mail and helm. But these were quickly brushed aside – along with the cake story and Alfred’s tactics of constructing heavily fortified towns – as far less important than his mission to increase the wealth and wisdom of Wessex. Of course, these were selflessly to benefit his Christian subjects by increasing literacy, craftsmanship, and as defence against the pagans (it wasn’t quite this fawning; some of the details in the small print did suggest Alfred’s ulterior motives, but it wasn’t far off).

The main exhibits illustrating Alfred’s drive for greater wealth and wisdom were the aestels, such as the Alfred Jewel and similar, and manuscripts associated with the king (including the Hatton MS, a translation of Pope Gregory’s Pastoralis, supposedly translated by Alfred himself). Personal favourite was the Fuller Brooch, just for its clarity and simplicity, but gesta was clearly fascinated by the manuscripts as well (although also by a bone comb with most of the teeth missing, which led to mutters of “Must get back in to archaeology…”).

All good fun; but the subtext (rulers that pour money into their craftsmen and knowledge will be repaid with wealth, stability, knowledge, and big statues in town squares a thousand years later) was probably unsubtle enough to be spotted by spotted by a five year old. Wonder how short on money the library is this year…