Anglo-Saxon England was more cosmopolitan than you think

By Rhiannon Curry

The five centuries between the end of Roman rule and the Norman Conquest were, for a long time, seen as a culturally desolate era in British history. Whereas classical civilisation was associated with political unity, a sophisticated economy and rich culture, Anglo-Saxon England evoked images of warring kingdoms, frequent invasions, blood feuds and illiteracy. In the 20th century, historians overturned many of these assumptions, demonstrating that Anglo-Saxon England was intellectually, artistically and economically productive with strong ties to the European mainland. In popular opinion, however, the Anglo-Saxon period is still sometimes thought of as the Dark Ages.

An exhibition at the British Library aims to dispel any lingering prejudice about Anglo-Saxon England, presenting it as an outward-looking, cosmopolitan country, enriched by the spread of Christianity. “Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War” is what the curators describe as a once-in-a-generation chance to view a collection of Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and artefacts side by side. Among the highlights are the manuscript of Beowulf and some fascinating scientific works. An early medical text includes remedies for elves, night goblins and devils, but also directions for plastic surgery for a cleft palate. A recent experiment found an Anglo-Saxon recipe for an eye salve to be effective in fighting a strain of the superbug, MRSA. There are several important archaeological finds on display, including the Lichfield Angel, a painted stone carving of what is probably the Angel Gabriel, found just 15 years ago during excavations at Lichfield cathedral in the Midlands. Coins with Arabic script, unearthed in England, show the extent of Anglo-Saxon trade. Taken together, these exhibits point to a society far more enlightened than its detractors would have us think.