I couldn't click on this fast enough! The Alfred Jewel is a favorite artifact of mine - Alfred ordered me to be made! It would make sense for the image to be of the sense of sight for an object made to assist in reading in low light conditions.🤓
I live in Oxford and have been fortunate in seeing the Alfred Jewel several times. At my first encounter, I must say I was somewhat disappointed on approaching the display case to see the Jewel's diminutive size, having gained a false sense of scale from book illustrations. On close examination, however, this size only adds to the Jewel's impact, as one is impressed with the detail of craftmanship it exhibits.
It truly is an extraordinary object. Such a simple piece yet so beautifully crafted. That it managed to endure the ravages of time is miraculous. Thanks as always for sharing your insights Allan. I, like many, cannot get enough of your insightful films!
I sometimes think that pointers like that would be useful also because, if a lot of fingertips brush over anything written in ink, eventually it'll wear away. There's a book of signatures of members of the Royal Society that people sign as they are inducted in. The people who signed the book underneath many of the famous members' signatures tend to have their signatures gradually rubbed out because people want to point out to visitors, "Look, there's Stephen Hawking's signature," or whatever. A pointer for a book that is often read aloud would be a nice way to keep the book in good shape.
What a beautiful object this is. There is a tendency to think of the Anglo-Saxons as crude and primitive, but this is a gorgeous piece of work. Thank you for another delicious video. Lapis Lazuli, mmmmm.
They left a rich musical heritage as well. Winchester Cathedral has a number of musical manuscripts which celebrate Christmas and Easter and while the 'carols' from those days are nothing like modern carols the beauty of the singing is in some ways far more glorious and rich than modern carols are. You can find recordings of them on TH-cam, it is the early days of polyphony which leads on the the previous more chant like church music and they are some of my favourite pieces to listen to every Easter and Xmas.
Thank you, Allan! I was not familiar with this fascinating object until just now. What a beautiful jewel, and a fascinating bit of probable history. While no scholar, the extent of English history is something that has captured me since a young student. Hence, my deep devotion to your channel! You are the best!
I didn't know Aestels were used as pointers to read books, we have a similar item in the Jewish tradition called a yad/yod (meaning "hand") sculpted to look like a hand pointed to the section of Torah we're reading. As Anglo-Saxon jewellery is some of my favourite historical types of art, I may well have to save up and commission a replica Aestel of some form to use as a yod!
I just mentioned that and couldn't remember the name of it. I thought they were lovely when I saw it in a video where it was being explained. And until seeing this video, I had no idea that it was used elsewhere as well.
@SaszaDerRoyt: Your explanation of a Yod is as interesting in it's own way. I have many lovely Jewish friends who have explained things over the years to me but I have never heard of the Yod and I find it's practical application fascinating. And aditional added opulence? YES please. I hope you get to have one made!
Not too long ago I read the book ALFRED'S DYNASTY, by W. B. Bartlett. This video was a very nice tie-in to that historical account of Alfred the Great and his successors.
I have heard of the Alfred Jewel because I am of Anglo Saxon descent. I'm half Italian, so my mother used to call me an "Angelo Saxon". 🙂However, King Alfred has always intrigued me and so I found this fascinating. Thanks Allan.
It's find location makes me think it was directly commissioned by Alfred rather than something he had an Ealdorman make. It seems too intricate to the point of impracticality to have been a mass produced object though I do wonder if it was the template for a class of more cost effective copies. I don't think it would have fared well had it fallen into the grasping hands of Henry VIII.
Thanks for covering this piece. I was intrigued by it when I first saw it in "The Vikings" a book published here in the US by National Geographic, a book that fueled my imagination as a boy.
You answered almost all of my questions about this. Only one that is left-it seems the artist made Alfred's image upside down if it is to he used as a pointer.
Thank you for this; I used often to go to the Ashmolean Museum and look at this remarkable object. Please do not be offended if I offer a couple of corrections to your pronunciation (I have studied and even taught some Old English): the Anglo-Saxon "ALFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN" is pronounced "Alfred mec hecht (as in the Scottish "loch") ge-WEER-can" (i.e. worked, the "ge" being the same as in modern German past participles) - "Alfred ordered me to be worked" - or, indeed "made". "Cloisonné" is obviously French meaning made with gold wires (cloisons) and is pronounced "CLWAH-sonnay".
Just back from Shaftesbury, where Edward (King of the W Saxons)was buried. Sad to hear his bones are back in a bank vault! On to Wareham, where Alfred faced the Viking fleet. To Corfe, where Edward was assassinated. To Swanage, where said Viking fleet hit the rocks. Was Edward ever officially canonised? Quite a Saxon day !
Drop Claire an email at info@theantiquary.online We do offer PayPal, but because of PayPal’s absurd terms regarding turnover (£10,000 a month) we can’t integrate it into the website.
I am not commenting on this video. The comments are paused for the video done for the real name of the British Royal Family. First of all, great video. 2nd. WOW! @ 6:48 the painting of Hedwig of Holstein d. 1436 - the display of Arms. I wonder if that blue (azure) faded. It looks black on yellow background. That would be the Coat of Arms of O Rourke Dynasty ( Ua Ruiarc). I know that because I am a descendant of Tiernan O' Rourke d. 1172 - yes, you guessed correctly, embroiled with Diarmait Mac Murchada, who was a tyrant and none of his subjectsiked him. Your local library book won't tell you that.) No educator EVER mentions the Ua Ruaircs. They were not simply Chieftain Kings. They ruled nearly close to 700 years!! Just setting that record straight and that's why he lost his land and title 3x and then went to swear fielty to King Henry II, like traitors to their own countries do.
How do these exquisite jewels end up in the earth? Stolen? Were the thieves spotted, and they ran? Dropping it destind to be picked up hundreds of years later....
I'm not sure I agree with whoever said the Alfred jewel and the distinctly less precise one were from the same workshop, unless they let the apprentices have a go with the gold. The astel theory certainly seems sound, though. Aside from a fancy stopper or some kind of sceptre-type object (ritual!) it's hard to see what else it would be.
The animal could be a snake and were it i would posit the pointer be of a redwood representing a serpent of knowledge. The time was fond of puns and alegory. The inscription alfred ordred me be made is a call to the king as a power of god and the spoken word to form of john 1
I would have thought that important texts would include scripture as well. Did Alfred have any of the Bible translated into Old English long before Tyndale translated the Bible? Also, Jewish people also use a pointer to read the torah, but I don't remember what it is called. It's quite a beautiful object they use. Haven't finished your video yet though.
Translating the Bible would have been a complete no-no - the scriptures were known through the medium of Latin. Whole Bibles were rare in this period, the scriptures were really only known through liturgical texts - those provided for the daily offices and the mass. The services of the church had a huge amount scripture in them. Alfred would likely have provided the texts needed for the services - including a book or books of the Gospels. Books like the St Cuthbert Gospel of John, the St Augustine Gospels and the Lindisfarne Gospels were designed as liturgical texts to be read in the formal context of the mass, not for personal reading.
@@allanbarton Thanks for the explanation. I knew about the scripture being forbidden for translation, but I thought perhaps since Alfred was into educating and translating, there may have been a chance. I didn't know that whole bibles were rare though. It's sad that they didn't allow for translations a lot earlier, even killing Tyndale when it was eventually done in the 16th century.
@@Mrs.Karen_Walker I will ask Rene Artois to go to the Ashmolean dressed as an undergraduate of Oxford University and conceal the jewel in a sausage - and then have him take it to your secret headquarters.
I couldn't click on this fast enough! The Alfred Jewel is a favorite artifact of mine - Alfred ordered me to be made! It would make sense for the image to be of the sense of sight for an object made to assist in reading in low light conditions.🤓
Me too I love that thing
I've seen the jewel in person. I have never seen a photo that did it justice. It is very solid,beautiful and almost has a personality of it's own.
I live in Oxford and have been fortunate in seeing the Alfred Jewel several times. At my first encounter, I must say I was somewhat disappointed on approaching the display case to see the Jewel's diminutive size, having gained a false sense of scale from book illustrations. On close examination, however, this size only adds to the Jewel's impact, as one is impressed with the detail of craftmanship it exhibits.
It truly is an extraordinary object. Such a simple piece yet so beautifully crafted. That it managed to endure the ravages of time is miraculous. Thanks as always for sharing your insights Allan. I, like many, cannot get enough of your insightful films!
Your music Entro and your voice makes the video s very Enjoyable.
Ditto!
You should have way more subscribers
Thank you, it is gradually creeping up.
King Alfred was a very interesting man ❤. Thanks Dr. Barton 👑
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
Watching from Tampa Fl before the power goes out. Love the channel
I do hope you manage to keep safe.
Sending you thoughts and prayers from the UK. Stay safe.
Stay safe my brother.
having said that, please keep us posted.
Hope you're safe and well
relatively few items with a plausible link to Ælfred exist making it even more interesting
I sometimes think that pointers like that would be useful also because, if a lot of fingertips brush over anything written in ink, eventually it'll wear away. There's a book of signatures of members of the Royal Society that people sign as they are inducted in. The people who signed the book underneath many of the famous members' signatures tend to have their signatures gradually rubbed out because people want to point out to visitors, "Look, there's Stephen Hawking's signature," or whatever. A pointer for a book that is often read aloud would be a nice way to keep the book in good shape.
Very clever thinking. Makes perfect sense. 👍
What a beautiful object this is. There is a tendency to think of the Anglo-Saxons as crude and primitive, but this is a gorgeous piece of work. Thank you for another delicious video. Lapis Lazuli, mmmmm.
One of my favorite semi-precious stones, too...followed by one of my favorite words, "cabochon."
They left a rich musical heritage as well. Winchester Cathedral has a number of musical manuscripts which celebrate Christmas and Easter and while the 'carols' from those days are nothing like modern carols the beauty of the singing is in some ways far more glorious and rich than modern carols are. You can find recordings of them on TH-cam, it is the early days of polyphony which leads on the the previous more chant like church music and they are some of my favourite pieces to listen to every Easter and Xmas.
Your videos are always so interesting and enjoyable.
Thank you, Allan! I was not familiar with this fascinating object until just now. What a beautiful jewel, and a fascinating bit of probable history. While no scholar, the extent of English history is something that has captured me since a young student. Hence, my deep devotion to your channel! You are the best!
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it 😊.
For an object that helps you see the text, the figure of sight makes perfect sense.
Thank you, Dr. Barton!
You're most welcome!
I have been sick these few days and missed a few. I do like these about this part of history.
I hope you’re feeling better now, glad you’re enjoying my latest 😊
Excellent video! You're amazing at how you make items alive and interesting. I can't get enough! Thank you!!
I didn't know Aestels were used as pointers to read books, we have a similar item in the Jewish tradition called a yad/yod (meaning "hand") sculpted to look like a hand pointed to the section of Torah we're reading. As Anglo-Saxon jewellery is some of my favourite historical types of art, I may well have to save up and commission a replica Aestel of some form to use as a yod!
There is someone who makes a replica Alfred Jewel aestel. www.danegeld.co.uk/store/p139/Alfred_jewel.html
I just mentioned that and couldn't remember the name of it. I thought they were lovely when I saw it in a video where it was being explained. And until seeing this video, I had no idea that it was used elsewhere as well.
@@allanbarton Wow!. It's beautiful!
@SaszaDerRoyt: Your explanation of a Yod is as interesting in it's own way. I have many lovely Jewish friends who have explained things over the years to me but I have never heard of the Yod and I find it's practical application fascinating. And aditional added opulence? YES please. I hope you get to have one made!
It looks like what Lance found on the Detectorists. Knowing more about it’s use makes it more interesting.
Not too long ago I read the book ALFRED'S DYNASTY, by W. B. Bartlett. This video was a very nice tie-in to that historical account of Alfred the Great and his successors.
Wonderful. Such a lovely object. Thank you for sharing. The others are very interesting too
Thanks for the down load. I never knew this wonderful jewel existed. Regards, John.
The first thing that came to mind on seeing the eyes on the jewel was Woden then hearing it might represent sight made me smile, great video.
I have heard of the Alfred Jewel because I am of Anglo Saxon descent. I'm half Italian, so my mother used to call me an "Angelo Saxon". 🙂However, King Alfred has always intrigued me and so I found this fascinating. Thanks Allan.
Fascinating and such skilled work.
Why was I unsubscribed? I have missed several of your videos! Thank you for this one. Fascinating.
I have no idea, I can't unsubscribe you. Glad you are back and that you enjoyed the video!
It's find location makes me think it was directly commissioned by Alfred rather than something he had an Ealdorman make. It seems too intricate to the point of impracticality to have been a mass produced object though I do wonder if it was the template for a class of more cost effective copies. I don't think it would have fared well had it fallen into the grasping hands of Henry VIII.
Super episode as ALWAYS ❤❤❤
Thank you for this upload - this was so interesting . Just love History!
❤wonderful as always !! Many thanks!🎉
This is fascinating to see, Thank you for showing this.
Fascinating
Thanks for covering this piece. I was intrigued by it when I first saw it in "The Vikings" a book published here in the US by National Geographic, a book that fueled my imagination as a boy.
Brilliant. Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge with us
My pleasure!
I really have to read that book that I have about Aelfred ❤
Our finest King by a mile in my opinion. A disgrace his body was desecrated and lost
You answered almost all of my questions about this. Only one that is left-it seems the artist made Alfred's image upside down if it is to he used as a pointer.
Thank you for this; I used often to go to the Ashmolean Museum and look at this remarkable object. Please do not be offended if I offer a couple of corrections to your pronunciation (I have studied and even taught some Old English): the Anglo-Saxon "ALFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN" is pronounced "Alfred mec hecht (as in the Scottish "loch") ge-WEER-can" (i.e. worked, the "ge" being the same as in modern German past participles) - "Alfred ordered me to be worked" - or, indeed "made". "Cloisonné" is obviously French meaning made with gold wires (cloisons) and is pronounced "CLWAH-sonnay".
I nearly didn’t bother giving it a go- I’m a wretched late medievalist! 😂
Really marvelous!
Always watching
Just back from Shaftesbury, where Edward (King of the W Saxons)was buried. Sad to hear his bones are back in a bank vault! On to Wareham, where Alfred faced the Viking fleet.
To Corfe, where Edward was assassinated. To Swanage, where said Viking fleet hit the rocks.
Was Edward ever officially canonised?
Quite a Saxon day !
Hi Alan anymore visits planned to Lincolnshire churches? Please come to huttoft!
Correct as always, Allan: AELFRED MEC HEHT GEWYRCAN - Alfred me named/commanded work[ed]/cause[d], form[ed].
Christ in a jewel tee shirt ! How sweet. Beautiful jewels.
Good one! Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Have you noticed the jewel appears to have been the inspiration for the glass coffin in Disney’s 1937 Snow White animation?
the dark ages weren't so dark after all.
(Charlemagne was in turn fascinated and envious of the Eastern Emperors)
Thanks 👍
You’re welcome!
I would love to subscribe to your magazine, but since you do not accept PayPal, I am unable to do so,
Drop Claire an email at info@theantiquary.online We do offer PayPal, but because of PayPal’s absurd terms regarding turnover (£10,000 a month) we can’t integrate it into the website.
9 century man the blacksmith is very good at making things!!!!!
I am not commenting on this video. The comments are paused for the video done for the real name of the British Royal Family. First of all, great video. 2nd. WOW! @ 6:48 the painting of Hedwig of Holstein d. 1436 - the display of Arms. I wonder if that blue (azure) faded. It looks black on yellow background. That would be the Coat of Arms of O Rourke Dynasty ( Ua Ruiarc). I know that because I am a descendant of Tiernan O' Rourke d. 1172 - yes, you guessed correctly, embroiled with Diarmait Mac Murchada, who was a tyrant and none of his subjectsiked him. Your local library book won't tell you that.) No educator EVER mentions the Ua Ruaircs. They were not simply Chieftain Kings. They ruled nearly close to 700 years!! Just setting that record straight and that's why he lost his land and title 3x and then went to swear fielty to King Henry II, like traitors to their own countries do.
Karl Von Sondersburg-Glucksberg und Schleswig-Holstein.
lol
i have read that it was once thought that the image was once thought to be of St Neot
Did you get a new mic, man? You sound different.
Yes, a couple of new decent mics.
Interesting stuff! Sight and the other 4 senses…give them your full attention and you will find ‘god’…..
How do these exquisite jewels end up in the earth? Stolen? Were the thieves spotted, and they ran? Dropping it destind to be picked up hundreds of years later....
I'm not sure I agree with whoever said the Alfred jewel and the distinctly less precise one were from the same workshop, unless they let the apprentices have a go with the gold. The astel theory certainly seems sound, though. Aside from a fancy stopper or some kind of sceptre-type object (ritual!) it's hard to see what else it would be.
The animal could be a snake and were it i would posit the pointer be of a redwood representing a serpent of knowledge. The time was fond of puns and alegory. The inscription alfred ordred me be made is a call to the king as a power of god and the spoken word to form of john 1
What is the spelling of that reading tool?
I would have thought that important texts would include scripture as well. Did Alfred have any of the Bible translated into Old English long before Tyndale translated the Bible? Also, Jewish people also use a pointer to read the torah, but I don't remember what it is called. It's quite a beautiful object they use. Haven't finished your video yet though.
Translating the Bible would have been a complete no-no - the scriptures were known through the medium of Latin. Whole Bibles were rare in this period, the scriptures were really only known through liturgical texts - those provided for the daily offices and the mass. The services of the church had a huge amount scripture in them. Alfred would likely have provided the texts needed for the services - including a book or books of the Gospels. Books like the St Cuthbert Gospel of John, the St Augustine Gospels and the Lindisfarne Gospels were designed as liturgical texts to be read in the formal context of the mass, not for personal reading.
@@allanbarton Thanks for the explanation. I knew about the scripture being forbidden for translation, but I thought perhaps since Alfred was into educating and translating, there may have been a chance. I didn't know that whole bibles were rare though. It's sad that they didn't allow for translations a lot earlier, even killing Tyndale when it was eventually done in the 16th century.
Imagine being the farmer who ploughed this up one day!
Surely the main reason for using an aestel is to stop fingers dirtying or wearing away the text.
What makes you think a pointer is less likely to wear away text?
@@allanbarton It's a small point and can be placed under the text, fingers are blunt and cover more area.
This is one of those artefacts that spoke to the dark ages not being that dark. (albeit the late dark ages, if you actually use that term)
😊
❤🇳🇱
Ze jewill wif ze painting of ze guy wif ze one eye.
One for Uncle Heiny's collection?
I will say ziz onley wonce.... No more please 🙏🤣
No knockwurst?
@@allanbarton You are wery clever.I might hire you to replace von Smallhausen.
@@Mrs.Karen_Walker I will ask Rene Artois to go to the Ashmolean dressed as an undergraduate of Oxford University and conceal the jewel in a sausage - and then have him take it to your secret headquarters.
Is it one eyed?
Why they would think it was a religious figure makes no sense.
A stab in the dark, there is little to compare it with.
Anglo-Saxon!
My grandson bears his name ❤
Prince William should have called his oldest son "Alfred", much better than "George".