The Naming of Pre-1066 England: A Retrospective Look

The names and identities of early English tribes and kingdoms are often enigmatic and frequently misunderstood. People nowadays associate certain tribal names with humorous or even violent imagery, like the 'Fishhook-men' and 'machete-men.' But these nicknames, though memorable, are not how these groups identified themselves back then.

Origins of Tribes' Names

Many of these tribal names, such as 'Fishhook-men,' were given to the tribes by archaeologists and historians as posthumous nicknames. Similarly, the term 'machete-men' could be derived from their weapons, much like how the French were once called 'hatchetmen' for carrying franciscas, which are essentially hatchets. However, the historical context reveals that most tribes were more likely to use fishhooks for fishing and seaxes (a type of short sword) for cutting brush and twigs. These tools were part of their daily lives and tools, reflecting their practical and cultural identities.

The Term 'Anglo-Saxons'

The term 'Anglo-Saxons' itself is a modern invention. It wasn't coined until the Victorian era when ignorant historians decided to use it. Before this, the people we now refer to as Anglo-Saxons did not have a collective name. They identified with their specific tribes or kingdoms, such as Wessex, East Anglia, Kent, and others. Each of these groups had its own unique identity and, sometimes, a leader for a particular task, such as a warlord or a sea captain.

The Term 'Regia Anglorum'

Early writers referred to England as 'Regia Anglorum,' a Latin expression meaning the Kingdoms of the English. Before the unification under King Athelstan, who was the grandson of Alfred the Great, the Seven Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms operated as distinct entities. Following Athelstan's unification in 927, the term 'Regia Anglorum' became more commonly used. Interestingly, this title has been adopted by a British-based Saxon and Viking reenactment society and educational charity. Just a reminder, when attending a Saxon cooking demonstration, it's best not to ask about potatoes, as they wouldn't have been part of the diet back then.

The Norman Conquest and its Impact

The Norman conquest of England in 1066 marked a significant turning point. The Normans, with the help of the Roman Catholic Church, colonized the land and controlled it. A colony's primary purpose is to provide resources for the occupying power, making it a form of capitalism. Consequently, there was no budget allocated for the assimilation of the native English population. Instead, England remained fragmented for centuries, with small states constantly warring with each other. This period of violence and division continued until the advent of a more centralized state.

Today, despite the historical fragmentation, the people of England still have a tendency to jest at each other, often seen through the lens of a football match. This enduring rivalry and connection to their diverse tribal and kingdom histories make the study of pre-1066 England a fascinating and complex subject.