Category:Very low status

Saxon theows and unfree

Slavery was a normal part of Anglo-Saxon life, often as a means of forfeiting one’s life without actually dying – a number of wills order the freeing of penally enslaved men. In England’s slaves often came from the same country. In an age where crop failure and famine was not uncommon, if you couldn’t afford to feed yourself, it was better to commend yourself to someone else who was then duty-bound to look after you than starve. This class includes low-status dependents who were tied to their lord’s estate, with no property to feed themselves from. They exchanged their labour for his generosity. They could be skilled and trusted workers, but were “unfree”. The text Gerefa (from around 1000) describes the tasks and perks of ploughmen, bee-keepers, dairymaids, swineherds and more.

In desperation, an unfree man might possibly be given a spear or axe to defend his lord’s home, but he would not go off on campaign and would be a terrified liability in a shieldwall. We expect very low-status characters to be non-combatant, though they may be water carriers, archers or slingers. If an enemy warrior approaches a very low-status character, they should run away.

tenth-century Viking thralls and unfree

Slavery was a normal part of early medieval life. Slaves could be captured or traded from abroad, but often came from the same country. In an age where crop failure and famine was not uncommon, if you couldn’t afford to feed yourself, it was better to commend yourself to someone else who was then duty-bound to look after you. The freedom to starve isn’t all that attractive… This class includes low-status dependents who were tied to their lord’s estate, with no property to feed themselves from. They exchanged their labour for his generosity. They could be skilled and trusted workers, but were “unfree”. In desperation, an unfree man might possibly be given a spear or axe to defend his lord’s home, but he would not go off on campaign and would be a terrified liability in a shieldwall. We expect very low-status characters to be non-combatant, though they may be water carriers, archers or slingers. If an enemy warrior approaches a very low-status character, they should run away.

kit guidelines

Very low status English or Anglo-Danish characters should follow the Saxon lower-status guidelines, and Very low status Vikings should follow the Western viking lower-status guidelines , noting that:

• All hems and edges must be properly stitched and cared for. Patches, darns and repairs are encouraged. Ragged edges are not acceptable – your lord would give you clothes for the year (admittedly at least second hand), but you would need to look after them and make them last.
• Fabric should be in very pale or washed out colours.
• Shoes are optional – bare feet are perfectly acceptable.
• Decoration should be limited and is optional; tablet braid or embroidered panels would probably have been removed and re-used when a garment was passed to a thrall. Simple bone/metal cloak pins are encouraged.
• Visible metal helmets are not permitted and weapons are very strongly discouraged. If very low status characters want to be on a battlefield, it should be as water-carriers or missile troops. A sling is encouraged and a bow acceptable. Protective headgear should be concealed under a hat or hood.

A craftsman working on a carving for his lord. He is wearing a woollen tunic made from several pieces of fabric. His trousers have a window pane pattern weave, and are most likely worn out hand me downs supplied by his lord.
A craftsman working at a bead lathe. He is wearing plain linen tunic and trousers and a small eating knife.
This Viking thrall looks after his lord’s dogs – so at least he gets to eat plenty of meat. His tunic and trousers have clearly seen better days, but they are in good condition and neatly finished off. He has a small decorative neck-fastener, which may have been a gift for his good service. Instead of a belt, he has both dogs’ leashes tied round his waist, which should stop them straying too far. He is barefoot but will be used to running outdoors, especially when his lord chooses to hunt.
This theow wears a simple tunic. It is in good condition (it needs to be – he won’t get another for some time). The sleeves may have been shortened to remove decorative edging. He has a hood to keep the weather off. His belt is a simple cord (though he may be in trouble for letting it fray!) and he is bare-legged. The satchel behind him contains whatever he needs for the day. He may possess an undertunic and leggings, but the day’s work will keep him warm.
This lady is wearing a very low status dress. It is made up of various bit of old clothing. Around her waist is a belt made of rope, and she has no other visible belongings. However, she is fortunate to own a pair of shoes. Her dress is tied closed with wool threads.