MIGHTY IN WAR… VICTORIOUS THROUGH GOD

King Aethelstan as he might have appeared at the height of his powers in the 930s. His appearance is based on a surprisingly rich blend of primary source descriptions, archaeological finds and even a portrait.

Chroniclers described the king as, “medium in height, slender in body, his hair flaxen,” while his personality was “charming and well disposed to churchmen, affable and kind to laymen.” He was known to be “audacious and forceful, much beloved by his subjects for his courage and humility and like a thunderbolt to rebels with his invincible steadfastness.” It was said that Aethelstan could rule “by terror in his name alone.”

Aethelstan’s general appearance is based on a remarkable contemporary portrait of him from a manuscript of the Venerable Bede’s Life of Saint Cuthbert, which includes his face, a long green cloak and a simple crown. Additionally, parts of his accessories are speculatively based on earlier archaeological artefacts from the Anglo-saxon period. These include the pommel of his sword, belt buckle and shoulder clasp, which are based on finds from the Staffordshire Hoard and excavations at Sutton Hoo.

What emerges is a multifaceted monarch who seemingly embodied all the key virtues required for Anglosaxon kingship – he was both pious and warlike. Consequently, Aethelstan is depicted holding both a sword and religious book of the period to emphasise his reputation for martial prowess, godliness and learning.