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Wynflaed

Episode 22 of 30

Michael Wood presents a portrait of Wynflaed, considered to have been the first woman in British history to have left a will.

The return of the major series which rediscovers the Anglo-Saxons through vivid portraits of thirty individuals - women as well as men, famous and humble - written and presented by leading historians, archaeologists and enthusiasts in the field.

22.Wynflaed

Michael Wood presents a vivid portrait of Wynflaed, who has left us the first woman's will in British history - a document that, for the first time, opens a window on the life of an Anglo-Saxon woman below the rank of royalty.

With his characteristic passion for the era and ability to bring long-dead characters to life, Michael Wood recreates the story of Wynflaed, her family and household, through the clothes, jewellery and books which she left behind. He writes:

"Wynflaed to me is a recognisable English countrywoman: capable, fair-minded, strongly aware of class and status but with a sense of obligation to the less well off - pious and practical."

Producer: Beaty Rubens.

Available now

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Tue 9 Apr 2013 22:45
  • Tue 5 Aug 2014 22:30

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