Haestingas

On this day 14th October 1066, warriors from Sussex, Kent and Essex marched to battle for King Harold. Chants of Vivat Rex and Holy Cross ring through the air, admist the clanging of shields, weapons and maille. Courage surges through their veins knowing they're fighting for the rightful king of England as they take their position on top of Senlac Ridge.
#1066

To mark the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan, the first King of a united England, right in the heart of Kingston in 925 AD, The Haestingas we're invited back to take part in the River Cultures Festival.
We boarded a half size replica Sutton Hoo ship, and with crew member down Lord Wulfnoth readily stepped in to row his King Athelstan along the Thames to the meeting point to meet the Mayor of Kingston. Athelstan arrived in style, flanked by militia and Father Peter. There on the bank King Athelstan addressed the Mayor and awaiting crowd...
"Eala Angelcynn, Brettas, ond cynna elþeod. Greetings Englishmen, Britons, and people of foreign lands. On the 4th of September 925. I Athelstan, was crowned Angelcyning, Rex Anglorum, King of all England, here in Kingston close to the banks of the River Thames.This moment fulfilled the dream long-held
by my grandfather King Alfred. This river, in this place, had long been a border between the great lands of Mercia and Wessex. With this crown these two mighty kingdoms were united under my authority and Kingston became not a border, but a place of a connection and unity for the future"
VIVAT REX, VIVAT ÆTHELSTAN REX ANGLORUM! We his entourage called out heartily as we then processed through Canbury Gardens to celebrate!