Building an Anglo-Saxon Pit House with Hand Tools - Part I | Medieval Primitive Bushcraft Shelter

Anglo-Saxon settlers built Early Medieval pit houses with primitive tools, digging foundations, raising earth and wattle walls and thatched or shingle roofs.
After gaining victory over the Britons at the Battle of Peonnum in 658 A.D. the Gewissæ pushed south west towards the River Parrett.
While the tribal elites fought for power and territorial control Anglo-Saxon freemen settled unclaimed land amongst their Romano-British cousins.
The first structures built were pit houses, used first as military outposts and dwellings and then as workshops and storehouses once settlements grew and timber longhouses were erected.
Anglo-Saxon pit houses are often found with the remains of loom weights, pottery or metal-working crafts, and are therefore interpreted as craft-related buildings or store houses subsidiary to larger post-built dwellings.
Pit houses or sunken featured buildings are the most common structures found in Anglo-Saxon and Early Medieval archaeological remains.
Today, all that remains archaeologically of these structures is the pit itself and the accompanying post-holes. There is usually little evidence for floors, walls or roof structures.
Reconstructions of Anglo-Saxon pit-houses must therefore incorporate building techniques that are "archaeologically invisible" in order to be accurate or at least plausible.
"Archaeological invisible" building technologies often proposed for Anglo-Saxon pit houses include A-frame rafters resting on the ground, wattle walls staked into the upcast earth but not below ground level, or walls resting on sill beams.
The orientation, pit and post-hole features of this pit house are an accurate reconstruction of Sunken Featured Building 8 excavated at the West Saxon settlement near Lechlade-on-Thames, dated to the 7th century. The archaeological report can be found here: Prehistoric and Anglo-Saxon Settlements to the rear of Sherborne House, Lechlade: excavations in 1997. 2003. C Bateman, D Enright, N Oakey.
www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk...
Despite constant warfare between tribal elites, the Anglo-Saxons often peacefully settled land left unoccupied after the Roman withdrawal from Britain, amongst neighbouring Romano-British communities.
This led to considerable cultural exchange between the Anglo-Saxons and Romano-British, resulting in what is now known as Insular culture during the late 7th and 8th centuries.
This site had been left uncultivated for many years and had grown wild with blackthorn and bramble. This was cleared with an axe and the roots grubbed up with a mattock.
The pit was dug with a mattock and shovel. The pit is 14 feet long by 10 feet wide and 1.8 feet deep, with an entranceway and raised shelf along the south-west long wall. The post-holes are dug to a depth of 1.3 feet below the base of the pit.
The simple wooden shovel was carved from a fallen oak limb, based on Early Medieval spade finds.
The upcast dirt was banked up along the edges of the pit to form low earth walls.
Two large forked hazel poles were cut, destined to be fixed into each gable-end post-hole as supports for the ridge-pole of the roof.
Hazel stakes were cut and driven into the upcast earth walls to a depth of about 1 foot, just shy of the ground level, to remain "archaeologically invisible". Stakes driven deeper than this would have left stake holes potentially identifiable in the archaeological record.
Hazel rods were woven in between the stakes to form wattle walls. These wattle walls will be woven to head-height when standing in the base of the pit.
Once the low wattle walls are complete, the gable-end posts, ridge-pole and roof will be raised.
With thanks to:
Herknungr, Musician, playing 'The Wolf Chieftan'.
Hector Cole, Blacksmith, for forging the Saxon T-shaped Axe.
Grzegorz Kulig, Silversmith, for making the pattern-welded knife.
If you would like to support me further, you can become a patron here:
/ gesithasgewissa
Or make a one-off donation:
paypal.me/gesithasgewissa
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[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi all! You can check the subtitles and description for much more detail. Thanks for watching! If you like what I do and want to support me further, consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/gesithasgewissa/

[@danielwesley5051]

Surprisingly good video quality for the early six sixties.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha, the Saxons were a surprisingly advanced society! 😆

[@MagicalMaster]

Yes, very impressive camera quality for the time.

[@alangknowles]

It's probably been remastered in Bayeaux.

[@ShitskaterNoah]

better than expected eh?

[@dennisp.2147]

I suspect the ancient Anglo Saxons would have cleared brambles the same way Native Americans did before cultivating or building. Set it afire, much quicker and less likely to give you an infected wound. Your modern fire service probably wouldn't approve however...

[@gesithasgewissa]

Quite possibly! It would definitely be quicker, though the stumps would still need removing for farming. It definitely would not go down well with the fire team today 😆

[@matthomas1263]

If you clear it first they may actually send a crew out to assist with a controlled burn. Doesn't hurt to look into.

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@matthomas1263 Thanks for the tip Mat, I'll have a look at that!

[@godschild3640]

@@gesithasgewissa. The oldest bones in America were white people edit isreal. The average height was only 5 feet tall. My wife’s family was slaves in Egypt idea Africa, Merigold, Spanish, Asian Arab and Muslim nations, Rome, Germany, Ukraine, and Poland, Hitler and Stalin slaughtered millions of my white family, all white nations have been invaded by every race and the African refugees to kill my white family And World War III just like Hitler and Stalin like the top to dictators they are invading America, Australian Canada to kill white people because they call us a racist white supremacy and a fascist before I die as whites have been abused in every way imaginable please pray for us and our children, the Asian and the African refugees and the Mexican refugees called Islam is protesting Sweden for burning the Koran. I live in America and I see white people getting attacked by a bunch of Black people who just invaded America to play the race card and slavery card anyway what I want to say before I die of lung cancer, please pray for us white people thank you and you could always talk to us. We’re very nice people most of us to love your neighbor, not to bear false witness and not to judge anybody, but they’ve already judged white people. Jesus is white, so the kings of Israel look at David’s picture any metal in the inside of a furnace not outside cool down it says it has been said side as white breast when refined in a furnace is white fire when it burns is blue, white and gold, Jesus eyes are blue face red hair. Why does snow like the whool of a lamb 🐑. Revelation 1:14:15 .. what people were not on Noah ship God kept white people for a times times and a half until we complaint about the manna … Mary came to know her husband. She had three sons and two daughters Basque. The tribe of Judah of Europe. White people are considered. The woman said even married to make Jesus in genesis. 3:15 and revelation 12:3 to 16 .. they are hunting the woman seed. This is Jacobs trouble.👱🏻.. Jacobs pillow is in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 white people are not even allowed to live. That’s how evil this world is we’re not even allowed to live. We’ve been a genocide your entire life in Africa there’s still ice is trying to Cabo, Mexico, America, sex slaves in Mexico and child and human trafficking each year 4000 children in America go missing, and most of them go to Mexico to sell to the Arabs, if they’re white, they get tortured to death or they get used as a human sacrifice did the sun moon raid fire a volcano god that’s what they did to white people then the witch out the Burt white people to death then the Cowboys and Indians in the last 200 years of white slavery in America, over 700 million Wedgewood butchered 700,000 ways to die two free, both white and black slaves. The biggest slavery owner in America was African Muslims, who invaded white people never shipped blacks anywhere there a liar everything about American history is a lie do use white children for a human sacrifice to. MOLACH REPHAM ADD THE BURNT WHITE CHILDREN IN ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE. THAT’S WHERE CHRISTMAS CAME FROM IN ROME. WHEN THE MEXICANS ALIENS INVADED ROME, THE BURNT WHITE PEOPLE CALLED THE ROMAN CANDLE BEFORE I DIE DO YOU HAVE ABUSED, MY WHITE FAMILY IN EVERY WAY IMAGINABLE, THEY NEVER HELPED WHITE PEOPLE THEY KNEW WE WERE IN GENOCIDE IN AFRICA. THEY KNEW IT AND THEY LET THE BLACK PEOPLE JUST RUN US DOWN, EVERY DAY I WATCH VIDEOS OF BLACKS, ATTACKING WHITE PEOPLE AND NO ONE OUT TO HELP US NO ONE EVER DID OR EVER WILL SO WHEN YOU’RE BUILDING THAT THING RIGHT THERE I HOPE THAT YOU LIVE IN IT AND DON’T COME OUT. IT WAS ALWAYS THEM THAT WAS RACES, AND NOT US IN FRONT OF GOD AND THE TRIBE OF DAN. SHE’LL BE THE JUDGE.🧑🏻‍🦳👱🏻👩🏻‍🦳.. I hope you were baptized, and I hope you asked for forgiveness and put on your whole armor of God, for we wrestle, not with flesh and blood, but against principalities against the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places, who is in high places, the blacks everything is controlled by them, the Internet, the media, the Talking Heads of sated KZbin did Jesus reveal who the Adri crisis. Yeah, Obama, but every leader on the earth is the fallen angels the media, the Internet, the web of lies is the talking heads of Satan and schools they got to blame white people for all of their problems each day Africans come to America to play the race card and slavery card now don’t they

[@joshuadelisle]

It's very hard to catch British woodland on fire. By the time everything is dead it's soaking wet so there isn't anything dry to light. Cheers J

[@TheDaniel9]

I think this is the first time I've seen someone copy Primitive Technology's style without it being a lazy gimmick. I like your twist on it being that you use the tools that a person of the era might have access to. Well done :)

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!

[@garymitchell5899]

They all use contemporary tools that's kinda a given.

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@garymitchell5899 I think he meant that the tools I use are specifically Anglo-Saxon, and of types which date as close as possible to the 7th century.

[@garymitchell5899]

@@gesithasgewissa That's what I'm saying. Obviously the other re-creations use contemporary tools otherwise how is it a re-creation. There are many such.

[@jadegreenleaf781]

@@garymitchell5899 the vast majority of primitive tech type channels use large diggers and power tools, just dont film it.

[@user-up7fm6wc8t]

I was in the middle of search of a medieval house design for my little village in minecraft but ended up watching this video until the end.. and yep, totally worth it.. great video man

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! Good luck with building your village too 😁

[@robertpearson8798]

No music or incessant chatter……I like it.

[@gesithasgewissa]

I'm glad you like it, thanks for watching!

[@torque8899]

I doubt people will appreciate how long this probably took. I often build things and structures from the trees in my woods but I have a chainsaw and it still takes forever. There’s no quick way to do this sort of stuff. Well done, looks amazing so far!

[@toweypat]

God, it must have taken forever to clear enough cropland to feed a family.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Very true! Harvesting materials takes at least half the total time, perhaps that's another reason they dug pits - less material to gather. Thanks for watching!

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@toweypat I'll make sure to film some crop growing next year! ☺

[@stevebull4578]

How do you afford do this? Are you independently wealthy, or does the money from KZbin allow you to do this?

[@wyrdo1501]

@@stevebull4578 playing with sticks in the woods is a surprisingly cheap hobby.

[@bruinjim1]

It looks great. :) One quick note, posts were often burned before being planted, or at least the parts that go underground are. A layer of charcoal prevents bugs and fungus from getting into the wood. They survive a lot longer that way.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! That's a good technique, as the entire wattle structure is going to be covered in daub and will eventually become a cob wall, the stakes will not be exposed so do not really need to be charred at the base. I may do so with the large roof posts though!

[@-----REDACTED-----]

I know that technique only in the regional context of East Asia and not in the timeframe of the Anglo Saxons, what’s the source for this in Europe during Anglo Saxon times? Edits: Then again this probably doesn’t even matter, this video (series) is not a scientific project and does not have to be subject to the “extreme” standards found there. So might as well do it anyways to preserve the work that was put into it… That said I would still like to know… And given the description box Gewissa appears to generally follow scientific consensus rather than wild fantasy which I find most commendable!

[@jito7377]

I'm amazed by the quality of this video. The cinematic view, the calming audio, starting with selfbuild tools, longtime dedication, infopaced subtitles...

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@nicholaslogan5185]

So many memories of building forts and bridges and eventually a log cabin as a kid. Thanks for the memories man. 🙏 ✌️

[@gesithasgewissa]

You're very welcome!

[@skerdycat]

this channel deserves so much more viewers!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@scehr]

This is the definition of 'show, don't tell.' You set the date, the location, and I feel like someone there studying your project. This is absolutely fantastic! No commentary, just the process. If this video doesn't become one of those algorithm videos with millions of views, I'll eat my shoe. Thanks! Subbed and look forward to any and all that follows this!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome! Such kind words, thank you so much, I'm happy you like the video style. I'll certainly be making more like this!

[@scehr]

@@gesithasgewissa You're most welcome. Your whole channel is fascinating, inspiring, informative, and I couldn't be happier for its presence. This is what KZbin is for!

[@efuller6770]

Well it popped up in my feed 3 times before I was back from a trip and in the mood to watch a primitive build. Looking good so far. Best of luck on the rest of the million views

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@efuller6770 Thank you!

[@destructionindustries1987]

Turn on subtitles

[@rubenskiii]

Primitive Technology has been joined by Historic Technology. Awesome content!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you so much! Primitive Technology has been a massive inspiration for me so I appreciate the comparison.

[@erictillotson4963]

The level of detail,even his shoes

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@elizabethglew6930]

Great stuff, thanks! I really like how you show the process without making the video too long and how you show each process from more than one angle, and I appreciate the detailed description. Looking forward to the next one!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you Elizabeth, I'm happy you liked the description and the pacing of the video. There's only so long you can watch someone dig a pit! 😅

[@boelwerkr]

The flower of the plant at 4:07 can be eaten. It disguised itself as a nettle to avoid being eaten. If you plug the white flower itself, you can suck out nectar from the bottom. We did that a lot as children.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for sharing, always on the lookout for plants to forage! Regular nettles can be eaten too after dipping in hot water, they are very nutritious and taste a bit like furry spinach! They are very welcome as the first greens after winter ☺

[@MTayde]

I love this videos with all my heart. The combination of history and survival building techniques is just too amazing. Please keep making these

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you so much! I fully intend to keep making videos, with more to come soon!

[@toucann8]

A great start! Are there certain advantages to having the dwelling floor below the surface, or it it just to make best use of available building materials (i.e. the earth)? I was just wondering about water intrusion and drainage. Can't wait to see how the full structure looks.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! I think there might be benefits in terms of insulation - less drafts and more stable temperatures inside. It is definitely also a quick way to create "walls" without harvesting lots of timber. As for the water intrusion, many ancient houses had low roofs with large overhangs, so I may make the roof overhang the walls by at least a foot! This is all theory at the moment...once built it will be put to the test to see how it weathers the elements!

[@DystopianProphet]

You can dig exterior trenches to facilitate moving the water that falls from the overhang away from the structure.

[@imperialus1]

For water intrusion homes like this would typically be built on higher ground. It's one of the reasons that hill forts were quite popular. You'll see examples of structures built in more low lying areas like the Netherlands that are actually built on stilts. Like gesithasgewissa mentioned, the thatch would typically overhang by quite a bit, and this was typical of Transalpine Europe from the Celtic period right through to the tail end of the middle ages because the walls were made out of wattle and daub, sometimes with a thin layer of lime plaster. Considering the daub is horse dung, straw and mud it's not the sort of thing you want getting wet, but since the basic style shown here was used for well over a thousand years... well it had to have worked.

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@imperialus1 Perfectly explained Imperialus! I'm hoping to show all of that as the building progresses. Thanks for sharing! One thing I would add is that the original settlement and pit house that this reconstruction is based on (SFB 8 at Lechlade-on-Thames) is situated on the River Thames, just above the floodplain. While some Iron Age hillforts were reoccupied by the Anglo-Saxons, a lot of their settlements also lay on lower ground in fertile river valleys. There is more information in the description on the Lechlade settlement excavations if anyone is interested.

[@armageddonready4071]

THERMAL MASS

[@peterlake1547]

Great video, you have achieved a lot with very basic tools and lots of labour. Look forward to seeing how the build progresses

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you Peter, more to come soon!

[@kakyoin3856]

Different architecture can be portrait as fantastic if seen for the first time. Thanks alot! More fuel for fiction!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching!

[@Beaumerang128]

"You can't basket weave a house" This guy: "hold my ale"

[@gesithasgewissa]

😆😆😆

[@spankyjeffro5320]

No.

[@PrincessOfDumbasses]

Medieval here we go!

[@gesithasgewissa]

😆😆😆

[@BarbellThor]

The historical element really ties this together.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! ☺

[@jonno27]

Beautifully done. I love how the first thing you do is make your own shovel.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Got to have the right tools! Thanks for watching

[@sbdiaries]

Thanks for sharing your hard work in recreating a pit house ❤🏠♥️ Have a great day Simon and Beth ♥️ 🙋

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@dawsonl]

Great process video. It brings home just how much manual labor our ancestors did.

[@gesithasgewissa]

They would have been fighting fit! Thanks for watching 😊

[@max8286]

0:39 now we would urgently need the Stronghold music...

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@dkbibi]

The video description is the most thorough thing I ever read on YT. Good job, really interesting!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, that really means a lot. I'm glad you read it and found it interesting!

[@whangadude]

I'm guessing KZbin recommended this vid to me because I've recently been watching alot of Time Team, the Anglo-Saxon pit house was something they seemed to look for on a number of occasions, but it was hard to find due to being earth and wood, which doesn't preserve well. It was pretty neat to actually see what it was they were talking about all this time, I can completely understand why this structure would disappear into the landscape so fast after being abandoned. Subscribed and looking forward to seeing you complete this project.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome! Yes, all that is usually left is the pit and post-holes. And those were often filled in after the house was abandoned. I'm glad this video gave you a better idea of what they looked like, that's exactly my aim, and archaeological reconstructions are perfect for that. Keep an eye out for more parts coming soon and thanks for sharing!

[@lukerazor1]

@whangadude Same :) +1 sub

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@lukerazor1 Welcome!

[@SMartin74]

When i was a kid, we'd build dens in the Black woods under Penshaw Monument. We used to use that weaving method to build up the walls but not so professionally. We'd have two camps and attack each other with sticks that looked like machine guns 😂 sometimes the grenades got a bit real though, someone would eventually have to run home with a split head haha. Sounds rough but it was awesome.

[@gesithasgewissa]

That sounds like a great childhood. I had similar adventures with my brother!

[@alexandermendez4653]

Good old stick and rock fights were the best

[@cheekypigg]

Thank you for this video. This is really useful as I am trying to make an Anglo Saxon style shed by hand. I’m glad to come across this tutorial

[@gesithasgewissa]

I'm glad it has helped. Good luck with your project!

[@giuseppersa2391]

Man and Nature in perfect balance 😊✌️🇿🇦

[@gesithasgewissa]

It's great to be out amongst nature using hand tools ☺

[@giuseppersa2391]

Ja I think it's an ideal way to live lightly... Love from Cape Town South Africa 🇿🇦✌️😎

[@tekurohamada7068]

I just want to say that i really appreciate the closed captions

[@gesithasgewissa]

That's good to hear! Thanks for watching

[@booniebound7793]

This was life back in the day, it seems so peaceful part of me wishes I experienced it.

[@gesithasgewissa]

It is a joy to be using traditional tools in nature! Thanks for watching

[@timothytaggart3289]

I appreciate that there is no talking.

[@gesithasgewissa]

I'm glad to hear it! Besides, it would be in Old English and no-one would understand anyway 😉

[@DystopianProphet]

Absolutely fantastic. I look forward to more!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching, more to come soon!

[@echsecutioner]

That is what I call dedication! Nicely done!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you very much!

[@michk5149]

Great stuff! Was listening to the work and occasionally watching while I was cleaning up and doing some chores.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Nice! I love listening to the sound of an axe in the forest. Glad you enjoyed!

[@cdybft9050]

I’m planning on hiking The Ridgeway in October or November. I can’t wait to walk on that old road and see The White Horse.

[@gesithasgewissa]

That will be an incredible journey. The White Horse is a magical place, no better way to see than having walked there. Best wishes for your travels!

[@lgjosad]

this manor lords game looks amazing

[@gesithasgewissa]

Ya, it's pretty good 😉

[@user-gh6gf2tb9e]

Moss always makes things look more enchanting:)

[@gesithasgewissa]

It does! Beautiful isn't it?

[@DefiRules]

you deserve so mutch more attention, thats such a good craftmanship you show here. thank you for all your work :)

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@shotgunbettygaming]

I really enjoyed this, it's a lovely start and looks to be a gorgeous site! Your style of videography is pleasing and I appreciate the Historical inclusions! NGL I kind of like being late to things like this, that way I don't have to wait for part 2😆Off to watch!!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha, all the parts laid out ready! Enjoy!

[@louisacipriano5329]

Hi, just watched your video today. I really like it. I love how ancient people's had to develop their crafts to live a good life. What they could achieve with seemingly very little, blows the mind. I have subscribed and look forward to your new videos. I enjoy living archaeology type videos and appreciate your time and effort with the building and historical facts added in, it gives a sense of time travel. Wishing you good health x.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi Louisa, that is exactly the sort of atmosphere I am trying to create, while showing the skill and beauty of traditional crafts. I'm glad you appreciated that and thanks for watching. Good health to you as well!

[@Mephiston]

This is really great. It's much the same style as Primitive Technology (the actual guy, not all the fakes). Good narration, excellent videography, no speaking, none of that "whats up its your boy" crap. Keep up the great work and keep at it.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! I love his videos!

[@Max-ek4dn]

I am very thankful for this video since the amount of effort it takes to make it in this style compared to the lenght is pretty big. Just found your channel through this, if you enjoy this project please keep making it. This is wonderful

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! It is absolutely worth all the effort! I'm still working on the building for Part II, but it is coming.

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Thank you Alec 🙏🏼 🪶 ✨

[@gesithasgewissa]

You are very Welcome!

[@AroundTheCabin]

I am so glad I found your channel!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome!

[@Zepoliziotto]

Some explorer a year from now is going to find this and genuinely think its an old native structure from long ago rather than a recently built hut by a guy who loves history.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha, that would be brilliant! Thanks for watching!

[@gingercox7040]

I am so glad I found your channel. I love watching these kinds of videos!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@IronHexacyanoferrate]

I love how you even dress as I imagine they would. Exceptional video!

[@gesithasgewissa]

I try and make everything as historical as possible ☺ thanks for watching!

[@blackthornknives]

I can't wait for the completion of the house!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Glad you're looking forward to it! I'm working on getting Part II out as soon as I can ☺

[@npc3po301]

At this rate the windows are going in sometime late 2056

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@npc3po301 😆😆 if you want faster videos feel free to become a patron 😉

[@npc3po301]

@@gesithasgewissa Apologies my friend, that came over way more hostile than meant, never comment when you're in a bad mood lol, you do your thing and I shall exercise more patience, love what you're doing

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@npc3po301 No offence taken friend, I'm glad people are impatient to see more! ☺And thank you!

[@simonperring2546]

Brilliant video. The Saxon period is my favourite period of British history (wish 1066 had never happened, and we were still more headed towards a more Scandinavian culture, rather than the rubbish one we have now), it is very interesting that Tolkien based the Rohirrim culture on them in “The Lord of the Rings”. 😊

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching Simon. It's such an interesting and dynamic period; tribal wars, kingdom formation, incredible craftsmanship. As for the Rohirrim, if you keep an eye out you might see some videos on Saxon cavalry and horses eventually! I have it planned but it will be a few years yet.

[@simonperring2546]

Thank you Gesithas Gewissa team for your very kind reply, and interesting information about the Saxon cavalry, which seems especially timely with the upcoming "War of the Rohirrim" movie in 2024. Having personally an ancestry in Devon, I was always interested in "West Saxon" history (the kingdom of Wessex and the life of King Alfred the Great), and I was particularly interested in Odda, Ealdorman of Devon, and his defeating of a Viking army in the Battle of Cynwit of 878, which was crucial in the line of battles eventually leading to the defeat of the Vikings in the Battle of Edington. This was covered in "The Last Kingdom" TV series, and it would be great if you could make a video of it, to describe how historical Saxon armies were organised...🙂

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@simonperring2546 Hi Simon, as am I! I am from Somerset myself. The tribal rulers of the Gewissae would form the Kingdom of West Saxons in the decades following the 7th century, though at this point (660's AD) they were still consolidating their power in Somerset, with eyes towards Devon and Isca (Exeter) which lay under Romano-British rule. I find it fascinating how place names still reflect a Celtic culture further south through Devon and Cornwall. Although, even early West Saxon kings such as Cenwalh have British names rather than Saxon, which goes to show it was likely a far more complicated picture than we know! You might be interested in reading this article on my Patreon page - Horses in Early Anglo-Saxon England: Companions in War, Life and Death. I have made this one free to read for you, though I have plans to write more articles for patrons of the channel. www.patreon.com/gesithasgewissa/ I will certainly write an article on Saxon army organisation if not a video as well in the future!

[@simonperring2546]

Thank you Gesithas Gewissa for your reply. Interesting to know that you are from Somerset, as I ancestrally am from Devon, and we’re both really interested in our common “West Saxon” history. I also did “A”-Level History, so I really look forward to reading your article you mention in your Patreon page about horses in Saxon society. Please keep up the great work on “West Saxon” history and culture. Historically it was Professor J.R.R. Tolkien’s interest in his own West Midlands “Mercian” heritage, and the culture that had been lost due to the disaster of 1066, that led him to write his own works as a reconstructed mythology for Britain - but it went far further than he could ever have imagined with his works contributing to developing “high fantasy” and “Dungeons & Dragons” - a worldwide culture for all humankind. I do look forward to your future content, especially as when the “War or the Rohirrim” is brought out in 2024, the world will be exposed to the concept of Saxon cavalry - and you and your team will be able to give the historical context about it...😊

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

Saxons are a mixed bunch from northern Europe. Virtually identical to the Norse people's. Normans descend from the Norse. Your 1066 view point is very weak.

[@tobiasrall1110]

7:01 These orchids... rare and absolutely beautiful!! Please have an eye on them ❤

[@gesithasgewissa]

They are! These are growing inside a nature reserve, don't worry ☺

[@neildam7677]

Im not critizising in a negative way; your doing good work and making entertaining content; i just think its weird you brought 2 steel headed tools and made a spade from wood 😂😂. Good stuff!!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Early Medieval spades were almost always made entirely of wood, sometimes with a small iron horseshoe shaped tip. Take a look at spades in medieval manuscripts to see what I mean. Iron was very valuable so they made tools out of wood wherever possible ☺

[@saxonmcdonald6552]

I love it! Just like how Papa used to build them.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha! Thank you!

[@MaRo-gj3fr]

I saw only 10 seconds and immediately subscribed. Beautiful video

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you and Welcome!

[@youtubehatesus2651]

just watched making a bed. interesting channel. thanks

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching!

[@BonesyTucson]

Very much looking forward to other parts in this series. I like your work.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!!

[@jamesofallthings3684]

I need to plant some willows for s fence. Wattle takes an insane amount of time but it's pretty cool looking.

[@gesithasgewissa]

It does look really cool, and is very strong too!

[@tw528]

This channel has so much potential. Loving the aesthetic, spiritual and practical message from these videos. Hope you go far with channel lad. Respect from Wantage

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, your words are much appreciated!

[@tylermckinney2041]

Im glad i figured out you were making a shovel before it was done.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha, nicely done! It does start out as a bit of a mystery!

[@capuchinhelper]

Nice carving with the axe!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, it's a lovely axe to use!

[@commander630]

Didn't know the minecraft wooden shovel recipe was 100% true to life

[@gesithasgewissa]

Ha!

[@bobbylawsen9638]

Pit houses are interesting, but I've always about flooding issues when it rains. The Cherokee also had pit structures.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Mine doesn't flood, even in torrential winter rain. But the pit isn't very deep.

[@connormatthews522]

Looks fun as hell dude, one hell of a workout too I bet

[@connormatthews522]

Well maybe not when you find roots lol

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching! Grubbing roots is pretty satisfying haha

[@Fenrires]

Man I love everything about this, but when he swings his axe to cut a notch in the wood and it’s *perfectly* in line with his little booties, I shudder.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! And don't be too concerned about the little booties, they were always behind the line of the axe swing, but I admit that sometimes the camera angle does make them look rather at risk 😆

[@HrafnirKrumr]

Great work! Thank you for these videos! Keep them coming please.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks Hrafnir, I'm continuing building this week!

[@Shelby-fq3eh]

It would go a lot faster if you crafted a stone shovel! Jokes aside though, I always admire this kind of work and I'm looking forward to the next part!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha, just let me get my crafting table built! Thanks for watching!

[@andrebehr7290]

Insane Applaus from Germany.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@user-lw6wq6ll1i]

Топор главный инструмент. Молодец парень.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@El-Burrito]

That's a really nice axe

[@gesithasgewissa]

It is a beauty indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@HydroSnips]

Good video & idea. Looking forward to following the progress of the house as it grows 👍

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you Hydro, as am I!

[@MiksusCraft]

My dear Anglo Saxon brother I have a question. I am building this house myself, because I want to have it to relax and be proud of myself this winter. I will be watching this videos for thousand times that year so I encourage you to make more furniture-making videos. Right now I am thinking what the purpouse of earth "shelf" in one side like in 7:12. That would help me to understand what should I do or modify. I hope you will respond... Anyway thank you for this videos, I love Primitive Technology and I will surely love your videos. Sorry for mistakes and greetings from Poland!

[@gesithasgewissa]

You are welcome! That's great you are also building a house like this. The "shelf" is simply what was found in the archaeology. We don't know for sure what it was used for but it could have been a sleeping area, or for storage, or even a shelf holding the wooden boards of a raised floor. It's up for interpretation! I've used mine for storage. Lovely to read your message. Best of luck with your project!

[@MiksusCraft]

@@gesithasgewissa Don't worry I will be from time to time commenting next videos with my progress or if you have discord I could send you some pictures how it looks. Right now I am getting wood and building wattle wall. It will be hard to get big logs for roof support, but I will think of something.

[@aribella6913]

Thanks

[@gesithasgewissa]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@siceraser]

Holy cow, Manor Lords has the best graphics ever

[@gesithasgewissa]

Anglo-Saxon Manor Lords would be cool 😄

[@inplumbumnosfides3883]

Great video so far. A lot of hard work but very cool. I live in New Hampshire in the US. Nicked named the Granite State. Probably not because of the mountains but because you can’t put a shovel into the ground anywhere without hitting rocks. I am jealous of your beautiful soil. 😂 Cheers

[@gesithasgewissa]

It is indeed beautiful loamy soil! I pulled up less than 10 small stones from the entire pit. That sounds tough where you are, I will make sure to be thankful next time I am digging 😆 Thanks for sharing!

[@ce.d8333]

Fantastic work sir. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@slaplapdog]

Great video.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks!

[@levimix6851]

Cannot wait for part 2

[@gesithasgewissa]

I am working on building and filming Part II now! Thanks for watching

[@spike7319]

One can only guess how many toes were chopped off this way (at1:35) 😊 it’s nice to hear in the background the raven of Wodan..and you can imagine why the axe was a great weapon, cuze the people were skilled and used to it from daily work.great video, greetings from lower saxony/ Germany ✌🏻

[@gesithasgewissa]

I still have all my toes...for now! 😆 Yes, we have a little colony of them a little way along the hedgerow. They chose a great ash as their home which is fitting. The axe I am using is loosely based on some of the finds from Nydam and other Germanic bog finds, which are perhaps not too far from you!

[@spike7319]

Nydam is Denmark, i live ~300km south, near the Harz mountains, an area where the Langobarden lived in Roman times. In fact, there was a battle here around 325 on the western edge of the Harz between the Romans and the Germanic tribes.

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@spike7319 Ah apologies, the UK is so tiny comparatively, I often forget how big Germany and Europe is. What looks quite close on the map, is, in fact, not! Haha!

[@captainfatfoot2176]

Took a couple days to dig out a spot for a patio in the backyard. And that was with multiple people. Digging out all that on your own must’ve been tough. Good work.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Tough but good fun! Thanks for watching

[@labibliotecadealexandria6973]

Saludos desde Argentina.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome!

[@TheSaracen369]

Is the axe a replica of an actual Anglo saxon axe, because it's been very hard for me to find examples of saxon axes besides those used for fighting.

[@gesithasgewissa]

It's based on a felling axe from the Middle Saxon settlement at Flixborough, very similar to some from Nydam. My T-shaped axe is based on finds from Buckland Dover, Sarre, Tuddenham and Hauxton, dating from the 5th to the 8th century. Thanks for watching!

[@ladyofthemasque]

I think you needed a good mallet to hit those hazel rods down into place, lol!

[@gesithasgewissa]

That's true haha, I do have a nice wooden one, I just forgot to bring it with me that day! 😆

[@barterinn123]

I’ve seen a place just like this. Beautiful video and well deserved views. I really cannot wait to see how you and your channel progress sir❤

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you my friend, you will certainly see more!

[@tfurxrdftrxrdrdtf]

Would love longer vids of this as well. Very interesting

[@gesithasgewissa]

I'm glad people want longer videos! At the moment I am still working out what works best for KZbin, but I will keep it in mind. Thank you!

[@thorgargrauwolf1366]

Lol noob. You just needed one stack of logs and two sticks for the wooden shovel - after building a workbench before. No, seriously - great work. Really inspirating 👍 Greatings from Germany

[@gesithasgewissa]

Haha, that would have been faster! Thanks for watching!

[@laurencewalker1864]

Hi there only just come across your videos, really love the atmosphere and feel to your videos. Good to see your still swinging an axe mate. Look forward to watching the next videos.👍

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hello mate, still axeing! Good to hear from you, I'm glad you like the videos. I hope all's well with you, the planking coming along on the ship looks incredible!

[@anglosaxaphone672]

love to see this!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it!

[@anglosaxaphone672]

@@gesithasgewissa i've always been into germanic culture and history but the anglosaxons have always been my favorite people group to study.

[@anglosaxaphone672]

@@gesithasgewissa also my name would imply such statements

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@anglosaxaphone672 I noticed the name! My interests span from Late Roman, Germanic Migration Era to the Middle Saxon Period, but I do find the Early Anglo-Saxon settlement periods most fascinating, particularly in the South West of England, where I live. It's important to stay connected to our history and ancestral past. Thanks for sharing!

[@anglosaxaphone672]

@@gesithasgewissa absolutely! it seems we have nearly identical interests in history, specifically germanic history.

[@hetrodoxly1203]

Really enjoyed this, looking forward to the next video.

[@gesithasgewissa]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@lifeistrollin2463]

When your friend says something so Danelaw that you have to give him the Wessex stare

[@gesithasgewissa]

😄😄 no vikings allowed!

[@Heavyisthecrown]

I wonder, would it be normal for a person back then to be building alone? Or was this something done by extended family or the fellow villagers if any? So awesome!

[@gesithasgewissa]

House building would definitely have been a communal activity, wherever possible!

[@carlhicksjr8401]

VERY skilled axe work.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@carlhicksjr8401]

@@gesithasgewissa I know from personal experience just how difficult it is! It takes practice to get your notches that clean!

[@bohurley8626]

Love this kind of content! Great video! Keep um coming

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you! More to come soon!

[@RAMUNI-Viking]

Amazing video. Cant wait to follow the rest of the process

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you Ramuni!

[@woahhbro2906]

I'm American, but I tracked my family tree to 1400 in Normandy and then later to Devonshire, England and then Kilkenny, Ireland. I'm sorry for what my ancestors did to...my ancestors and my other ancestors.

[@icegoddess1308]

*Swing* “this” *Swing* “is why” *Swing* “We have” *Swing* “Modern technology!”

[@gesithasgewissa]

😄😄😄

[@stephengent9974]

If you split the hazel for the walls, it will be easier to weave and go twice as far. Is this structure based on archaeological evidence?

[@gesithasgewissa]

That's a good technique with larger rods Stephen. A lot of my hazel rods are quite thin. I wanted to leave them round to get more tension in the wattle and so create stronger walls. It is based on a West Saxon pit house from excavations at Lechlade-on-Thames, you can find more details in the description. Thanks for watching!

[@appo1860]

thank you for making this video!

[@gesithasgewissa]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching