Communal meals were an important part of Anglo-Saxon society. They were
enjoyed by nobles and yeomen, warriors, farmers, churchmen and laity.
Some of the feasts were informal communal gatherings ( gebeorscipe )
while others were formal ritual gatherings ( symbel ). Using the
evidence of Old English texts - including the epic Beowulf and the
Anglo-Saxon Chronicles - Stephen Pollington shows that the idea of
feasting remained central to early English social traditions long after
the physical reality had declined in importance. The words of the poets
and saga-writers are supported by a wealth of archaeological data
dealing with halls, settlement layouts and the magnificent feasting gear
found in many early Anglo-Saxon graves. The volume includes three
appendices: Hall-themes in Old English verse; Old English texts; The
structure and origins of the warband.