Fyrd
A fyrd (Old English pronunciation: [ˈfyrd]) was a type of early Anglo-Saxon army that was mobilized from freemen to defend their shire, or from selected representatives to join a royal expedition. Service in the fyrd was usually of short duration and participants were expected to provide their own arms and provisions. The composition of the fyrd evolved over the years, particularly as a reaction to raids and invasions by the Vikings. The system of defence and conscription was reorganised during the reign of Alfred the Great, who set up 33 fortified towns (or burhs) in his kingdom of Wessex. The amount of taxation required to maintain each town was laid down in a document known as the Burghal Hidage. Each lord had his individual holding of land assessed in hides. Based on his land holding, he had to contribute men and arms to maintain and defend the burhs. Non-compliance with this requirement could lead to severe penalties.
Ultimately the fyrd consisted of a nucleus of experienced soldiers that would be supplemented by ordinary villagers and farmers from the shires who would accompany their lords.
Podcasts:
Anels Over Me
[Verse 1]
They camp all around me
So I have no fear
They tell me he loves me
Whisper it in my ear
It means the world to me
To have him near here
These are my angels over me
They come from the throne above
Before his face
They carry the light of love
Cover me with grace
They wanna see me complete this race
These are my Angels Over me
Oooh Help me sing
[Chorus]
I got Angels watching over me
Watching my way both night and day
I got Angels watching over me
Fanning away the hurt the pain
I got Angels watching over me
They'll never fly away
Angels over me
[Verse 2]
They silently hold me with their mighty wings
When i cry they consume me with the songs they sing (ooh)
When I sleep they watches over me
Fan away evil things
These are my Angels over me (oh)
Say we don't even know this
The protection they give
Fall asleep on the road and yes
I continue to live
Sometimes I even which that they
Wouldn't answer my calls
But await vuring Angels
They just won't let me fall
No they won't
(Repeat chorus 2x)
But they'll never fly away
They'll never, never let me down