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Kings and other noble men would often maintain a minstral or scop (pronounced 'shop') to entertain at feasts and other important events. They would recite alliterative poetry and play the harp. more ...
The harp (OE hearpe, although strictly a lyre in musical terms) in the photograph is a reconstruction of that found at Burg Apton, Norfolk. It is made of maple wood with gut strings. The method of playing is taken from the manuscript illustration of King David in the 8th century Cotton Vespasian Psalter now in the British Library.
The photograph is taken in one of the reconstructd Anglo-Saxon buildings at West Stow. link ...
(Photograph: Courtesy of the Bury Free Press)
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