Part 55 - Of King Olaf's Household

King Olaf built a king's house in Nidaros, and in it was a large room for his court, with doors at both ends. The king's high- seat was in the middle of the room; and within sat his court- bishop, Grimkel, and next him his other priests; without them sat his counsellors; and in the other high-seat opposite to the king sat his marshal, Bjorn, and next to him his pursuivants.

When people of importance came to him, they also had a seat of honour. The ale was drunk by the fire-light.

He divided the service among his men after the fashion of other kings. He had in his house sixty court-men and thirty pursuivants; and to them he gave pay and certain regulations. He had also thirty house-servants to do the needful work about the house, and procure what was required. He had, besides, many slaves. At the house were many outbuildings, in which the court-men slept. There was also a large room, in which the king held his court-meetings.