History Matters Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse Nicknames can easily raise an eyebrow, but they have value to the historian beyond humour. Tristan Alphey | Published in History Today Volume 73 Issue 3 March 2023 Edmund ‘Ironside’, from the Genealogical Chronicle of the English Kings, late 13th century © British Library Board. All Rights Reserved/Bridgeman Images. To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.