For Greco-Roman societies, marriage was not for love; rather, it was seen as a legal duty for all citizens. The idea of love and relationships began to change during the twelfth-century when the idea of ‘courtly love’ appeared for the first time in France with Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine’s ‘Court of Love’.
AUTHOR ELLIE-MAE BRITTON
The Alexiad was written to chronicle the life and times of the Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, imperial sovereign of the Eastern Roman Empire from 1081-1118, by Anna Komnene, his first daughter, as a homage to him and also a personal account of facts she witnessed herself. What it stands out from the narrative is her unique personality and the emotion which is embedded in it.
AUTHOR JAMIE MEADE
Runner up of our 2023 Halloween Writing Competition, Seren Davies-Jones outlines the Celtic influences behind the celebration of Halloween. By looking at the common human fascination with all things dark and mysterious, clear connections are drawn between Samhain and Halloween.
AUTHOR SEREN DAVIES-JONES
When we think about the disease of leprosy, this conjures up in the popular imaginary images of groups of wandering and forcibly isolated people; nameless faces horribly scarred, targeted often with prejudice by society. But, what is (and was) leprosy in fact? And how did late medieval people understand it? Find out more about the medical and religious ideas from were these understandings drawn in this very interesting and thought-provoking article.
AUTHOR: SACHA BROZEL
Located in the heart of Suffolk, Beoderic’s Worth (later known as Bury St Edmunds) has a rich, complex history ranging from saints to rebellions to legends.
AUTHOR EMMA LE POIDEVIN
An exciting review of the life and relevant work of one of the most mysterious figures of the Italian Renaissance, Italian humanist and librarian Vespasiano Da Bisticci.
AUTHOR EMMA LE POIDEVIN
How we see The Wars of the Roses is overwhelmingly masculine. From militant Kings and backstabbing nobles to she-wolf Queens demonised for presenting attributes equal to men, its male influence is almost inescapable. This article will try to rectify, exploring the tumultuous life of Anne Neville: Princess of Wales, Duchess of Gloucester, and Queen of England.
AUTHOR KATIE WILKINSON
A glimpse into the old days of York, serving as a centre of Roman power.
AUTHOR: FIN BOSWORTH
An exploration into how the holy man is they key to understanding late antique religion
AUTHOR: HOLLY PALMER
As we enter into the new year of 2021, we take a look at some of the historical anniversaries we saw in 2020, from literature to international legislation
AUTHOR: VARIOUS
A brief introduction to the History of Emotions
AUTHOR: LIAM GREENACRE
An insightful examination of the multifaceted role of narration in history.
AUTHOR: VERA RATNIKOVA
A review of the recent British Library exhibition: Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War. AUTHOR: LIAM GREENACRE
Very little is known about St Edmund’s life. Our latest article explores his legacy, and how his image has been shaped and changed to serve different purposes throughout history.
AUTHOR: LIAM GREENACRE
In our latest article, Liam Greenacre explores King Theodoric’s attempts to manage and shape Gothic and Roman identities in sixth-century Italy. AUTHOR: LIAM GREENACRE
Usually when we think of York, we think of the Vikings. Why has York’s Anglo Saxon history been overlooked?
AUTHOR: ELSA ROBINSON
The use of propaganda was integral to the Hundred Years’ War. Was Christine de Pizan involved in its production?
AUTHOR: ELSA ROBINSON
In this article, Liam Greenacre considers the use of the Norman Conquest of 1066 during the 17th century English Civil War, contrasting the perceived utopian age with the realities of living under foreign rule.
AUTHOR: LIAM GREENACRE
This article looks five women from across history from vastly different backgrounds. The background of each woman is assessed, and a judgement made on their lasting contributions to society.
AUTHOR: VICTORIA BETTNEY AND OTHERS
How did Gerald of Aurillac reconcile his roles as both a secular aristocrat and a cleric? This article explores that dilemma by analysing Odo of Cluny’s ‘Vita Geraldi’.
AUTHOR: LIAM GREENACRE
The Christianization of Iceland was not straightforward. It was distinctly Icelandic, as this article explores.
AUTHOR: VANIA BUSO
A whistle-stop tour of Heraldry offers us an improved, clarified understanding of its usage and shows some of the common misconceptions.
AUTHOR: AZAM CAESAR
Examining the lives of women in late medieval England, this article demonstrates that a patriarchal society didn’t necessarily mean that women were excluded from popular culture. AUTHOR: MARTHA BAILEY
Robin Hood is no doubt a famous outlaw, with stories of him popular across the ages. This article explores the romantic imagery in ballads and tales about outlaws and their historical contexts, providing an insight into popular opinion and the fantasies of medieval townspeople,
AUTHOR: JESSICA HARRIS
Though she has a brief mention in history as the lover and eventual wife of John of Gaunt, who was Katherine Swynford? This piece studies her personal and political life, mapping out her rise in status.
AUTHOR: LAUREN MILLER
The problem of succession to the British throne has consistently reared its head throughout history. This article explores different situations where trouble ensued regarding claims to the throne – with some more legitimate than others.
AUTHOR: LAURA FLANNIGAN
The intriguing life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, a queen to be remembered. AUTHOR: JESSICA HARRIS-EDWARDS
A microcosmic study of the German town of Prichsenstadt followed by a deeper analysis into ways German history is studied today.
AUTHOR: CAITLIN BURGE
An analysis of the role the justice system played in relation to the outbreak of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. AUTHOR: JESSICA HARRIS-EDWARDS
An exciting piece looking at the various ways monasteries were focal institutions for society in the 9th century. AUTHOR: CAITLIN COADY
This weekend we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta — but are we celebrating an idea rather than a reality? AUTHOR: LAURA FLANNIGAN
