Ten Reasons Why You Should Go to the 2015 International Medieval Congress

Ten Reasons Why You Should Go to the 2015 International Medieval Congress

The University of Leeds is hosting the International Medieval Congress (IMC) from 6-9 July 2015. Here are ten reasons why anyone who loves the Middle Ages should be there!

The Largest Gathering of Medievalists in the United Kingdom

The IMC draws thousands of scholars, writers, students and medieval history lovers from around the world, making it one of the largest conferences in the field.

Take part in among 653 sessions and roundtables

If you like to learn about the Middle Ages, attending the IMC will be a feast of riches for you! Thousands of papers are being given on every topic you can imagine, and roundtables sessions allow for participants to engage and participate in conversations about medieval studies. This year’s theme is ‘Reform & Renewal’ and you will find many special sessions devoted to topics such as Magna Carta and the Fourth Lateran Council.

Books, Books, Books

During the IMC, a book fair is held that brings dozens of the world’s leading publishers to sell the newest works related to medieval studies. Moreover, antiquarian and used book sellers are also on hand, making the congress one of the best places to stock up your own library.

Excursions

The IMC also organizers day trips to some of the best medieval sites in the United Kingdom. This year you can take part in visits to places such as Kirkstall Abbey, Lincoln
Cathedral and Conisbrough Castle, where you are guided by an expert scholars and often get to see areas not usually open to the public.

Special Events during the Congress

Throughout the IMC you can watch and take part in more than a dozen special events, including calligraphy and sewing workshops, musical performances, readings, demonstrations and other hands-on activities.

Medieval Craft Fair

A special one-day event during the IMC will showcase a variety of homemade items using and inspired by medieval craft techniques. Come see the wide range of items on offer, including hand-bound books, leather bags, historically inspired jewellery, pottery and woodwork, and naturally dyed cloth and textiles.

International Medieval Film Festival

Get to watch six medieval movies, such as 2009 animated film The Secret of Kells, and the 1927 masterpiece La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc. The film festival is free to all IMC delegates, and will be followed by panel discussions from historians and experts.

The beautiful University of Leeds campus

Take some time to explore the campus of the University of Leeds, which is over a hundred years old and is home to a wide variety of architectural styles, from Gothic Revival to Post-Modern.

The City of Leeds

The northern English city is a great place to visit, with museums, historic sites and parks all in the city centre. This includes the Royal Armouries Museum, which is home to over 75,000 objects of arms and armour. The nightlife of Leeds is also worth checking out after the day’s sessions and events at the congress are over – with many bars and restaurants within walking distance of the university campus.

Meet great people and learn about the Middle Ages

The international Medieval Congress is a great place to meet with other people who are writing, teaching and learning about the Middle Ages. If this is a period of history that you enjoy, this conference will be an incredible event – and you will want to do it again next year!