This week we explore the early stages of the Hundred Years War, revealing new details about the Battle of Crécy, and telling the story of Fiery Joanna’s defence of Hennebont. You can also read about rune stones, the Celts, and Icelandic sagas.
‘The boldest and most remarkable feat ever performed by a woman’: Fiery Joanna and the Siege of Hennebont
September 27, 2015 By
It ranks as one of the most fascinating stories from the 14th century, one that chroniclers of that time relished in telling and historians have ever since recounted.
Five Medieval Minutes with Steven Muhlberger
September 24, 2015 By
Formal deeds of arms were an opportunity for one group of people to show off their skills – particularly their horsemanship – and for other people to appreciate how bold and daring they were.
Medieval Fort Building 101
September 24, 2015 By
What does it take to build a fortification in the 10th century?
The Battle of Neville’s Cross as told in the Lanercost Chronicle
September 23, 2015 By
The year 1346 is remembered in England mostly for the Battle of Crecy, where King Edward III defeated the French forces in one of the most important battles of the Hundred Years War. That year also saw another major battle, this one fought on English soil.
Another Medieval Drinking Song
September 23, 2015 By
But bring us in good ale, good ale, and bring us in good ale,
For our blessed Lady’s sake, bring us in good ale!
Ten Castles that Made Medieval Britain: Tintagel Castle
September 22, 2015 By
The bleached bones of a blasted cliff-top castle, scourged by leaping sea and howling wind, Tintagel made as much from tempered dreams as carved stone still has the power to inspire.
How to Make Ink in the Middle Ages
September 20, 2015 By
Creating everyday objects in the Middle Ages often took a lot time and effort. If you needed ink, for example, and had to make it yourself, it could be several weeks before you could dip your quill into the inkwell.
Top 10 Medieval Book Curses
September 20, 2015 By
Christ’s curse upon the crook who takes away this book.
Szczecin: Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes
September 20, 2015 By
My visit to Berlin included a quick stop across the border to Poland, to visit Szczecin and the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes.
Which 16th-century Monarch Would You Be?
September 18, 2015 By
Find out which sixteenth century monarch most closely matches your style.
Five Reasons We’re Still Fascinated by the Templars
September 17, 2015 By
What is it about the Templars that makes them so fascinating?
Using LEGO to show the history of medieval England
September 17, 2015 By
Learn more about the great new book Medieval Lego, by Greyson Beights
Review: The Bastard Executioner: Pilot, Parts 1 and 2
September 16, 2015 By
The Bastard Executioner is the latest TV series that medieval history lovers will be tuning into. Created by Kurt Sutter, who is best known for Sons of Anarchy, it promises a lot of blood, gore and violence.
New TV series: The Bastard Executioner
September 15, 2015 By
The first season of The Bastard Executioner begins on Tuesday, September 15th on the FX channel in the United States and Canada
Ten Castles that Made Medieval Britain: Warwick Castle
September 15, 2015 By
Raised amidst the settling dust of the Norman Conquest, the traditional seat of the Earldom of Warwick has continually throughout its millennia long and oft glorious history fundamentally reinvented itself, making it the Madonna of medieval military architecture.
The Medieval Magazine – Issue 33
September 15, 2015 By
This week we preview two new TV series set in the Middle Ages – The Bastard Executioner and The Last Kingdom – to see what they will be offering viewers.
Telling the Story of the Ivory Vikings
September 13, 2015 By
One book leads to the next. It’s a truism among writers, and particularly apt for explaining how my latest book, Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World and the Woman Who Made Them, published by St Martin’s Press in September, came to be.
Rosh Hashanah in the Middle Ages
September 13, 2015 By
As the Jewish High Holy Days takes place, we take a look at how Jews celebrated Rosh Hashanah in the Middle Ages.
Wit and Wisdom from Medieval Monarchs
September 12, 2015 By
Here are ten quotes from medieval Kings and Queens that we wanted to share
The earliest use of the F-word discovered
September 10, 2015 By
An English historian has come across the word ‘fuck’ in a court case dating to year 1310, making it the earliest known reference to the swear word.
The Longest and Shortest Reigns of the Middle Ages
September 9, 2015 By
Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for over 63 years – how does this compare to medieval rulers?
Ten Castles that Made Medieval Britain: Windsor Castle
September 8, 2015 By
At one time the greatest palace complex in Europe and a favoured haunt of the British Royal family to this day, Windsor Castle is a still living relic of a time where out of necessity, the sum of a nation’s sovereignty and a State’s very existence as a politically distinct identity rested upon a crowned head.
The Medieval Magazine – Issue 32
September 8, 2015 By
We are going back to school in this week’s edition of The Medieval Magazine.
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