The Phantom Book That Changed the Course of British History
Was England’s medieval history shaped by a book that never existed? Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae claims to be based on a lost Breton manuscript—but no one has ever found it, leaving historians to debate whether it was real or a masterful invention.
Medieval Bishop’s Ring Discovered in England Heads to Auction
A rare medieval bishop’s ring, dating from the late 12th or early 13th century, is set to be auctioned at Noonans Mayfair on March 26, 2025. Discovered in the village of Shipdham, located in Norfolk, eastern England, the gold ring, adorned with its original gemstones, is expected to fetch between £15,000 and £18,000.
The Kidnapping Scandal at Amesbury Priory
In 1400, a monastic power struggle at Amesbury Priory took a shocking turn when the ousted prior hired a gang to kidnap the prioress. What followed was a scandal of betrayal, lawsuits, and royal intervention—one of the wildest church disputes of the Middle Ages.
New Medieval Books: Annals of Tewkesbury
A Latin edition and English translation of the Annals of Tewkesbury, covering the years 1066 to 1263. The text provides a detailed account of events in England, with a particular focus on the 13th century.
Henry III with David Carpenter
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with David Carpenter about what people loved and loathed about Henry, how he managed to survive the rockiest moments of his reign, and the incredible architectural legacy he left behind.
New Medieval Books: The Anarchy: The Darkest Days of Medieval England
When King Henry I died in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the English throne, igniting a bitter struggle for power with his cousin Matilda. This book explores the ensuing civil war, known as The Anarchy, a turbulent period that plunged England into chaos and conflict.
New Medieval Books: What is Better than a Good Woman?
Alice Chaucer may not have come from nobility, but through a series of marriages she was able to build herself into a powerful figure in 15th-century England. This biography tells her story.
Archaeologists Uncover Rare Late Medieval Pottery Kiln in England
A well-preserved pottery kiln dating to the late medieval period has been unearthed at a school in Sutton, England, offering new insights into…
New Medieval Books: Son of Prophecy
This biography of Henry Tudor delves into his ancestry, tracing his lineage across several generations before detailing his path to the English throne. The book places a particular emphasis on the Tudors’ Welsh heritage and connections.
11th-Century Coin Hoard Unearthed in Eastern England
A hoard of over 321 mint-condition silver coins has been discovered near the construction site of Sizewell C, a future nuclear power station on England’s eastern coast.
New Medieval Books: Medieval Women and Urban Justice
What can medieval court records reveal about the lives of women? This book examines the legal disputes involving women in three English towns, uncovering their roles in cases ranging from debts and trade regulations to local trespass laws and public disorder.
Medieval tower at Corfe Castle reopened to public after 378 years
For the first time in nearly four centuries, visitors can now access a medieval tower at Corfe Castle, a historic site in Dorset, England. The King’s Tower, originally built around 1107 for King Henry I, has reopened to the public with a special viewing platform designed to offer a glimpse into its regal past.
Battle, Betrayal, and Balliol: The Struggle for Scotland and the Battle of Annan
In the chaos of 14th-century Scotland, a band of exiled nobles known as the Disinherited rose against the odds, claiming a shocking victory at Dupplin Moor and crowning their leader, Edward Balliol, as king. But triumph soon turned to tragedy, as betrayal and a deadly December ambush unraveled their hold on the Scottish throne.
Chain Linked to Prince Edward V Found in 16th-Century Will
A recent discovery in The National Archives has shed new light on the enduring mystery of the Princes in the Towe
The Battle of Neville’s Cross (1346), according to the Lanercost Chronicle
The year 1346 is remembered in England mostly for the Battle of Crécy, where King Edward III defeated the French forces in one…
Training Royal Horses for Warfare: A Medieval Mastery
Their journey from colts to combat-ready mounts showcases the remarkable fusion of science, tradition, and skill in medieval horse training.
Medieval Ghost Stories: The Chilling Haunts of Byland Abbey
What would you do if a ghost blocked your path, or if a spirit appeared at your door, desperate for absolution? For the people of medieval England, these weren’t mere tales to spook children—they were real encounters that offered lessons about life, death, and the afterlife. Byland Abbey, a Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire, is the source of some of the most fascinating and chilling ghost stories from the Middle Ages.
The Battle of Lewes (1264) – Bow & Blade, Episode 56
King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons’ War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won.
How to Buy a Medieval Warhorse
Owning a warhorse was more than a necessity for medieval knights—it was a symbol of their status and a critical asset in battle. England’s warrior aristocracy had multiple avenues to secure these prized animals, ranging from bustling horse fairs to deals with foreign merchants and independent traders.
How Medieval English Queens Used Gifts to Influence Power and Loyalty
A new study reveals how medieval English queens used gift-giving as a powerful tool to secure alliances and demonstrate authority. From Margaret of Anjou’s lavish gold cups to Elizabeth of York’s symbolic gestures, the research uncovers the political and social significance behind these royal acts of generosity.
New Medieval Books: Politics and Society in Mid Thirteenth-Century England
The English government under King Henry III faced significant political turmoil as tensions between the crown and the nobility escalated. This book delves into how these clashes culminated in a crisis and explores their broader implications for the course of English history.
King Arthur’s Hall is 5,500 years old, study finds
A historic site in Cornwall linked to King Arthur has been found to be 5,500 years old, which is 4,000 years older than previously thought. Known as King Arthur’s Hall, it has long believed to an important historic monument.
Book Review: HISTORY HIT Guide to Medieval England
In Medieval England Matthew Lewis offers his readers a sweeping history covering (as the subtitle promises) a vast swath of time from the Vikings to the advent of the Tudors. Its purpose is to offer an engaging overview of this topic suitable for anyone wishing to begin their immersion into medieval English history.
New Medieval Books: Edward Longshanks’ Forgotten Conflict
The Anglo-French war of 1294-1303, also known as the Gascon War, was Edward I’s main focus, driving England and France into fierce battles and alliances over Aquitaine. This book delves into the bloody confrontations of the conflict, including the pivotal Battle of the Golden Spurs.