Foundation Myths in Medieval and Renaissance Italy
The 3 papers featured here looked at the development of the civic identities of Florence, Genoa and Rome through art, architecture and foundation legends.
The building of Castles and the administration of Sweden
Throughout Sweden the King began to build castles on the basis of foreign models in the middle of the 13th century. It is about the new art of castle building under Anglo-Norman and German influence.
The Defensive Role of Church Round Towers: A Re-Assessment
Towers were erected essentially to house church bells so was the defensive roll of the tower incidental to that roll or integral to its purpose?
Building Materials in Anglo-Saxon Churches and Towers
Church historians know that the Romans had used a wide range of building materials, which in theory could also have been used in construction during the Anglo-Saxon period.
BOOKS: Medieval Ireland
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, here are some great books on medieval Ireland!
Medieval Horse Stable: The Results of Multi Proxy Interdisciplinary Research
A multi proxy approach was applied in the reconstruction of the architecture of Medieval horse stable architecture, the maintenance practices associated with that structure as well as horse alimentation at the beginning of 13th century in Central Europe.
How a 13th-century royal chapel influenced the history of France
UCLA art historian Meredith Cohen and her fascination with the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris
Gothic Wonder: New Book examines the spectacular buildings of Medieval England
In his book, Gothic Wonder, Professor Paul Binski explores a period in which English art and architecture pushed the boundaries to produce some of Europe’s most spectacular buildings and illuminated manuscripts.
Repair? Restore? Re-Design?: The North Porch of Durham Cathedral
The North Porch of Durham Cathedral was conceived as part of the great Norman building campaign of Durham Cathedral, complete by 1133.
Castle Planning in the Fourteenth Century
Although in this paper it is proposed to follow trends in domestic demands and observe their effect on the form of the castle, this aspect should not properly be treated in isolation and if little mention is made of the military element it must be remembered that this is, nevertheless, always present.
Medieval Gothic Cathedrals were built from iron and stone, researchers find
Using radiocarbon dating on metal found in Gothic cathedrals, an interdisciplinary team has shown, for the first time through absolute dating, that iron was used to reinforce stone from the construction phase.
Which Medieval English Cathedral are you?
Everyone loves visiting England’s wonderful medieval cathedrals. However, it’s not quite as easy as taking a multiple-choice internet quiz! At last, now you can find out which one of the diocesan mother churches of the Middle Ages can be assigned to your exact personality type!
‘Hag of the Castle:’ Women, Family, and Community in Later Medieval Ireland
In a letter written as part of his work for the Irish Department of the Ordnance Survey in 1840, Thomas O’Conor recorded his reaction to a “Sheela- na-gig” sculpture—the image of a naked woman shown exposing her genitalia (fig. 1)—that he saw on the old church at Kiltinane, Co. Tipperary.
Places to See: Notre Dame – Part I
Part I of my initial visit to stunning Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
Labyrinths in medieval churches: An investigation of form and function
This thesis analyzed the designs of a select group of labyrinths set into the pavements of Gothic churches in northern France.
The Archaeology of St Paul’s Cathedral
Recent work has brought together what we know of the Anglo-Saxon and medieval cathedrals beneath and around Wren’s St Paul’s, the City of London’s most important historic building and monument.
Places to See: Sainte Chapelle
Travelling to Paris ? Add this beautiful thirteenth century Capetian chapel to your MUST-SEE list for your next visit!
Houses and domestic life in the Viking Age and medieval period
This thesis examines the representations of houses as physical structures in the Íslendingasögur with specific emphasis on the material aspect of housing culture in the Viking Age and medieval period, as well as the interactions between material culture and text.
Urban Territories in Late Medieval Brussels. Imagined Frontiers and Responsible Institutions
This chapter focuses on the spatial analysis of intra-urban territories which existed in late medieval and early modern Brussels (Belgium). By studying their morphological characteristics and origins, I seek to understand their functions within urban society.
‘Appropriate to Her Sex?’ Women’s Participation on the Construction Site in Medieval and Early Modern Europe
Although it is true that the majority of day labourers and craftsmen at any given site were male, there is evidence in many regions of Western Europe that women were commonly employed alongside the men, albeit in the most menial tasks
Imperial Memory and the Charles Bridge: Establishing Royal Ceremony for Future Kings
The History behind the Charles Bridge Built during the reigns of Charles IV (1346-1378) and his son, Wenceslas IV (1363-1419), the Charles Bridge crosses the river Vltava in Prague, joining the Old Town on its eastern side, the commercial hub of the city, and the Hradčany and Malá Strana on the west, where the castle and cathedral are located
Fiat Lux: Chartres Cathedral’s Representation of Medieval Culture Seen Through 21st Century Design
Chartres Cathedral in France exists as a time capsule of its culture, an exhibition of material, religious, and social values, and a testament to the expert craft guild that flourished in the city.
10 Things to See at Southwark Cathedral
My 10 favourite things about Southwark Cathedral.
How Medieval England looked 200 years ago
Here are fifteen beautiful images of castles, abbeys, cathedrals and other medieval sites around England created around the start of the 19th century
Quiz: Medieval Church Architecture
Here are ten questions based on Jon Cannon’s new book Medieval Church Architecture, which offers a guide on how to understand the design of churches in medieval England