Legends of werewolves have been part of European culture ever since pagan times. When we think of werewolves today, we think of people cursed with lycanthropy; doomed to transform when the moon is full. … Read More »Werewolves in Medieval Europe
When we think of medieval minstrels today, it probably conjures up images of musicians in colourful garb, performing as a backdrop to a court banquet. And yet, the real medieval minstrel was so much more… Read More »The Medieval Minstrel
“The Law serves no other purpose in these days but to do wrong.” Proclamation of Jack Cade, June 1450 Perhaps one of the most extreme examples of the chaos that blighted Henry VI’s reign in… Read More »The Bonville-Courtenay Feud
The sea was a dangerous place in the Middle Ages. Whilst sea trade was essential for the economy of the island kingdoms of the British Isles, life at sea was far from a safe occupation. … Read More »Sea Monsters in the Middle Ages
Late medieval England witnessed two large scale peasant uprisings that threatened to topple the ruling regime. The first, and perhaps the most famous, was the eponymous Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. The second, lesser known but… Read More »The Late Medieval Peasant Revolts
During the late Roman and early medieval period, Christianity spread inexorably across Europe. By the time of the Western Empire’s fall, most of its former citizens were Christians. The pagan Anglo-Saxons converted in the seventh… Read More »Europe’s Last Pagans
The medieval summer time was an important time of year for common folk. The weather was pleasant and, with the harvest not due in until August, it was an ideal time for social gatherings. It… Read More »Medieval Summer Folk Traditions
After a century of struggle, the Hundred Years’ War was finally over. The end, when it came, came surprisingly quickly. In just four years the English were ousted from all their French possessions except Calais. … Read More »How France won the Hundred Years’ War
Ever since Joan of Arc’s victory at Orleans in 1429, the Hundred Years’ War had not been going England’s way. After several abortive attempts, England and France eventually negotiated a precarious truce in 1444. However,… Read More »How England Lost the Hundred Years’ War
Saint George is famous as the original dragon slayer and patron saint of England. In the late Middle Ages, English enthusiasm for this saint reached a cult status. So much so that this saint became… Read More »Saint George in Medieval England