Gone Medieval

The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic, was said to be discovered in 1427 by Portuguese explorer Diogo de Silves. However, new studies of the land suggest the Portuguese may not have been the island's first inhabitants. The key to these studies? Mice. Similarities have been found between Azorean and northern European mice. In this episode, Cat is joined by Ecology and Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Jeremy Searle from Cornell University. We delve into this unexpected location of Viking occupancy, exploring Jeremy's research on the land and the mice who can tell us more about our complex history. What can mice tell us about the movement of people in the past? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most prominent pieces of medieval art. Depicting the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England, the tapestry tells a story through detailed embroidery. But what can we learn about the Norman Conquest and the people being it through this skilful art? In this episode, Matt is joined by David Musgrove. David helps us explore the lavish narrative behind the embroidery and the circumstances behind it.David Musgrove is the co-author of The Story of The Bayeux Tapestry: Unravelling the Norman Conquest, published by Thames and Hudson Ltd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In September 2014, a metal detectorist discovered the rarest collection of Viking-age objects ever found to date in Britain. The Galloway hoard displays a remarkable variety of material and treasures, not only from the United Kingdom but as far as central Asia. In this episode, Dr. Martin Goldberg, the Senior Curator of Early Medieval and Viking Collections at the National Museums Scotland joins Cat. Discussing the extraordinary hoard, we delve into the range of objects. What can it tell us about medieval Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medieval manuscripts can shed light on some of the most important events of the past. But what about the physical manuscripts themselves? And what can they tell us about the people who made them? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by author Mary Wellesley as they examine the extraordinary work of the people behind the text.Mary Wellesley is the author of Hidden Hands: The Lives of Manuscripts and Their Makers, published by Quercus Publishing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How we bury the dead has changed drastically throughout history, from grave goods to bed burials. But just how drastic are the changes in burial practices? In this episode, Cat is joined by archaeologist Dr. Emma Brownlee. Emma has studied an astonishing 33,000 graves across England and Europe and will be taking us through her research of these medieval graves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard III of England is one of medieval history's most controversial figures. He is known to many as a tyrant, a sleazy, greedy king who even murdered his nephew. But how much of this is true? This episode of Gone Medieval is a little different, as our very own Ricardian Matt Lewis takes us through the story of Richard III. Did England need saving from this alleged horrid king?Matt Lewis is the author of Richard III: Loyalty Binds Me, published by Amberley Publishing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The word 'medieval' is often used to describe backward ideas and opinions, but why is this the case? The middle ages was a time of life-changing advancements in the world of science. Cat is joined by Seb Falk, a historian, broadcaster, and lecturer at the University of Cambridge, as they debunk misconceptions about medieval science and the church.Seb Falk is the author of The Light Ages: A Medieval Journey, published by Penguin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People of a multitude of cultures, religions, and cultures around the world have long traveled vast distances as forms of pilgrimage. But why would people undergo a pilgrimage? And why do some send people in their honour? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Architectural Historian Emma Wells as they discuss the practice that some might consider the beginning of tourism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From ghost town to ceremonial, ecclesiastical and economic hub: how did London develop in the Saxon era, and how is that crucial to what London has become. Rory Naismith is the author of ‘Citadel of the Saxons: The Rise of Early London’ and a lecturer at Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge. In this episode with Cat, he takes us through the story of London from its decline after the Roman period to its eventual reemergence.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Witchcraft has a plethora of negative connotations attached to it. Being accused and found guilty of this in the Middle Ages could be fatal, but could it also be used as a political tool that even members of the royal family could not avoid? Matt is joined by author and Historian Gemma Hollman to explore the development of the idea of witchcraft, and its use against women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.