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In the shadowed halls of timber and stone, the medieval Scandinavian royal courts bore witness to the dramatic rise of kingship and the shifting currents of political power. As the eleventh century unfurled, the descendants of legendary clan chiefs began to style themselves as monarchs. Where once local assemblies, known… Read More »From Thing to Throne: How Royal Courts Forged Medieval Scandinavian Power
In the late summer of 793, monks at Lindisfarne watched strange ships slip toward the shore, dragon heads carved into their bows, sails taut against the North Sea wind. Their sanctuary, one of England’s holiest sites, was about to be violated by men from the far north. With this raid,… Read More »The Viking Age: Transformation and the Birth of Modern Europe
A chill dusk falls over medieval England’s forests. In a smoky 14th-century tavern, villagers huddle close as a minstrel’s song rises over the crackle of the hearth. He sings of an outlaw in Lincoln green who laughs in the face of greedy sheriffs. The name Robin Hood dances on their… Read More »The Outlaw of Sherwood: Origins of the Robin Hood Legend
Blacksmithing in the Middle Ages, particularly in France and England, played a vital role in shaping the medieval world. Blacksmiths were highly skilled craftsmen who forged essential tools, weapons, and other items needed for daily life. Their techniques and methods were essential for the development of medieval society. In medieval… Read More »Blacksmithing in the Middle Ages
The year 1066 was a pivotal moment in English history, marked by the Norman Conquest of England. However, before William the Conqueror could claim the English crown, there was a dispute over who should rightfully hold it. The main contenders were Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, and William, Duke of… Read More »The Disputed Crown
If you’re looking for a book for younger ages, I would recommend Medieval Castles edited by Catherine Bradley and illustrated by Rob Shone. This book is a good intro into the topic of castles for elementary ages and up. It introduces readers to specific terminology of castle architecture such as… Read More »Review: Medieval Castles
The gatehouse was one of the most fortified areas of a castle. It was also one of the more vulnerable. For this reason, engineers designed them with extra protection to keep invaders from easily breaching the castle walls. Commonly, gatehouses consisted of a wooden gate reinforced with iron, as well… Read More »Castle Gatehouses
Most of the time when I need to revise my writing, I find all kinds of excuses to not do it. It’s a mentally labor intensive process to think about all that needs to be done when you look back on your old work and realize it needs a face… Read More »Revision Exercise
Currently streaming on Netflix, Secrets of Great British Castles is sitting in ‘My List’ to watch. A documentary series presented by Dan Jones, it explores the history of some of the most iconic castles from medieval England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The show has two seasons. The first season… Read More »Watchlist: Secrets of Great British Castles
