culture
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Rue (Ruta graveolens) is another fascinating medieval herb. Here are some interesting facts about it: Medicinal Uses Digestive aid: Rue was used to treat digestive issues, such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. Menstrual relief: The herb was used to ease menstrual cramps, bloating, and other symptoms associated with PMS. Anti-inflammatory: Rue’s anti-inflammatory properties made it…
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Many Ricardians know that there are just two churches in the world dedicated to St Alkelda, one is in Middleham and the other in Giggleswick, but very few are aware of a mysterious stained glass in the latter. The whole matter started with a parish fair. Parishioners from both churches were looking for items to…
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On September 28, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Wenceslas, a 10th-century Bohemian duke and martyr. St. Wenceslas is known for his piety, patronage of the poor, and his role in converting Bohemia to Christianity. He converted his nation to Christianity and was known for his kindness, generosity, and piety. He was martyred by his brother,…
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“….Four sculptures, set to be installed this weekend, will tell tales from the Battle of Bosworth and the death of King Richard III….The final two of the Bosworth 1485 Trail’s sculptures will be put in place on Saturday (23 August), forming part of a 12-mile (19.3km) path to mark the 540th anniversary of the battle….”…
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Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a fascinating herb with a rich history. It is a hardy perennial herb with fern-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, growing up to three feet tall. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade and is commonly found growing in rough ground, on field boundaries. Tansy contains compounds such…
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It’s King Richard’s Faire time again across the Atlantic. Let’s face it, our American friends certainly know how to celebrate the fun and games of medieval England! Unfortunately for us on this side of the Pond, the heralds arrived a little late for us to take up the opening-day (Saturday, 30 August 2025) challenge. Not…
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There have been several posts on this blog about theatrical productions of Josephine Tey’s The Daughter of Time. This book is, as all Ricardians know, a seminal work that stands up for Richard III’s innocence regarding the disappearance of his nephews, the so-called “Princes in the Tower”. Some of the posts have heralded the play,…
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It’s all going to be happening in Cirencester next month when the Cirencester History Festival is held, as you can read here https://tinyurl.com/bddup7fr. Tickets will be on sale, along with the release of the full events programme, on Friday 5 September 2025. “….A star-studded lineup featuring famous broadcasters, bestselling authors and experts on world affairs…
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“….While excavating near an old harbor in Oslo, archaeologists have uncovered thousands of pieces of preserved, waterlogged leather that are nearly 700 years old. The bags, purses, shoes and sword scabbards — all dated to around the 13th and 14th centuries — are revealing new information about everyday life in medieval Norway….” Well, I can…
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A short while ago (June 2025) I wrote that the wonderful Philippa Langley was coming to Malvern to give talks as part of the annual Midsummer Malvern event. Well, now she has been and if you go to this link you can read all about it: https://tinyurl.com/2p9jzkz2 The first talk was at Little Malvern Priory,…
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