medieval life
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Mediaeval people cherished chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) for spring cleansing, digestion, and boosting the mood, symbolising new life with its flavour, similar to anise. It was used in soups, particularly Lenten ones, teas, and as a digestive aid, sometimes as a magical form of protection . It was called ‘myrrhis’ because it smelled similar to myrrh,…
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From the Richard III Society: From late January 1484 to 20th February 1484, Richard III’s only parliament was held. To find out more about Richard as a lawmaker and some of the laws he enacted, visit : https://richardiii.net/richard-iii-his-world/his-life-and-death/a-progressive-and-enlightened-lawmaker/
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William was the most notable member of the de Braose dynasty. His gradual rise and sudden fall at the hands of King John is often taken as evidence of that king’s capricious behaviour towards his barons. In 1175, William de Braose carried out the Abergavenny Massacre, luring three Welsh princes and other Welsh leaders to…
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From The Richard III Society: News of new event for A Taste of Loyalty, taking place at the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester on 22nd January at 5.00pm: YOU ARE INVITED! Richard III has been buried beneath myth for over five centuries. A Taste of Loyalty seeks to exhume the man beneath the…
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Is it here already?!Yes! 😀 – our Study Day 2026 is heading towards us even through the wind, snow and rain of January!😀 From today, tickets are available for the 6th Northern Dales Study Day which will be taking place in St Mary’s Parish Church, Barnard Castle, on Saturday 25th April. If you have been…
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Most people know of the murder of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, but far fewer know that, in the mid-15th century, another bishop was murdered in the quiet priory church of Edington in Wiltshire. Edington is a peaceful place today; however, it was anything but in medieval times. Its most famous event was when,…
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Later this year the Bayeux Tapestry will be coming to London on loan from France for the first time in almost a millennium. It is believed to have been fashioned by English embroiderers (it’s not really a Tapestry, but an Embroidery) possibly in Canterbury. It was probably commissioned by Archbishop Odo, the brother of William…
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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) was an important mediaeval herb. It is a bushy perennial with feathery, bright green leaves and small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centres, similar to chamomile but its flowers are flat-topped. Its name, feverfew, or ‘fever reducer’ derives from the Latin febrifugia, meaning ‘to put fever to flight’. It was used, as…
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“….At Bosworth in 1485, Richard III’s fall from his horse marked the collapse of his kingship….” Hmm, that’s debatable. According to the Tudorised so-called “history ” that’s dominated relentlessly ever since 1485 , Richard’s downfall began from the moment he stole his elder nephew’s throne, murdered both nephews, executed Hastings and others without trial, etc.…
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Britain is full of old Christmas traditions, some that have continued through the centuries and some that (sadly) have faded away. But others have been revived, among them the medieval Crying Christmas of Lincoln, which has the City of Lincoln Waites to thank for its reappearance. See here https://tinyurl.com/4bszwaxc. Lest you jump to conclusions about…
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