Gone Medieval

Latest Episodes:

Joan of Arc Jan 08, 2022

Show notes

Joan of Arc is a name that’s instantly recognisable to most. A controversial figure in her own day, she has remained so ever since, often being adopted as a talisman of French nationalism.

But how much do we really know—or understand—about the young woman who ignited France’s fightback against England during the Hundred Years’ War, but who paid the ultimate price at the age of just 19? To get to the heart of the real ‘Maid of Orléans’, Matt is joined in this episode by Dr Hannah Skoda, a Fellow and Tutor in Medieval History at the University of Oxford.

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Leprosy Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It’s a condition that can have a devastating effect on those who catch it, affecting the skin, the eyes, the peripheral nerves and the respiratory tract in people of all ages.

It’s also a disease with a lot of stigma and myths attached to it, many of them dating back to the Middle Ages. The image of the medieval leper as an outcast from society is a familiar one—but is it accurate? To find out more Cat chats with Dr Simon Roffey, a Reader in Medieval Archaeology at the University of Winchester.

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Medieval New Year Jan 01, 2022

Show notes

In the medieval world, January 1 wasn’t actually New Year’s Day (that was March 25), but the anniversary of Jesus’s circumcision (according to the church). In fact, unlike many Christmas traditions, there’s very little in the way of New Years traditions we still do today that have medieval origins. Nevertheless, this was still a time of feasts, parties, and the medieval equivalent of the Black Friday sales (think less angry queues and more nobility buying themselves fancy swords and jewel encrusted model ships). In this special episode, Matt Lewis explains what medieval society got up to around this time of year, and why medieval new year was actually March 25.

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Music:

Able - Joseph S Greenier, David John Vanacore

Walk Tall - Johannes Bornlof

Dreams of Tomorrow - Daniel James Nolan

Godsend - Johannes Bornlof

Galivant - Bradley Andrew Segal, Bong H. Jung, Chang Wooi Kang

Reverse - Matthew Burnette Heath, Noel Arthur Goff, Kristen Lee Agee

We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Kevin MacLeod / unknown (english christmas carol), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Worst - Brian Scott Carr, Kristen Lee Agee

Vad Rost, Vad Ljuvlig Rost Jag Hor - Kurt Lyndon

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Vikings: Surviving Winter Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

Vikings are often depicted as fearless warriors, but they were not immune to the harsh realities of northern weather. They not only survived in countries like Greenland and Iceland but thrived. How did they adapt to the unforgiving ice and snow? In this episode, Cat is Joined by Medievalist James McMullen as we explore elements of Viking settlement and winter survival. From insulating clothing, skating, and saga sources to social adaptations and hosting.

If you’re enjoying this podcast and looking for more fascinating Medieval content then subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter here.

If you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit.

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Medieval Christmas Dec 25, 2021

Show notes

Ever wondered why we call Christmas, ‘Christmas’? And why it’s celebrated on the 25th December? Or maybe where the Christmas tree came from, the Yule log, the nativity, Father Christmas and even the advent calendar?

Well you might be surprised to learn they’re all rooted in medieval traditions. From the bringing in of evergreen trees to hold on to a symbol of new life to come, to a Greek 4th century bishop giving out presents to all the children who had been good that year.

Grab some nibbles and a drink of choice, and let our host Matt Lewis, take you on a journey through a medieval Christmas.

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For more Gone Medieval content, subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter here.

If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today!

To download, go to Android or Apple store.

Music:

Agne Parthene - Pavlos Karpalos, St Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Michael Georgiou Alexandros Gkikas, Matthew Tomko and Thom Ntinas

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Viking Midwinter Solstice Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

For many of us, our Christmas traditions have been passed down generations. Whether we realise it or not. But where could some of these traditions originate from, and could some go back to the Viking age? In today’s episode, Cat is joined by cultural historian Herleik Baklid to discuss midwinter traditions and cultural practices, especially those from Scandinavia. Will you be partying like a Viking this holiday?

If you’re enjoying this podcast and looking for more fascinating Medieval content then subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter here.

If you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit.

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Medieval Perceptions of Gender Dec 18, 2021

Show notes

Nonconforming beyond the limitations of what's typically expected of men and women has been happening for many centuries. A part of history and tradition which, some might say, even crossed into religion. But focusing on the years 200–1400 C.E, how were non-binary identities defined? In this episode, Matt is joined by professor and author Leah Devin. Leah talks about their new book and the research surrounding it. Author of 'The Shape of Sex', they delve into the history of nonbinary sex, from its embrace in early Christianity to the attempted erasure at the turn of the thirteenth century.

If you’re enjoying this podcast and looking for more fascinating Medieval content then subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter here.

If you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit.

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Building Medieval Churches Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

What is a perpendicular church? In this episode, Cat is on location! Invited by expert stonemason Andrew Ziminski to a spectacular perpendicular church in Steeple Ashton in Wiltshire, Andrew takes us on a guided tour. From honky punks to secret libraries. We learn all about what makes this perpendicular church unique and stonemasonry as a medieval trade, showing us how Britain's buildings offer unexpected and special insights into our history.

Andrew Ziminski, author of 'The Stonemason: A History of Building Britain', published by John Murray in 2020.

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Heralds & Heraldry Dec 11, 2021

Show notes

Heralds and Heraldry share many aspects of modern sport today, from colourful kits to large gatherings of cheering crowds. But what did it mean to have a coat of arms, and what role did Heralds have in Medieval society? In this episode, Matt is joined by Peter O'Donoghue. Peter currently serves as York Herald of Arms in Ordinary at the College of Arms and will be sharing his knowledge of the development and significance of this system.

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Queen Cynethryth of Mercia's Lost Abbey Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

Queen Cynethryth of Mercia was one of the most distinguished rulers of Anglo Saxon Britain. Wife to King Offa, ruler of the Mercians (the most powerful kingdom in Anglo-Saxon Britain) and the only woman to have coinage minted in her image. So how did she end up in Cookham Monastery in Berkshire? After the exciting excavation and discovery of the monastery this past summer, Cynethryth’s story is finally being told. In today’s episode, Cat is joined by Professor Gabor Thomas, an associate professor in archaeology at the University of Reading, and the archaeologist in charge of excavating the Cookham Monastery. Together they discuss Cynethrtyh’s importance as a medieval Queen and the roles medieval monasteries played beyond being a place of worship.

If you’re enjoying this podcast and looking for more fascinating Medieval content then subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter here.

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