One of the Edwardian castles built in Wales in the later part of the 13th centruy, Beaumaris Castle lies near the coast in northern Wales. This castle was the last one built in northern Wales as part of King Edward I’s campaign to conquer that region. The king’s attention and funds,… Read More »Medieval Castles: Beaumaris Castle
Hood (The King Raven Trilogy, Book 1) Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 8, 2008) ISBN-10: 1595543295 The legend of Robin Hood is re-shaped in this historical fiction novel by Stephen Lawhead. Instead of the traditional setting of medieval England, Lawhead places Robin Hood (called Bran) in… Read More »Review of Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Barely got this one in before the end of St. Patrick’s day. On this day, March 17th, in medieval history: 460 (?) – Presumed death of St. Patrick. 1040 – Harold Harefoot dies. Harold was the son of Canute the Great and King of England from 1035 – 1040. 1473 –… Read More »Medieval Timeline: Today in Medieval History
Built in Scotland between 1290 and 1300, Caerlaverock castle was one of the first castles of concentric circle design ever built. Caerlaverock is triangular in shape, of French style, with a large gatehouse of two drum towers standing at the apex of the triangle. At the time, these drum towers… Read More »Medieval Castles: Caerlaverock
Given the vast timeline and myriad of topics covered in the medieval period, it’s often difficult to determine which books should be at the top of your bookshelf. If someone asked you for a list of five works that are essential for every medievalist to read — no matter the… Read More »Discussion Topic: Top Five Foundational Books of Medieval History
Also known as the Battle of Legnica Armies involved: The Mongols vs. the armies of Poland and the Teutonic Knights In late March of 1241, the Mongol army, under the commands of Hordu (eldest grandson of Chinggis Khan) and Peta, swept down through southern Poland and ambushed a division of… Read More »Famous Battles in Medieval History: The Battle of Liegnitz
On this date, March 5th, in medieval history: 1133 – Birth of King Henry II of England 1324 – Birth of David II, King of Scotland 1326- Birth of Louis I (The Great), King of Hungary *image is of Henry II, King of England
The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 2009) Paperback: 592 pages ISBN: 1402218885 It is the time of post-Roman Britain. The Roman armies have fled from the island, leaving England alone in a power vaccum to decide its own fate. Rivalries compete for the throne, British against British, and with… Read More »Review of The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick
Atlas of the Medieval World by Rosamond McKitterick Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Oxford University Press (2004) ISBN: 0195221583 With close to 100 maps, Atlas of the Medieval World provides the reader with an expansive view of medieval Europe with the occasional glimpse into Southeast Asia, Iceland/Greenland, and the Middle East.… Read More »Review of Atlas of the Medieval World by Rosamond McKitterick