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HIST7403: Medieval History in London Collections

Dr Marie-Pierre Gelin

This course will explore medieval history through the study of material culture. Taking a thematic approach, it will consider the principal social, political and cultural characteristics of the late Middle Ages (c.1000-1500). For example, medieval church architecture will be investigated as evidence of faith and belief, while objects associated with medieval kings will be studied as examples of political identity.

In an age when literacy was not widespread, objects can provide an insight into the varied ways people expressed ideas and experienced the world around them. Primary source texts will be studied alongside material sources to demonstrate how objects can both support and at times undermine ideas articulated in texts. Students will be introduced to methods of analysing objects as a source for medieval history, as well as the problems and issues of studying material culture within a museum or library environment

Weekly sessions will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars at UCL and gallery talks at museum collections including the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of London and the British Library. Students will also participate in handling sessions.

Weekly Topics:

  1. Introduction: Late Medieval History and its Sources (UCL)
  2. Worship and Belief (The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great)
  3. Ritual and Experience (UCL)
  4. Kingship and Identity (UCL and British Museum)
  5. Love and Romance (UCL)
  6. Daily Life (Museum of London)
  7. Word and Image (UCL and the British Library)
  8. Science and Medicine (Wellcome Collection)
  9. Art and Design (V&A)
  10. Medievalism (Houses of Parliament)


Course Handout 2012-13

Page last modified on 06 sep 12 09:58 by Gillian Pressley