Medieval Women Poster

Medieval Women: In Their Own Words

Encounter the women of medieval Europe through their own words, visions and experiences, in an exhibition like no other.

From the courage of Joan of Arc at her trial for heresy, and the visionary experiences of Julian of Norwich, to the artistry of the London silkwoman Alice Claver, the work of female medical practitioners, and the struggles of female rulers like Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, this exhibition explores the challenges, achievements and daily lives of women in Europe from 1100 to 1500. It will tell the history of medieval women through their own words and uncover their lives through manuscripts, documents and artefacts.

Discover the rich and complex lives of women in the Middle Ages, with over 140 extraordinary items that reveal their artistry, resourcefulness, courage and struggles. Tickets are on sale now.

Must-see highlights include:

  • The Book of the Queen by Christine de Pizan: The first professional woman author in Europe
  • Sibylle of Flanders’ 12th-century ivory cross: Owned by Sibylle, countess of Flanders, who went on Crusade to the Holy Land
  • A silk textile made in al-Andalus (Islamic Spain), where Muslim women labourers were fundamental to the silk industry
  • Julian of Norwich’s The Revelations of Divine Love: the first work in English definitely authored by a woman
  • A 15th-century birthing girdle: a manuscript inscribed with prayers and charms that was used for protection during childbirth
  • Battel Hall retable, a rare surviving painting from a medieval English nunnery
  • On Women’s Cosmetics: a recipe book likely to have been composed in Southern Italy in the 12th century with recipes for hair dye remover, face creams and breath freshener
  • A lion skull that possibly came from a pet lion of Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England.

Break free from traditional narratives and encounter personalities both famous and forgotten who tell the story of medieval womanhood. And discover stories familiar to women today, from the gender pay gap and harmful stereotypes, to access to healthcare and education, as well as challenges faced by female leaders.

Hear the words of medieval women from across the centuries, speaking powerfully for the thousands whose voices have not surfaced as yet – and likely never will.

Digitisation of Charters and Manuscripts

As part of the run-up to the exhibition, the British Library has also been digitising a significant number of their charters and rolls relating to Medieval and Renaissance Women (218 charters at the last count and 25 rolls). They will make a separate announcement when all of these are online — many of them already are. However, the British Library is still working to compensate for the hacking, which took place last year. The new collection ads to the 93 manuscripts earlier digitsed, offering a substantial help to scholars and other interested in exploring the rich collections in the BL pertaining to women and gender studies.

VISIT:

Medieval Women: In their Own Voice.
The British Library, London
25.10.2+24 – 02.03.2024

READ MORE:

The Nature of Medieval Women

 

Medieval and Renaissance Women in the British Library

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