middle ages – Manchester Historian

In the middle ages, pilgrimages were the ‘holiday’ du jour. Many of the journeys, mainly taken on foot, are unimaginable for us today. Tom Oliver records the most noted pilgrimages alongside some of the more unusual routes.

In the Middle Ages reading was a luxury not even afforded by most of the wealthy. Therefore, traders promoted their goods through some imaginative images. James Brannan investigates these and other forms of personal endorsement, most notably the trade surnames that remain with us to this day.

A medieval Christmas had both religious and pagan elements. James Brannan explores how Cristes Maesse was celebrated, referring to carolling, gift giving, and feasting.

Lad culture is one of the hot social topics of the moment, with a multitude of (other) university’s societies and sports clubs being criticised due to inappropriate and sexist behaviour. Laura Robinson explores the alternative side of the chivalric knight as the medieval version of the modern lad.

Tea may well be our National drink, but there’s no denying the long-held, never-ending love the population of the UK has for Ale!…and Gin…and Vodka….and basically all spirits.