Women spinning and socialising. From Augustine’s La Cité de Dieu.
Museum Meermanno
The Distaff Gospels is a collection of advice around pregnancy, childbirth and health. It was shared between French women while spinning flax.
Women’s wills and last testaments provide a more nuanced picture of life in the Middle Ages than medieval stereotypes allow, such as that depicted in “Death and the Prostitute” by Master of Philippe of Guelders.
Gallica/Bibliothèque nationale de France/Feminae
European women’s rights expanded in early medieval cities, though they were still limited. Last wills and testaments were some of the few documents women could dictate themselves.
A miniature of the Erythrean Sibyl, writing.
British Library, Royal 16 G V f. 23.
While the wider literature tells us that medieval women were silent and passive, their letters and embroideries tell a different story.
‘Le Régime du corps’ described a variety of ways to maintain health by keeping the body in balance.
The Bute Painter, circa 1285, MS Arsenal 2510, © Bibliothèque nationale de France
This illustrated health manual dating back to the 13th century provides a glimpse of daily life in aristocratic households during the Middle Ages.
Roses are red, thieving birds are blue. My neck is aching, are you uncomfortable too?
Universitatbibliothek Heidelberg
The view of Valentine’s Day as a day for lovers can be traced back to two medieval poets who stood up for romance and the freedom to choose.
The Wizard of Oz/MGM/Warner Bros
They might not really fly on broomsticks or cast spells, but the witches and wizards of books and films are based on real people.
Katherine Langford plays Nimue in the latest retelling of the Arthurian legend.
Netflix © 2020
The new adaptation of the ancient Arthurian legend is unlike anything you have seen before.
Christine in her study with the three virtuous ladies as the construction of the city begins.
London, British Library, Harley MS 4431, fol. 290r
Christine de Pizan’s 15th-century feminist narrative has particular resonance today.
Vera Petruk via Shutterstock
In medieval England using magic was a bit like drug use today: against the law and seen as immoral, but still widespread across society.
Elizabeth Moss as Offred in season three of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Channel 4
Margaret Atwood’s handmaid has become a symbol of the subjugation of women. Anchorites were the medieval equivalent: women who were literally bricked up to keep them chaste.
Warrior women: Brienne of Tarth, left, and Arya Stark sparring.
©2017 Home Box Office, Inc.
The young assassin and wannabe knight stand in the background but if their medieval influences are anything to go by, they could end up leading the final battle.