Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Research
An interdisciplinary research centre bringing together our extensive expertise in History, Archaeology, Theology and English.
View contentAbout us
Founded in 2018, the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Research brings together scholars from across the University, in History, Archaeology, Theology and English, into an interdisciplinary grouping to drive new and innovative research through collaboration, to enhance our understanding of the British Isles and the wider world from the end of the Classical Period to 1600.
Expertise
The centre has particular expertise in Anglo-Saxon and earlier medieval history and in late medieval England and Europe. Thematic strands running throughout these areas are the study of kingship and queenship (see below) and of the history of Winchester and Wessex.
Our academics are involved with numerous high-profile medieval projects, such as the Leverhulme Trust-funded project Kingship, Court and Society, the Inquisitions post mortem projects and the Overland Trade Project, as well as interdisciplinary projects such as the Winchester medieval leper hospital project, Medieval Jewish Winchester and the Royal Hunting Lodges project.
Explore our research projects to find out more.
Collaborations
The Centre has close ties with the University's Royal Studies Network, which organises the annual Kings and Queens conference and publishes the Royal Studies Journal. Members have collaborated on events and projects with the Hampshire Cultural Trust (Royal Blood series) and Winchester City Council (Medieval Jewish Winchester). Centre experts have been involved with Hyde900, Hampshire Pride, the Winchester Heritage Open Days and the BBC History Weekends, which take place in Winchester.
Postgraduate research
The Centre runs training and engagement sessions for postgraduate research students, both on sector-wide topics such as impact and digital humanities and on more specific medieval topics. Our current research students are studying a wide range of topics and the centre provides support as well as an opportunity for them to discuss their work more widely. Applications from prospective students are most welcome; for details of the staff available to undertake research supervision, please visit the staff profiles below. Find out more about research degrees at Winchester.
Tweet all about it: MAMG is back!
The 2021 Middle Ages in Modern Games Twitter conference will take place on 25-28 May. To find out more and download the Call for Papers, see below under Centre News and Events.
Follow the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Research on Twitter
Background image: the Saxon stronghold and Norman fortress of Corfe Castle in Dorset.
Meet our medieval and Renaissance experts
Follow the links below to find out more about our research interests, areas of supervision and latest publications.
Convenors
- Dr Robert Houghton (History)
- Dr Gordon McKelvie (History)
- Dr Eric Lacey (English)
History
- Dr Carey Fleiner
- Em. Prof. Michael Hicks
- Prof. Ryan Lavelle
- Dr James Ross
- Dr Katherine Weikert
- Dr Ellie Woodacre
- Dr Cindy Wood
- Em. Prof. Barbara Yorke
Archaeology
- Dr Paul Everill
- Dr Phil Marter
- Dr Simon Roffey
Old/Middle English
Theology and Religious Studies
Centre news and events
Forthcoming events
Middle Ages in Modern Games (MAMG) conference 2021
Following the success of the inaugural 2020 MAMG Twitter conference, the 2021 edition is scheduled for 25 - 28 May. This innovative virtual conference, a collaboration between the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Research and The Public Medievalist, sees delegates delivering their papers in 12 tweets, with much social media activity around the actual conference. We are delighted to announce that the Call for Papers is now open - let tweeting commence!
@MIDAGESMODGAMES, #MAMG21 @CMRR_Winchester
- Download the Middle Ages in Modern Games conference 2021 Call for Papers: CFP MAMG 2021
- Find out more about the Middle Ages in Modern Games conference 2020 and read the proceedings
Recent events
On 10 March 2021, Dr Gordon McKelvie delivered an online talk for the Historical Association. Based on his latest book, Bastard Feudalism, English Society and the Law: The Statutes of Livery, 1390 to 1520, Gordon spoke about rebellion and retaining during the Wars of the Roses.
Annual events
Medieval Studies Days
The Centre's Medieval Studies Days offer a showcase of ongoing medieval and Renaissance research at Winchester. The day usually takes place in April.
The 2020 Medieval Studies Days took place online in September and were organised by our wonderful research students.
Speakers:
- Catherine Capel (History research student), 'A Match Made in Heaven?: Assessing the Success of Royal Marriages'
- James Reah (History research student), 'Bringing History to life, or life to History? An investigation into the role of historical re-enactment in popular culture and its extent in influencing modern perceptions on the past'
- Dr Ellie Woodacre, 'Saints or Sinners? Sexuality, Reputation and Representation of Queens from Contemporary Sources to Modern Media'
- Dr James Ross, 'Popular rebellion in the early Tudor period'
- Dr Gordon Mcelvie, 'Rebellious Bonds in Late Medieval Scotland: Do The Details Matter?'
- Dr Robert Houghton, 'King takes Bishop: Playing The Investiture Contest'
CMRR Public Lecture
Each year, the centre hosts a public lecture by an eminent medieval scholar. For the 2019 CMRR Annual Lecture, we welcomed Prof. Chris Given Wilson from the University of St Andrews.