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.
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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
Old/Middle English
Theology and Religious Studies
Centre news and events
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. For more information, email Catherine Capel.
18 September speakers:
- Catherine Capel, 'A Match Made in Heaven?: Assessing the Success of Royal Marriages'
- Dr Ellie Woodacre, 'Saints or Sinners? Sexuality, Reputation and Representation of Queens from Contemporary Sources to Modern Media'
9 September speakers:
- 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'
- James Reah (History research tudnt), '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'
Annual 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.