Medieval Life and Death

Get the lowdown on everyday life in the medieval era with a week of talks from leading historians

Medieval myths.

Midwives and babies in the sun

Midwifery and childbirth: a historical A–Z guide.

Cardinal John Henry Newman

How to become a saint.

Construction of a medieval church

Bravado or blunder? Architectural fails of medieval church builders.

A view from the Choir of Canterbury Cathedral looking towards Trinity Chapel, which was built in the 12th century to house the remains of Thomas Becket. (Photo by Alamy)

History explorerThe wonder of medieval cathedrals.

Kill or cure? 10 medieval medical practices and their effectiveness

Medieval medicine: killer or cure?.

An introduction to the Black Death

A 14th-century Flemish illustration depicting the burying of plague victims in coffins in Tournai in 1349. (Photo by Granger Historical Picture Archive/Alamy Stock Photo)

Black Death: “Oh father, why have you abandoned me?”.

A compilation of compass drawn circles, and variants found in many of the churches

Medieval graffiti: the lost voices of England’s churches in the Middle Ages.

Illustration by Femke De Jong

The medieval longing for the good old days.

16th century engraving depicting a man with leprosy

Q&AHow did doctors treat leprosy?

Merton College, Oxford.

History explorerMedieval universities.

Medieval universities and an unlikely friendship.

History explorer: the catastrophe of the Black Death.