Dr Caroline Bourne

Cardiff University and the Society for the Study of Medieval Languages and Literature are pleased to announce a multi-disciplinary conference on medieval Wales, to be held at Cardiff University on the 25th and 26th of April 2026. The conference will provide a space for discussion and collaboration between scholars of all disciplinary backgrounds interested in medieval Wales. The conference programme will include the Medium Ævum annual lecture, which will be delivered by Professor Helen Fulton (University of Bristol). The Henry Loyn Memorial Lecture will be held on the evening of the 24th of April, and will be delivered by Professor John Hines (Cardiff University). We invite proposals for 20-minute presentations representing any specialization that sheds light on medieval Wales. We shall particularly welcome papers that discuss encounters between different languages and traditions and their consequences. Proposals are welcome from speakers at all career stages and papers can be delivered in English or Welsh. Proposals should include a title and an abstract (100–200 words) and should be submitted to Dr David Callander (callanderd@cardiff.ac.uk) by 30 November.

SSMLL are delighted to announce the opening of our Call for Papers for the 2026 Day Conference, Medieval Wales, which will be held at Cardiff University 25-26 April, 2026.

Proposals should be submitted to Dr David Callander (callanderd@cardiff.ac.uk) by 30 November.

The ship has landed!

#Medievalsky

Only one week left to submit your abstracts for the 'Medieval Wales and the March' International Medieval Congress sessions sponsored by the Mortimer History Society. Deadline is 15 Sept. Don't delay, submit today!
@imc-leeds.bsky.social
#IMC2026 #medievalsky #skystorians #academicsky

This time next week I'll be in Leicester for the @socmedarch.bsky.social conference.😀 #MedArch2025
#medieval #medievalarchaeology
Graphics: Society for Medieval Archaeology
Image: A nod to the past - a Viking themed handrail in Swansea Guildhall (c) Nigel Davies for Geograph CC BY-SA 2.0

We're so looking forward to talking to everyone at the @amgueddfacymru.bsky.social History and Heritage Fair at the National Waterfront Museum later this month! Come find our stall, we'd love to meet you.

Just two weeks to submit your abstracts for the 'Medieval Wales and the March' International Medieval Congress sessions sponsored by the Mortimer History Society. Deadline for submissions is 15 September 2025. @imc-leeds.bsky.social #IMC2026 #medievalsky #skystorians #academicsky

A blessed feast of St Andthatotherguy to you all

Acorns on sun-burnt August grass 🌱☀️
In medieval Britain, the oak was power itself — boundary marker, court tree, symbol of endurance and lordship. 🌳👑

#Oak #Acorns #BritishCountryside #MedievalHistory #Folklore #queenoflostcastles #medievalsky

Making Medieval Ireland English

If you've ever wondered why Dublin has a church dedicated to St. Werburgh -> A great account here from @drfrancisyoung.bsky.social on Ireland's Anglo-Norman history & the use of English saints "in a kind of sacred imperialism".
www.historytoday.com/history-matt...

Photo of a brooch in the form of an eagle with outspread wings and curved beak, displayed against a black background. The surface of the bronze brooch is decorated with "cloisonné" technique; that is small bronze cells inlaid with glass – mostly red and some green – laid on top of gold leaf which reflects the light and makes the glass sparkle. The bird’s eye is made from a large blue glass cabochon. Dimensions: Height = 11.80 cm; Width = 5.90 cm; Thickness = 2.20 cm. After the collapse of the Roman empire, Spain became part of the Visigothic Kingdom between 418 and 711 AD. The Visigoths left behind some very decorative jewellery. This brooch dates to that period.

Fabulous Visigothic eagle brooch, AD 501-533.

One of a pair of prestigious eagle brooches worn at shoulder height to fasten clothing. From Alovera, Guadalajara, Spain. Bronze, gold and glass.
📷 Museo Arqueológico Nacional, Madrid

#Archaeology

Researching medieval Wales? Why not share your research at the International Medieval Congress next July. We welcome proposals for sessions sponsored by the Mortimer History Society. Deadline for submissions is 15 September 2025. @imc-leeds.bsky.social #IMC2026 #medievalsky #skystorians #academicsky

Absolute Units: three giant rams float over the English countryside.

Absolute Units returns!!!

In this ep, we speak to environmental historian @dollyjorgensen.bsky.social about her research into pigs in medieval England.

Topics include: taking your hogs for a walk, the Hapsburg chin of domestic pigs, Babe 2, and so much more.

merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...

When you remember it's a year to go before the next IMC...

#imc2025
@imc-leeds.bsky.social

From last week's IMC paper, here is my handy general formula on the effects of vikings moving cattle by ship across long distances:

Wondering which @imc-leeds.bsky.social sessions to go to tomorrow? Problem solved - why not spend the day listening to papers on medieval Wales! Three sessions of very interesting papers and one by me. I kick off proceedings at 11.15 Tue in room LG.01 Newlyn Building. Hope to see you there. #imc2025

Good to see the book I contributed to in the wild! @archumanities.bsky.social @universityofleeds.bsky.social #imc2025

A Medieval Congress Ale poster. A red poster with the IMC Logo at the top. The label reads 'Fermentum Traditional Dark Ale.' And underneath says 'Kirkstall Brewery'. A small image of Kirkstall abbey is on the label with Kirkstall Abbey's heraldry of three swords on the side.

What is a better way to relax after checking into your #IMC2025 accommodation, than meeting up with colleagues in the LUU Old Bar with a drink of Congress Ale. 🎉

The #IMC2025 Congress Ale is back from a new provider and in Worlds of Learning fashion, we want to learn what you think!

#MedievalSky

Looking forward to tomorrow's conference with some interesting approaches to loyalty. I will also be presenting a paper which is different from my usual topics!

2025 Battle Conference Manchester 23-26 July The Conference will be hosted this year by the University of Manchester. The papers will be read in Rm A113 of the Samuel Alexander Building. Coffees/teas and lunches will be taken in the foyer of …

I’m over the moon to share that my essay, ‘Contributions to the Conquest: The Abbey of Fécamp and Maritime Memory’ was chosen as the winner of the Marjorie Chibnall Essay Prize for this year’s Battle Conference on Anglo-Norman Studies battleconference.wordpress.com/2025-battle-... #Medievalsky

'Outsiders-Insiders' - Medieval History Postgrad Forum Reading Uni On-line HYBRID EVENT - Come join us at 'Outsiders-Insiders' for a deep dive into Medieval History with fellow postgrads at Reading University!

Thinking of joining us at the University of Reading for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Medieval History Postgraduate Research Forum on 2nd April? Registration for those wanting to attend in-person closes in 2 days. So don't delay, get your free ticket today!
www.eventbrite.com/e/1258700740...

'Outsiders-Insiders' - Medieval History Postgrad Forum Reading Uni On-line HYBRID EVENT - Come join us at 'Outsiders-Insiders' for a deep dive into Medieval History with fellow postgrads at Reading University!

Registration is now open for online attendance for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Medieval History Postgraduate Research Forum organised by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Join us at the University of Reading on 2nd April. #MedievalSky
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/outsiders-...

'Outsiders-Insiders' - Medieval History Postgrad Forum Reading University HYBRID EVENT - Come join us at 'Outsiders-Insiders' for a deep dive into Medieval History with fellow postgrads at Reading University!

Registration is now open for 'Outsiders-Insiders' Medieval History Postgraduate Research Forum organised by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Join us at the University of Reading on 2nd April. #MedievalSky
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/outsiders-...

The IMC team member Alice holding two phones to both her ears.

#IMC2025 Registration is officially OPEN! 🎉🐴⚔

The IMC team is currently experiencing a high volume of calls and emails! We will reply to all enquiries within two working days. ☺️

Click here to register for IMC 2025: https://buff.ly/4hpap3M
Email us with any enquiries at imc@leeds.ac.uk 👍

The IMC 2025 Registration checklist. It has 5 questions about being prepared for registration which opens the next day.

Registration for IMC 2025 opens TOMORROW! 🐴⚔🎉 See our pre-registration checklist and make sure that you are prepared for Tuesday morning at 10am (GMT). 😁 Visit https://buff.ly/4hpap3M for more details. 🎉 Email us at imc@leeds.ac.uk with any questions.

A joy to work with Dan, Áron and Charlie on this volume. Well worth a read #medievalsky #skystorians.

A blue sky with mackerel clouds above the Pont Normandie bridge over the River Seine with wheat in the foreground and the hills near Honfleur on the horizon.

Cycle route markings on the tarmac. The Vélomaritime route is almost 1,500km long and reaches from Brittany to the Belgian border. I am planning to cycle part of the Upper Normandy section at some point.

Cycle path sur Seine at Caudebec-en-Caux.

Ruins of the Abbey of Saint Wandrille with blue sky and clouds. I stopped at many sites relevant to my research interests during this trip, so as well as appreciating the riverscape (in flood) I could also place these sites within my understanding of medieval movement through these spaces

In February 2022 I cycled around part of Lower Normandy and up the Seine to Rouen. It was one of the best adventures I've ever had (wet though)! In places the cycle path had been reclaimed by the Seine so it gave me a great understanding of Norman geography and the river despite centuries of change.

Only 1 day left to submit abstracts for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Come and share your ideas in a supportive & inclusive space - either in person or online on 2nd April. Medievalism needs you! #MedievalSky

Only 1 week left to submit abstracts for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. We would love to hear your approach to the topic, so why not consider presenting on 2nd April at Reading or online. #MedievalSky

Two weeks left to submit abstracts for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Is this theme relevant to your research? If so, consider presenting in an inclusive & supportive environment on 2nd April at Reading or online. #MedievalSky

A green field in the background, the river Wye approaching high tide, trees and an area where a landslide took place in the Summer to the foreground.

This quiet stretch of river was once the site of a Roman bridge at the lowest crossing point on the River Wye, linking the Roman Road to Gloucester with the Roman Road to Caerwent. I was part of the team that rediscovered the bridge in 2023, and a timber sample has now been dated to 1st century AD.