Tag: Geoffrey Chaucer

The Commons in the Wars of the Roses, 14th Century history, 15th Century History, Art, Fashion and Material Culture, Medieval, Parliamentary Life

The poetic memorialization of late-medieval MPs

Producing biographies on late-medieval MPs comes with its unique set of challenges, notably the lack surviving records indicative of their character. Dr Simon Payling of our House of Commons 1461-1504 section explores how poetic memorializations help paint a more rounded, if overly positive, picture of two MPs: Sir John Berkeley (Leicestershire, 1372) and Sir John Burgh (Shropshire, 1445, 1453). The limitations of the sources mean that … Continue reading The poetic memorialization of late-medieval MPs

Simon PaylingLeave a comment
Medieval, 15th Century History, Religious history, Social history

We’re all going on a summer… pilgrimage

As Covid-19 restrictions begin to lift, many people are eager to travel again. In today’s blog Dr Hannes Kleineke, editor of our Commons 1461-1504 project, discusses the 15th century parliamentarians who had another reason to look forward to embarking on a trip… As Elizabeth I knew well, it doesn’t do to make windows into men’s (or indeed women’s) souls. It is thus at our peril … Continue reading We’re all going on a summer… pilgrimage

Hannes KleinekeLeave a comment
Medieval, 15th Century History, Constituencies, Elections, Henry VI, Local History

The constituency of Oxfordshire in the reign of Henry VI, 1422-61

This month we’re turning our attention to Oxfordshire in our local history blog series. Kicking things off today is Dr Charles Moreton, Senior Research Fellow for our Commons 1461-1504 project. In the reign of Henry VI this was one of the wealthiest constituencies in England, but how did they select their representation? While unspectacular in landscape, Oxfordshire was one of the wealthiest and most fertile … Continue reading The constituency of Oxfordshire in the reign of Henry VI, 1422-61

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The Commons in the Wars of the Roses, 15th Century History, Medieval, Parliamentary Life

Lockdown Entertainment: Medieval MPs and Books

Recent government lockdown measures have seen many people embrace new hobbies and pastimes to fill their days, including reading books. In today’s blog Dr Charles Moreton, senior research fellow in our Commons 1461-1504 project, discusses the reading habits of MPs in the late Middle Ages. ‘Public turn to books to escape lockdown boredom’ reads a recent headline. There is no doubt that books are a … Continue reading Lockdown Entertainment: Medieval MPs and Books

History of Parliament1 Comment
Medieval, 15th Century History, Constituencies, Local History, Parliamentary Life

Medieval MP of the Month: Walter Rich – a tryst gone wrong?

Rather appropriately on Valentine’s Day, February’s Medieval MP of the month blog is concerned with affairs of the heart (among other less romantic things). Hannes Kleineke of our House of Commons 1422-1461 Section tells of the MPs, marriage and murder in medieval Bath… THE HISTORY OF PARLIAMENT: THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 1422-1461, edited by Linda Clark, is out now. For further details about the volumes, including … Continue reading Medieval MP of the Month: Walter Rich – a tryst gone wrong?

Hannes KleinekeLeave a comment
Social history, 16th Century history, 19th Century history, Medieval

Poetry in Parliament

Today is National Poetry Day, a chance to celebrate poetry across the country (for more, visit http://www.forwardartsfoundation.org/national-poetry-day/). You may not know that over the centuries many poets also sat in the House of Commons. Some were the greats, such as Geoffrey Chaucer  (MP for Kent  in the ‘Wonderful Parliament’ of 1386) or the metaphysical poet John Donne (elected in 1601 and 1614). Others history has … Continue reading Poetry in Parliament

Emma PeplowLeave a comment