Medieval Studies
There is no agreed date on which the European Middle Ages began. As one who finds the concept of the Dark Ages rather unhelpful, I would be inclined to start the Middle Ages when the Roman Legions withdrew from England and other provinces in the fifth century.
Likewise, there is no obvious date on which the Middle Ages can be said to have ceased. Many will say that it lasted until the Renaissance – but when did that begin? Indeed, many talk about other, ealier renaissances – the Carolingian, Ottonian and that occurring in the twelfth century. Perhaps the end-date should be about 1450 with the introduction into Europe of printing from moveable metal type. But many would consider this far too late. Fortunately, we can get through life quite happily without solving this conundrum!
Below you will find a fascinating book on the architectural history of Canterbury Cathedral, a selection of poems by Marie de France (a French noblewoman living in England in the late twelfth century) and the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People. We hope to add further titles shortly.
‘Tiger’