Ewch i’r prif gynnwys

Centre for Medieval Studies

We promote interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages by bringing together specialists from several different subject areas to collaborate in research and graduate teaching.

Promoting interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages by bringing together specialists from several different subject areas within Cardiff University to collaborate in research and graduate teaching.

We aim to promote interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages, bringing together specialists from several different subject areas within the University to collaborate in high-quality research and graduate teaching. Members of the Centre include staff and postgraduate students from the Schools of History, Archaeology and Religious Studies, English, Communication and Philosophy and Welsh.

We run a regular programme of research seminars, providing a focus for collaboration and discussion as well as an opportunity to bring scholars to the University from overseas. Our academic and social events are open to, and well supported by, non-University medievalists in the region.

Staff academaidd

Dr Jenny Benham

Dr Jenny Benham

Reader in Medieval History

Email
benhamj@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5648
Dr David Callander

Dr David Callander

Uwch-ddarlithydd

Siarad Cymraeg
Email
callanderd@caerdydd.ac.uk
Yr Athro Sioned Davies

Yr Athro Sioned Davies

Athro Emerita

Siarad Cymraeg
Email
daviessm@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5321
Yr Athro Peter Edbury

Yr Athro Peter Edbury

Emeritus Professor

Email
edbury@caerdydd.ac.uk
Dr Dylan Foster Evans

Dr Dylan Foster Evans

Pennaeth yr Ysgol

Siarad Cymraeg
Email
fosterevansd@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 4951
Dr Rob Gossedge

Dr Rob Gossedge

Lecturer

Email
gossedgera@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5618
Dr Ben Jervis

Dr Ben Jervis

Reader in Archaeology (Study Leave to 2026/7)

Email
jervisb@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5611
Dr Bronach Kane

Dr Bronach Kane

Lecturer in Medieval History

Email
kaneb@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5620
Dr Megan Leitch

Dr Megan Leitch

Lecturer

Email
leitchm@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0406
Dr Eve MacDonald

Dr Eve MacDonald

Senior Lecturer in Ancient History (Study Leave 2022/3)

Email
macdonaldg1@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 9682
Yr Athro Carl Phelpstead

Yr Athro Carl Phelpstead

Deputy Head of School and Head of Subject

Email
phelpsteadc@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 4245
Dr Sara Pons-Sanz

Dr Sara Pons-Sanz

Lecturer

Email
pons-sanzs@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 6128
Yr Athro Shaun Tougher

Yr Athro Shaun Tougher

Reader in Ancient History

Email
toughersf@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 6228
Dr Paul Webster

Dr Paul Webster

Lecturer

Email
websterp@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 5610
Dr David Wyatt

Dr David Wyatt

Reader in Early Medieval History

Email
wyattd1@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0404

Myfyrwyr Ôl-raddedig

All seminars are held in John Percival Building, Room 4.44. Talks start at 17:30, but please join us for a glass of wine/juice from 17:00.

Upcoming events

Dr Stephen Gordon, “This carpenter wende he were in despeir”: Demons, Nightmares, and Judicial Astrology in Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale

7 March 2023

Abstract:

The reaction of John the Carpenter to the astrological trick performed by “hende” Nicholas in Chaucer's Miller’s Tale has usually been taken as a confirmation of John’s simple, superstitious nature. In most readings of lines 3472–87, the frantic recitation of the “nyght-spel” over Nicholas’s agape form has been seen as a reflection of John’s innate credulity.

Much less, however, has been said about the rationality of John’s actions, both in terms of the prevailing moralistic attitudes towards judicial astrology and folk beliefs regarding the aetiology of demonic attacks, specifically the incubus-nightmare. In this paper I will evaluate the social, religious, and medical logic of John’s apotropaic response.

Dr Ben Morris, ‘Religious Differences in Medieval Treaty-making Practice, 900-1200’

18 April 2023

Abstract:

The Middle Ages has long been characterised as an 'age of faith', with differences in religious ideology often cited as a key cause of conflict. While chronicle evidence often emphasises this narrative, the treaties of this period tell a different story.

Roundtable discussion about interdisciplinary collaboration - various speakers from CMS

2 May 2023