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.
Academic staff
Professor Sioned Davies
Emerita Professor
- Welsh speaking
- daviessm@caerdydd.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5321
Dr Rob Gossedge
Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Senior Lecturer
- gossedgera@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5618
Dr Ben Jervis
Reader in Archaeology (Study Leave to 2026/7)
- jervisb@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 5611
Dr Eve MacDonald
Senior Lecturer in Ancient History (Study Leave 2022/3)
- macdonaldg1@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 9682
Professor Carl Phelpstead
Deputy Head of School and Head of Subject
- phelpsteadc@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 4245
Professor Shaun Tougher
Professor of Late Roman and Byzantine History
- toughersf@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 6228
Postgraduate students
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