Year 12 Explore the Lives of Medieval Women at the British Library

On Monday, we went to the British Library to see an exhibition on Medieval Women. This was a fascinating insight into the often-unrecorded lives of women in the Middle Ages, capturing their social, political, religious, and private lives. The exhibition provided valuable context for our study of Chaucer, as well as the opportunity to see important historical documents.

Some highlights included Joan of Arc’s signature on a letter and the beautiful books gifted to Margaret of Anjou when she married. Lesser-known stories also shone through, such as that of Lidwina, the patron saint of ice-skating, and Christine de Pisan, a writer of strongly feminist works in the early 15th century, along with countless other women often overshadowed by their male contemporaries.

Overall, it was a truly worthwhile exhibition, bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and today to bring these women of history to life.

Written by Matilda M (Year 12)