Out of the Margins

To imagine the beliefs and desires of our fellow beings is fundamental to the pursuit of history. Such empathy is needed now more than ever.

Will the pandemic see a boom in local history, or will it spur a desire for global perspectives? Perhaps both.

The recent discovery of an Anglo-Saxon saint’s relics reminds us of the fragility of human life and the power of hope.

There is nothing new about political divisions, nor attempts to heal them.

It is a pity when specialist historians condescend to an enthusiastic public.

Provincial museums, easy to overlook, remind us that everywhere matters.

We should take more notice of the work of those once despised and disregarded.

Archaeologists and historians are on the same side, despite what journalists say.

After 800 years, a playful medieval poem still offers lessons in how not to debate.

A medieval masterpiece has much to say about the modern preoccupation with greed.