Medieval

In 1381 England witnessed a ‘summer of blood’ as the lower orders flexed their muscle. Dan Jones tells the story of one of medieval England’s most dramatic yet curiously neglected events.

The past is more than a set of events with an inevitable outcome. Historians must strive to capture it in all its fascinating strangeness, argues Chris Wickham, as he ponders the problems of writing about the Middle Ages.

Richard Cavendish looks back at the Capetian monarch, crowned aged seven, on 23 May 1059.

The life of a most pious Christian saint, who died on April 21st, 1109.

Hannes Kleineke examines the career of the first Yorkist king.

Henry Tudor invoked providence to gain his throne in 1485, but it was skilful use of heraldic and religious imagery, as well as promotion of the cult of Henry VI that ensured he retained it.

Hannah Boston explains how a single piece of evidence contributes to a wider understanding.

By positioning him firmly within the changing context of his times, Lucy Wooding sees coherence in Henry VIII’s religious policies.

Robert Knecht describes the shortcomings of Henry III, the last Valois king, and the circumstances that led him to become the first – but not the last – French monarch to die at the hands of one of his subjects.

Jeremy Black reviews two books on military history, ancient and modern.