Medieval Archives

MAP#29 – Pillars of the Earth 8: “The Work of Angels”

Archivist — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:41:40 +0000

The mini series comes to an end. Will they finish the cathedral or will Waleran block all attempts? Will Jack find out the truth about his father? Everything gets answered in the final episode! Join us as we finish our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode eight “The Work...

MAP#29 – Pillars of the Earth 8: “The Work of Angels” is a post from: Medieval Archives

New Brave Trailer

Archivist — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:32:30 +0000

Pixar released the third trailer for the upcoming movie Brave. Only two more months and we will be able to see the entire movie. I for one can’t wait! In case you haven’t heard of Brave yet here is the synopsis: Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through...

New Brave Trailer is a post from: Medieval Archives

Western Michigan University to host medievalists from around the globe

Archivist — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:11:55 +0000

Western Michigan University will stage its 47th International Congress on Medieval Studies, the largest, most comprehensive academic conference of its kind in the world, Thursday through Sunday, May 10-13. Worldwide, the congress annually attracts some 3,000 medievalists–professional academics, students and enthusiasts interested in the Middle Ages. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the event,...

Western Michigan University to host medievalists from around the globe is a post from: Medieval Archives

Moms Are Free at Medieval Times

Archivist — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:29:50 +0000

Anyone can buy mom chocolates. Why not treat your mother to a free* two-hour tournament show? She’ll meet a knight in shining armor, watch the majestic Liberty Horse Act, and enjoy a four-course medieval feast. This special offer at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Buena Park is valid for all shows from Friday, May...

Moms Are Free at Medieval Times is a post from: Medieval Archives

The Secret Lives of Medieval Books

Archivist — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:51:44 +0000

The most heavily worn payer in the manuscript was dedicated to St. Sebastian, who was thought to be efficacious against the bubonic plague. Image courtesy of the University of St. Andrews When medieval Europeans read religious texts, what were their favorite prayers? Which sections did they return to time and time again, and which parts...

The Secret Lives of Medieval Books is a post from: Medieval Archives

Brave Stories: Merida

Archivist — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:08:28 +0000

Meet Merida, the passionate, fiery, and headstrong star of Brave, in US theaters June 22. Brave Stories: Merida is a post from: Medieval Archives

Brave Stories: Merida is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 10 “The Championship Joust”

Archivist — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:46:38 +0000

This is it! The Wildcard joust and the Championship joust. How will they pick the Wildcard and who will it be? At the end of it all the first Full Metal Jousting Champion will stand tall. Let’s get started… Episode 10: ‘The Championship Joust’ The competitors are in the house and Shane and the coaches...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 10 “The Championship Joust” is a post from: Medieval Archives

47th International Congress on Medieval Studies free to local residents

Archivist — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:31:45 +0000

Kalamazoo County residents and members of the Western Michigan University community may attend the 47th International Congress on Medieval Studies for free if they register online or in person by the Wednesday, April 25, deadline for early registration. WMU’s congress is the world’s largest annual gathering of people interested in the Middle Ages. This year’s...

47th International Congress on Medieval Studies free to local residents is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 9 “Charge On”

Archivist — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:21:23 +0000

The two semifinal jousts are set and after this episode we will have two jousters left to face off for the championship. Episode 9: ‘Charge On’ The competitors are treated to a nice dinner and get a chance to relax a bit before the semifinal jousts. Jake talks trash about the joust with Matt and...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 9 “Charge On” is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Semifinal Sneak Peek

Archivist — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:57:22 +0000

This Sunday is the are the Semifinal jousts on Full Metal Jousting. The semifinals should be good. Two hard hitting jousters, the underdog and a philosiphy student. Two will move on, two will be eliminated. The semifinal match-ups are: Black Team: Josh Knowles vs Red Team: Josh Avery Black Team: Matt Hiltman vs Red Team:...

Full Metal Jousting: Semifinal Sneak Peek is a post from: Medieval Archives

Brave: New Images Released

Archivist — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:16:55 +0000

Disney/PIXAR released more images from the movie Brave. This movie is going to be incredible! I can’t wait to see it. Brave Synopsis: Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore...

Brave: New Images Released is a post from: Medieval Archives

Snow White and the Huntsman: Extended Trailer

Archivist — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:45:30 +0000

The more I see of this movie the more I am interested. It looks to be a gritty and dark version of the beloved fairy tale. At first I wasn’t sold on Kristen Stewart but in this extended version she does a good job. Snow White and the Huntsman hits the theaters 01 June 2012...

Snow White and the Huntsman: Extended Trailer is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 8 “Go To War”

Archivist — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:53:05 +0000

Not one, not two but all three remaining quarterfinal jousts! Who will win and move on to the Semi-finals? Let’s find out. Episode 8: ‘Go To War’ The episode opens with the jousters showing off their injuries. There are bruises in a variety of places but the worst is injury to Matt’s leg. It’s about...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 8 “Go To War” is a post from: Medieval Archives

Magna Carta to get modern makeover for 800th birthday

Archivist — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:01:06 +0000

The Magna Carta, the English medieval document considered a cornerstone of modern democracy, is to get an overhaul and be brought back into the public spotlight in time for its 800th anniversary, academics said on Thursday. A three-year research project will also attempt to discover whether King John, the monarch who signed the document in...

Magna Carta to get modern makeover for 800th birthday is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 7 “A Killing Machine”

Archivist — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:00:55 +0000

One final joust before the quarterfinals begin. No major injuries this week but we see a massive hit that results in a double unhorsing! Episode 7: ‘A Killing Machine’ The episode opens at the jousting match-up platform. The jousters need no introduction, they are the only two who remain. The final joust will be Joe...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 7 “A Killing Machine” is a post from: Medieval Archives

MAP#28 – Dan Snow Interview

Archivist — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:16:41 +0000

Dan Snow, historian and award winning TV presenter takes a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to the Medieval Archives. Trained in the hallowed halls of Oxford University, Dan ventured into TV for a WWII Documentary and hasn’t looked back. His past medieval documentaries explored 1066 and The Battle of Hastings, Norman...

MAP#28 – Dan Snow Interview is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle: Teutonic Knights and the Siege of Marienburg

Archivist — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:31:53 +0000

On the fifth installment of Battle Castle we travel to Prussia and visit Malbork Castle, home of the Teutonic Knights. Sprawling over 51 acres (21 hectares) Malbork is truly an impressive castle. Host Dan Snow walks us through the castles design and demonstrates how to create mud bricks in Guedelon. Then Dan teams up with...

Battle Castle: Teutonic Knights and the Siege of Marienburg is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 6 ‘Ready to Rock’

Archivist — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:28:05 +0000

This episode was completely nuts! Multiple injuries, two joust and an eliminated jouster gets a second chance. Episode 6: ‘Ready to Rock’ This episode doesn’t open in the locker rooms, instead we see Shane standing atop the jousting match-up platform. The teams arrive and the first joust is arranged. With Rope’s win last week the...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 6 ‘Ready to Rock’ is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 5 “Hits Like A Truck”

Archivist — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:54:54 +0000

We are at the half way point of Full Metal Jousting. This week focuses more on the competitors and less on the practice. We get to see some Monty Python-esqe tomfoolery and a scene stratght out of Blazing Saddles! Episode 5: ‘Hits Like A truck’ Matt is celebrating his victory and applauds John for jousting...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 5 “Hits Like A Truck” is a post from: Medieval Archives

MAP#27 – Battle Castle Interview: Sean F. White

Archivist — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:31:12 +0000

Battle Castle, the outstanding castle documentary series, explores the medieval history of six castles. Today we have an interview with Sean F. White, the Director of Photography for Battle Castle. I talk with Sean about filming the castles and the siege engines in action. We also cover how the re-enactments were filmed. In this episode...

MAP#27 – Battle Castle Interview: Sean F. White is a post from: Medieval Archives

War of the Roses Game Screenshots

Archivist — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:35:50 +0000

War of the Roses from Paradox Interactive, a game that transports players back in time to the battle-ravaged, dynastic civil war era of 15th century England where ownership of the throne of England was brutally fought over between supporters of two rival branches of the Royal House of Plantagenet – the house of Lancaster (the...

War of the Roses Game Screenshots is a post from: Medieval Archives

War of the Roses Game Trailer

Archivist — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:18:30 +0000

War of the Roses Game Trailer is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval role-play ‘warrior’ fights off real-life burglars using re-enactment spear

Archivist — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:56:01 +0000

With his six-foot spear in hand, medieval warrior Neil Ashton prepared for battle against the two attackers. They had attacked his base out-of-the-blue, and with no-one around to provide backup, the lone player grabbed the nearest weapon and went on the offensive. But this was not role-play, this was real life, and re-enactment fan Neil...

Medieval role-play ‘warrior’ fights off real-life burglars using re-enactment spear is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle: The White Cliffs of Dover

Archivist — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:44:26 +0000

This week we travel with host Dan Snow to visit the impressive Dover Castle. Perched high atop the white chalky cliffs, Dover Castle has been a military installation for over 800 years. Dover’s last major military role was during WWII. In this episode of Battle Castle we see the construction set forth by Henry II...

Battle Castle: The White Cliffs of Dover is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 4 ‘Blood and Guts’

Archivist — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:02:21 +0000

Don’t miss the previous recaps: Episode 1: The Ultimate Extreme Sport and Episode 2: Unhorsed Episode 4: ‘Blood and Guts’ In the Black Team’s locker room Rod is telling Joe that he had a great joust with a broken lance and unhorsing, that’s all they are asking for. Joe is still disappointed with his loss....

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 4 ‘Blood and Guts’ is a post from: Medieval Archives

MAP#26 – Battle Castle Interview: Nicole Tomlinson

Archivist — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:09:55 +0000

Battle Castle, the outstanding castle documentary series, explores the medieval history of six castles. Today we have an interview with Nicole Tomlinson, writer for Battle Castle. I talk to Nicole about writing for the series and how she approached the research process. We also cover how the castles were picked, castles that were left out,...

MAP#26 – Battle Castle Interview: Nicole Tomlinson is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle: Chateau Gaillard, the Stronghold of Richard the Lionheart

Archivist — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:26:45 +0000

Last week we reviewed Crac des Chevaliers, the premiere episode of Battle Castle. Although the series isn’t airing in the U.S. yet the kind folks at Battle Castle sent over an advanced copy of episode 2: Chateau Gaillard. Does it hold up to the quality of the Crac des Chevaliers episode? Let’s find out… The...

Battle Castle: Chateau Gaillard, the Stronghold of Richard the Lionheart is a post from: Medieval Archives

Brave Trailer “The Prize”

Archivist — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:26:40 +0000

Pixar released another trailer for the upcoming movie Brave and I must say, the more I see of this movie the more I want to see! Brave hits theaters on 22 June 2012 in the U.S. and Canada and 13 August in the UK. Until then enjoy the trailer. For a breakdown of the technical...

Brave Trailer “The Prize” is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle: Chateau Gaillard Trailer and Web Comic

Archivist — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:22:26 +0000

This Thursday Battle Castle Episode 2: Chateau Gaillard premieres. Take a look at the trailer and the incredible web comic they released. Then tune into the History Channel Canada at 2100 ET to watch the episode. Battle Castle: Chateau Gaillard Trailer and Web Comic is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle: Chateau Gaillard Trailer and Web Comic is a post from: Medieval Archives

MAP#25 – Pillars of the Earth 7: “New Beginnings”

Archivist — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:36:24 +0000

England is gripped by war, political stirfe and treachery. And in the midst of it all a towering cathedral, a beacon of love and hope is erected. Will Philip raise again after being removed as prior? Will Aliena be able to find Jack in France? And will work continue on the cathedral after the collapse?...

MAP#25 – Pillars of the Earth 7: “New Beginnings” is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 3 ‘Death Sticks & a Coffin’

Archivist — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:12:05 +0000

Don’t miss the previous recaps: Episode 1: The Ultimate Extreme Sport and Episode 2: Unhorsed Episode 3: ‘Death Sticks & a Coffin’ In the Red Team’s locker room everyone is celebrating Jakes victory. Jake states that everyone thought he was a clown but after his “epic victory” they will now see him as more a...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 3 ‘Death Sticks & a Coffin’ is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle Review: Medieval Castles brought to life

Archivist — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:09:27 +0000

Battle Castle a new series by Parallax Film Productions (Blowdown, Ancient Megastructures) is set to debut tomorrow night on History Television (Canada). There are numerous posts on this site highlighting the media released leading up to the premiere. Like the medieval recipes they released (I recommend the Cherry Soup!) and the 3D pictures of the...

Battle Castle Review: Medieval Castles brought to life is a post from: Medieval Archives

England: Royal jousting at Blenheim Palace

Archivist — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:29:16 +0000

The two armoured knights thundered down the lists, helmets gleaming, lances pointed viciously towards each other, shields held protectively high, horses gaily caparisoned, charging boldly towards a potentially deadly impact. Banners were flying brightly on all sides, finely dressed ladies watched nervously, massed crowds of peasants – myself among them, camera poised eagerly – hoped...

England: Royal jousting at Blenheim Palace is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 2 Recap

Archivist — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:39:24 +0000

Did you miss the previous recap? Read the Episode 1 recap. WARNING: As with all recaps there will be spoilers, including the eliminated jouster. Episode 2: ‘Unhorsed’ In the Black Team’s locker room we see Josh K. and his teammates celebrating the victory. Over in the Red Team’s Mike is apologizes for his lack of...

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 2 Recap is a post from: Medieval Archives

Tourism policy offers rare chance to see inside Swansea Castle

Archivist — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:26:06 +0000

Swansea Council has announced the city centre castle will be open to the public this weekend as part of Swansea’s St David’s week celebrations. Tours will take place every half-hour between 10am and 4pm on the Saturday, 25 February and 11am and 3.30pm on the Sunday, 26 February. It’s only the third time in decades...

Tourism policy offers rare chance to see inside Swansea Castle is a post from: Medieval Archives

Spiders to remain kings of the castle during restoration work

Archivist — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:36:35 +0000

Here’s a fun little fact: I have a mild case of arachnophobia, spiders specifically. It all started in the corn fields when I was a kid. Running down the rows of corn I would inevitably hit an orb spider, but not just one, it was always two or three or more. And then I would...

Spiders to remain kings of the castle during restoration work is a post from: Medieval Archives

Shane Adams, host of Full Metal Jousting gets medieval on Kathie Lee

Archivist — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:26:47 +0000

Shane Adams visited the set of The Today Show to teach Kathie Lee and Hoda about jousting. Check out the Full Metal Jousting episode 1 recap before the new episode airs on Sunday . Shane Adams, host of Full Metal Jousting gets medieval on Kathie Lee is a post from: Medieval Archives

Shane Adams, host of Full Metal Jousting gets medieval on Kathie Lee is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 1 Recap

Archivist — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:54:36 +0000

Full Metal Jousting (FMJ) debuted on the History channel Sunday night pulling in over 1.9 million viewers, finishing second in its time slot. FMJ is produced by Pilgrim Studios which has produced other hits including Dirty Jobs, American Chopper, Top Shot and The Ultimate Fighter. Their use of high speed and aerial cameras is superb....

Full Metal Jousting: Episode 1 Recap is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle Trailer: Crac des Chevaliers

Archivist — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:27:12 +0000

Our friends at Battle Castle have released the trailer for the first episode of the series. And as you probably guessed by the title it features Crac des Chevaliers! For those who are unfamiliar with Crac des Chevaliers, it is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world. Located in Syria it sits...

Battle Castle Trailer: Crac des Chevaliers is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Video bios of the jousters

Archivist — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:41:13 +0000

A lot can be said about the contestants on the new History reality show, Full Metal Jousting. But wouldn’t you rather hear it straight from the horses mouth… Enjoy the bios and share with us in the comments who you pick to win the show. David Prewitt Nathan Klassen Josh Avery Paul Suda Joseph McKinley...

Full Metal Jousting: Video bios of the jousters is a post from: Medieval Archives

Full Metal Jousting: Meet the jousters

Archivist — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:38:56 +0000

Hot on the heels of Knights of Mayhem comes Full Metal Jousting, the History Channels new competition based reality show. Full Metal Jousting is hosted by Shane Adams. Shane is the one-time friend, now arch rival to Charlie Andrews, the head of Knights of Mayhem. And now they have rival shows. While Knights of Mayhem...

Full Metal Jousting: Meet the jousters is a post from: Medieval Archives

Splatalot, A Medieval Obstacle Course for Kids

Archivist — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:56:03 +0000

The internet is a wonderful tool. Sometimes it provides vast amounts of useful information. Sometimes it provides wasted hours of entertainment! Tonight is the latter. Here in the States we have an asinine ‘game’ show called Wipeout. It’s an obstacle course on steroids that’s impossible to finish and hilarious to watch. (and for the record...

Splatalot, A Medieval Obstacle Course for Kids is a post from: Medieval Archives

Website charts history of Lakenheath medieval paintings

Archivist — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:18:29 +0000

The results of the restoration of paintings dating back to the 1220s are being displayed on a new website. The paintings inside Lakenheath’s St Mary the Virgin church were discovered in 1864 but had been damaged by leaks in the roof and a build up of dirt. Project manager Matthew Champion said he hoped the...

Website charts history of Lakenheath medieval paintings is a post from: Medieval Archives

Lynn’s South Quay dig unveils medieval remnants

Archivist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:37:32 +0000

An archaeological survey carried out on a former grain silos site near Lynn’s South Quay should help to fill gaps in knowledge of that part of the town’s historic core, an expert says. Dr Ken Hamilton, senior historic environment officer with Norfolk County Council, said the recent dig at the former Sommerfeld and Thomas site,...

Lynn’s South Quay dig unveils medieval remnants is a post from: Medieval Archives

Austria’s crown jewels offer a unique insight into medieval Europe

Archivist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:13:42 +0000

The octagonal crown fashioned from pure gold is studded with 144 precious stones and just as many pearls yet it is a priceless artifact for other reasons. The crown almost certainly once graced the head of the first German emperor Otto I more than 1,000 years ago. For hundreds of years it has been one...

Austria’s crown jewels offer a unique insight into medieval Europe is a post from: Medieval Archives

Pepsi goes medieval with Elton John

Archivist — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:35:38 +0000

One of Pepsi’s Super Bowl commercial’s was a take on medieval life. The female singer is X Factor winner, Melanie Amaro. And the King is none other than Elton John, well I think he is a king… Pepsi goes medieval with Elton John is a post from: Medieval Archives

Pepsi goes medieval with Elton John is a post from: Medieval Archives

Viking mass grave linked to elite killers of the medieval world

Archivist — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

A mass grave found in Dorset could belong to a crew of Viking mercenaries who terrorised Europe in the 11th century – according to a new documentary on National Geographic which pieces together the story behind the burial. A crew of Viking mercenaries – some of the fiercest and most feared killers in the medieval...

Viking mass grave linked to elite killers of the medieval world is a post from: Medieval Archives

Pottery sheds light on Dereham’s medieval history

Archivist — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:22:57 +0000

The excavation, or trial by trenching, of the former library site in Church Street is being headed by Chris Birks Archaeological Services, based in Frettenham, near Norwich. It was originally ordered by Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council’s Historic Environment Service, based at the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, near Dereham. An application has been...

Pottery sheds light on Dereham’s medieval history is a post from: Medieval Archives

Eric the Red Brewed Ale in Greenland

Archivist — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Archeologists from the Danish National Museum have now proven that Eric the Red, who founded the Icelandic settlement in Greenland at the end of the tenth century AD, and his contemporaries were able to brew ale. There have long been speculations whether the climate in the southernmost part of Greenland was warm enough in the...

Eric the Red Brewed Ale in Greenland is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval Castles in 3D

Archivist — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:46:46 +0000

The good folks over at Battle Castle have outdone themselves! First they create a show about medieval castles, then they give us great medieval recipes to enjoy and today they released over 60 pictures of the castles. But not just any pictures, these are in 3D! (click on the pictures to embiggen them) All you...

Medieval Castles in 3D is a post from: Medieval Archives