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

Medieval barn saved for the nation

Archivist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:01:49 +0000

A medieval west London barn described by the poet John Betjeman as the “cathedral of Middlesex” has been rescued from decay and neglect for the nation, English Heritage has said. Grade I-listed Harmondsworth Barn in west London joins the likes of Stonehenge, Osborne House and parts of Hadrian’s Wall in the national collection of historic...

Medieval barn saved for the nation is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval Stained Glass Tour at Glencairn Museum

Archivist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:32:18 +0000

Bryn Athyn is the host for a tour that will focus on the roles of the artisans that made windows for the medieval cathedrals. Come out to the Glencairn Museum on Saturday, Feb. 4 for its Stained Glass Tour and Demonstration: Understanding Medieval Stained Glass. Over a thousand years ago three guilds of craftsmen worked...

Medieval Stained Glass Tour at Glencairn Museum is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones trailer ‘Shadows’

Archivist — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:15:15 +0000

HBO released another trailer for Game of Thrones Season 2. It looks like Season 2 will be even better than the first season. And if you have read the books you already know what is in store! Game of Thrones Season 2 premieres on 01 April 2012 in the USA and 02 April 2012 in...

Game of Thrones trailer ‘Shadows’ is a post from: Medieval Archives

For Sale: 30-Bedroom Medieval Castle In Italy For $58 Million

Archivist — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:15:18 +0000

An historic castle in Italy’s Piemonte Torino, built sometime between the 9th and 14th century, is on sale for $58 million. The castle has 30 bedrooms and 47 full bathrooms, across nearly 40,000 square feet. Inside, there is a Roman Chapel. Outside there are gardens that can accommodate 300 guests and even a helipad. Famous...

For Sale: 30-Bedroom Medieval Castle In Italy For $58 Million is a post from: Medieval Archives

Make-A-Wish Foundation Makes a Castle

Archivist — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:13:25 +0000

So what if the expression is a cliché? For one small-town kid suffering from a disease, dreams — even medieval-themed dreams of knighthood, chivalry and adventure — do come true. As reported by WMUR, a New Hampshire TV station, a 12-year-old boy with a rare disease called desmoid fibromatosis was made king of his domain...

Make-A-Wish Foundation Makes a Castle is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones meets The Goonies

Archivist — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:58:40 +0000

I’ve mentioned before that I am a child of the 80′s. One of my favortie movies from that time was The Goonies. I always expected that kind of adventure to happen to me, it never did. Then I saw this video mashup of Tyrion confession his crimes, but with the voice of Chunk from The...

Game of Thrones meets The Goonies is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones coming to DVD

Archivist — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Scouring the interwebz I was able to find a release date for Game of Thrones DVD and Blu-Ray. The wait is almost over. You can get Season 1 of Game of Thrones on 06 March. You can head over to Amazon right now and pre-order the Blu-Ray for $45 USD! That is a great price...

Game of Thrones coming to DVD is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones Season 1 Replay Starts Tonight

Archivist — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Do you need your Game of Thornes fix? The DVDs are still months away and Season 2 is a little over 10 weeks away. You know what would be great, if you could watch one episode of Season 1 every week for the next 10 weeks. Well guess what, you can, well you can if...

Game of Thrones Season 1 Replay Starts Tonight is a post from: Medieval Archives

Free online search for medieval military ancestors newly available

Archivist — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:14:24 +0000

A new online database containing 205,000 service records of soldiers who fought in the Hundred Years War between 1369 and 1453 is now available to search free on the Forces War Records website. Many families have ancestors who fought bloody battles with swords and bows and arrows, serving in the British military under Henry V...

Free online search for medieval military ancestors newly available is a post from: Medieval Archives

Battle Castle coming to History TV Canada

Archivist — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:51:19 +0000

From the great folks over at Battle Castle we get a first look at the TV Trailer for Battle Castle. Airing on History Television Canada and hosted by Dan Snow. Visit the Battle Castle Website to view all the castles. On twitter you can find Battle Castle at @BattleCastle and Dan Snow is @TheHistoryGuy. Battle...

Battle Castle coming to History TV Canada is a post from: Medieval Archives

Archeologists: Viking massacre came to unexpected ending

Archivist — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:59:32 +0000

Plundering, pillaging and plenty of sea food — what wasn’t to like about the life of a Viking? How it sometimes ended, suggests an archeological study in the current Oxford Journal of Archeology. In the study led by Mark Pollard of the United Kingdom’s University of Oxford, archeologists thought they had uncovered the victims of...

Archeologists: Viking massacre came to unexpected ending is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval Glastonbury Tour: Rama App Review

Archivist — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:34:40 +0000

We are back today with the trifecta for the Rama: Travel App. There was the Medieval Exeter tour and earlier this month I reviewed the Medieval Winchester tour. Last week Crimson Bamboo, the company behind the Rama Travel App released the Medieval Glastonbury tour by Tom Vivian (Twitter: @tomvivan). Medieval Glastonbury is available for $1.99...

Medieval Glastonbury Tour: Rama App Review is a post from: Medieval Archives

Saxon coins and silver pin worth £12,000 taken

Archivist — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:43:08 +0000

Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds’ worth of rare Saxon silver coins from the Museum of St Albans, which represent the rich history and heritage of the district. St Albans District Council has said the 30 coins were taken from a locked display cabinet in the Medieval Gallery at the Hatfield Road museum. It is...

Saxon coins and silver pin worth £12,000 taken is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval sects shook church teachings

Archivist — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:22:38 +0000

The histories of Knights Templar, the Cathars and the Essenes sects are fascinating, but also tragic. Some of what these groups believed went against the established church’s views with respect to whether Jesus was divine, whether he died on the cross, that he escaped to France and married, had children and so on. According to...

Medieval sects shook church teachings is a post from: Medieval Archives

Rooms to rent in an ancient castle in Durham

Archivist — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:44:46 +0000

The 11th-century Durham Castle is benefitting from a £5-million refurbishment – and now offers holiday accommodation within its ancient walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in north-east England is home to Durham University’s oldest college and its rooms are available to rent for bed and breakfast during the university’s vacation times. There are now 40...

Rooms to rent in an ancient castle in Durham is a post from: Medieval Archives

‘Medieval Mile’ plans to be unveiled in Kilkenny

Archivist — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:32:38 +0000

Let’s keep the posts on the Emerald Isle today. If you have never visited Ireland you need to book a trip now! It is a fabulous destination filled with castles, pubs, natural wonders, ancient forts and wonderful people. If you have the time and money definitely consider visiting ireland. ~The Archivist Plans for a ‘Medieval...

‘Medieval Mile’ plans to be unveiled in Kilkenny is a post from: Medieval Archives

Kilkenny is ‘the Ireland of visitors’ imaginations’

Archivist — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Kilkenny has “a timeless appeal” and is “the Ireland of many visitors’ imaginations,” according to the latest edition of top travel book The Lonely Planet which was published last week. Top sights recommended by the guide include Kilkenny Castle, Butler Gallery, St Canice’s Cathedral, the National Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Design Centre, Black Abbey, Butter...

Kilkenny is ‘the Ireland of visitors’ imaginations’ is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval nuns haunt developer

Archivist — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Medieval nuns may return to haunt a developer by putting a halt to a proposed wind farm. Banks Renewables wants to build five 115-metre turbines near Hamsterley Forest. The company has already been told its wildlife survey work is not up to scratch and unless more is done, the project is likely to be refused...

Medieval nuns haunt developer is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval fishing village discovered in Outer Hebrides by island boatman

Archivist — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:25:34 +0000

A medieval fishing village is believed to have been found in the Outer Hebrides after a tip-off from an islander. The site is among potential new historic finds made along the islands’ coasts following information from members of the public. Archaeologists said they were told about the village after bumping into local man JJ MacDonald....

Medieval fishing village discovered in Outer Hebrides by island boatman is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones: Season 2 Art Direction Video

Archivist — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:30:00 +0000

The countdown is on! There are 11 weeks left until the Season 2 premiere of Game of Thrones. Until then we will have to settle for the teasers they are putting out. Here is one on the art direction for Season 2. Game of Thrones: Season 2 Art Direction Video is a post from: Medieval...

Game of Thrones: Season 2 Art Direction Video is a post from: Medieval Archives

Eco-museum sites to mark the Battle of Flodden

Archivist — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The first 12 sites have been designated in a landscape-scale eco-museum to mark next year’s 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden The concept of an eco-museum is to highlight and join up locations with links to a particular theme. The initial dozen sites all have connections with the 1513 battle in Northumberland in which...

Eco-museum sites to mark the Battle of Flodden is a post from: Medieval Archives

700-year-old William Wallace letter returned to Scotland

Archivist — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:55:40 +0000

The medieval document will go on public display this summer alongside the famous Lubeck letter. A 700-year-old letter believed to have been carried by William Wallace has been returned to Scotland. The medieval document has been archived in England since it was discovered in the Tower of London in the 1830s. The document is now...

700-year-old William Wallace letter returned to Scotland is a post from: Medieval Archives

Louvre Pays Junk Dealer $10 Million for Rare Medieval Pieta

Archivist — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:23 +0000

The story of how the Louvre purchased a painting by medieval master Jean Malouel for €7.8 million ($10 million) begins, improbably enough, in 1985 in the small town of Vic-le-Comte in south-central France (population: 4,700). The parish priest, trying to raise money to install a heating system in the church, decided to sell various bric-a-brac...

Louvre Pays Junk Dealer $10 Million for Rare Medieval Pieta is a post from: Medieval Archives

King of the historic castles

Archivist — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:32:17 +0000

Considering its importance, I thought it would be bigger. Not that walls 3.5-metres thick and 12-metres high are insubstantial, but I’d expected a castle that had endured five sieges, taken nearly eight years to build and was the last royalist fortification to fall in the English Civil War to have more bulk. The site is...

King of the historic castles is a post from: Medieval Archives

Abbey Medieval Festival secures funds

Archivist — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Bigger and even better is in sight for the future of the Abbey Medieval Festival with the event receiving $150,000 in funding. On his first visit to the Abbey Museum last week Queensland Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser, joined by Carryn Sullivan (Lab, Pumicestone), announced the festival would receive $50,000 each year for the next three...

Abbey Medieval Festival secures funds is a post from: Medieval Archives

Five Things to do in Dublin Outside the Pub

Archivist — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

These are five great places to visit in Dublin. I would add a sixth and recommend you also visit Kilmainham Gaol. It is a creepy jail that makes the hair on your neck stand up. Check it out when you’re in Dublin. But when you hear footsteps behind you don’t look back, just keep walking…...

Five Things to do in Dublin Outside the Pub is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones Season 2 On Location

Archivist — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:50:22 +0000

HBO announced earlier this week the premiere date for Game of Thrones Season 2. They also released an ‘on location’ video of King’s Landing. A small village and big castle in Croatia will play the part of King’s Landing. Are you looking forward to Game of Thrones Season 2? Let us know in the comment...

Game of Thrones Season 2 On Location is a post from: Medieval Archives

Best Castle Hotels in Germany

Archivist — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:45:41 +0000

Several medieval castles in Germany have been turned into hotels that offer royal treatment. These castle hotels located atop hills with picturesque surrounding and peaceful atmosphere have become preferred escape for romantic couples. Here are the best castle hotels in Germany. Burg Colmberg – If you really want an royal experience then Burg Colmberg is...

Best Castle Hotels in Germany is a post from: Medieval Archives

Medieval library with chained books gets annual clean

Archivist — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:32:39 +0000

It is like taking a step inside the restricted section of the Hogwarts’ library – rows and rows of chained up books and manuscripts line the tall wooden shelves secured in place on thick metal rods. Hereford Cathedral’s chained library dates back to 1611 and it is not hard to imagine how it looked in...

Medieval library with chained books gets annual clean is a post from: Medieval Archives

Merlin Season 3 on DVD

Archivist — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:06:08 +0000

BBC is releasing Merlin Season 3 on DVD today. If you are a fan of Merlin you will want to add it to your library. For those who may not know Merlin is a British fantasy-adventure TV show. The show is based on the King Arthur legends of Merlin the wizard and his relationship with...

Merlin Season 3 on DVD is a post from: Medieval Archives

Archaeologists dig deep to ex-Hulme a Medieval past

Archivist — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:23:56 +0000

Hulme’s history is often associated with the notorious Crescents or its vital role in the Manchester music scene. But an archaeological dig is trying to unearth the inner-city district’s forgotten Medieval past. Archaeologists will carry out a three-week excavation at Birley Fields in Hulme before a new university campus is built on the land. One...

Archaeologists dig deep to ex-Hulme a Medieval past is a post from: Medieval Archives

Game of Thrones Season Two Premieres in April

Archivist — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Winter is Coming… this Spring. HBO has announced that Season 2 of the hit show Game of Thrones will premiere on April 1st. Let’s hope this is not a bad April Fool’s Day joke! If you haven’t seen the first season of Game of Thrones it will soon be available on DVD. Stay tuned to...

Game of Thrones Season Two Premieres in April is a post from: Medieval Archives