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Women who SHOOK the Medieval World Online Event

WHEN: 24th-30 August
WHERE: Online
LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-who-shook-the-medieval-world-tickets-1987832225698

Uncover the stories of the extraordinary women who made their voices heard in the medieval world.

Join Nathen Amin and Nicola Tallis between 24th-30th August for an epic deep dive into the lives of some of the extraordinary medieval women who navigated their own paths in a male dominated world.

As we uncover the stories of Katherine Swynford, Joan Beaufort, Cecily Neville and more, we’ll be learning about the impact these women had on their contemporaries, families and the medieval world in which they lived.

Whether you’re a history buff or have an interest in one of these medieval women, this is the course you won’t want to miss! Join us on our journey to explore the lives of the medieval women who shook the medieval world.

LECTURE ONE (24th August): Introduction to Women who shook the Medieval World (Nathen Amin & Nicola Tallis)

In this introductory lecture Nathen and Nicola will discuss the context of the course and provide an overview of the women included in it. They’ll reflect on their importance in the medieval world, as well as referring to the sources used to piece together their stories.

LECTURE TWO (25th August): Katherine Swynford (Nicola Tallis)

Katherine Swynford is one of the most controversial women in medieval England. First the mistress and eventually the wife of John of Gaunt, their scandalous relationship resulted in the births of four children: the Beauforts.

Though born illegitimate, these children were all later legitimized, which would in time have important consequences for the English throne. Join Nicola for the remarkable story of Katherine’s rise from the daughter of an obscure knight to the Duchess of Lancaster.

LECTURE THREE (26th August): Joan Beaufort (Nathen Amin)

Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt’s extraordinary daughter was Joan Beaufort, who became the Countess of Westmorland upon her marriage to Ralph Neville. A strong woman in her own right, Joan used her proximity to her half-brother Henry IV to negotiate advantageous matches for her many children.

She was also pious, a patron of literature, and an important landowner following the death of her husband. Many of Joan’s children would become embroiled in the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses, and two of her grandsons became kings: Edward IV and Richard III.

LECTURE FOUR (27th August): The Paston Women (Nicola Tallis)

We’re fortunate to know something of the lives of some of the most powerful women living in medieval England, but what about those who fell beneath them on the social scale?

Thanks to the Paston letters, a collection of over a thousand letters dating from the fifteenth century, we have a wealth of information about the lives of gentry women too. This lecture will examine the role the Paston women played in shaking up the medieval world, thereby adding valuable historical context to the rest of the week’s lectures.

LECTURE FIVE (28th August): Cecily Neville (Nicola Tallis)

There’s no doubt that to many, Cecily Neville is one of the most intriguing women of the fifteenth century. The mother of Edward IV and Richard III, grandmother of Edward V and Elizabeth of York, and an eyewitness to some of the most mysterious events of her day.

Cecily was, in her own right, the matriarch of the house of York, and wielded power and influence in a world dominated by her male contemporaries. In this lecture we’ll be exploring what we know of this extraordinary woman, and the way in which she made her mark on the pages of medieval history.

LECTURE SIX (29th August): Margaret of York (Nathen Amin)

Our final lecture of the week examines the life of the formidable Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy. Margaret was not only a key political player on the fifteenth century stage, but also used her power to support the ‘pretenders’ to Henry VII’s throne following the demise of her own royal house – some would say she was the ultimate meddler, and a thorn in the side of the Tudor regime.

Yet she was also a loving stepmother and a prolific patron of the arts, and viewed as one of the most sophisticated women of her age.

LIVE Q & A – 30th August at 9pm (BST)

This is your opportunity to pose all of your burning questions from the week to Nicola and Nathen, LIVE! The session will also be recorded for those who are unable to make the live chat.

What’s included in the course?

  • Six pre-recorded 40 minute lectures from Nicola and Nathen.
  • One LIVE Q & A where you’ll have the opportunity to ask Nicola and Nathen your questions.
  • Access to all lectures for two months.