*David Attenborough‘s voice* As the sun rises on this early July morning hundreds of medievalists begin their annual migration to Leeds. Scientists have not fully understood this ritual but it seems to be crucial for the survival of the whole species. Intensive days of medievaling will follow.

#OnThisDay 1215 King John issued Magna Carta at Runnymede. The drama was in tents.

Our #IMC2026 Programme Book has had its final edits and is about to be sent to the printers! 🎊 Can you spot where its hiding? 👀 We can't wait for our IMC Delegates see and hold the physical copy when they come to Campus this July! #IMC2026 is getting closer by the day 🙂 #MedievalSky #SkyStorians

I have spent an enjoyable couple of hours exploring Winchester ahead of my talk for the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the University of Winchester later. I’ll be talking about the Norman Invasion of 1066 and where to find a fleet in eleventh-century Normandy.

I’m pleased to share that 'Borders and the Norman World', which I co-edited with Áron Kecskés, @rozierhistorian.bsky.social, and @lvhicks.bsky.social , is now being released in paperback. It will be available in June and is currently open for pre-order: boydellandbrewer.com/book/borders...

Aleksander Pluskowski will be speaking about his book 'The Black Cross' to the British-Lithuanian Society on Tuesday 17 March, email [email protected] if you'd like the Zoom link

My review of 'The Black Cross' by Aleksander Pluskowski: drfrancisyoung.com/2026/03/15/r...

Happy release day! I’m having some prosecco to celebrate

👀 Extremely excited to see Aleksander Pluskowski has a new history of the Baltic Crusades coming soon with @yalepress.bsky.social ⚔️✝️ yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300...

You are most welcome! Without your hard work, Gower would have been left off the map, and what a shame too

Thanks so much for the mention! Glad I could help with this project illuminating these important polities that are so often overlooked during this period.

Here are cows, rugged mountain borders, rich streams and pastures for transhumance, more cows, shepherds, early church dedications a-plenty, and even more cows A home for the ‘Peninsula Men’, perhaps? Or even more unknowable legends. Thank you again to Caroline for the help with this chapter

Happy Nos Galan Gaeaf (first day of winter eve). Beware of the Hwch Ddu Gwta (tail-less black sow) and the Ladi Wen heb ddim pen (the white lady without a head). Traditionally a coelcerth (bonfire) offered protection. #NosGalanGaeaf #WelshCulture #Halloween theconversation.com/nos-galan-ga...

Today's the 959th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, so obviously I'm reposting my scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry in Playmobil.

SSMLL are delighted to announce the opening of our Call for Papers for the 2026 Day Conference, Medieval Wales, which will be held at Cardiff University 25-26 April, 2026. Proposals should be submitted to Dr David Callander ([email protected]) by 30 November.

The ship has landed! #Medievalsky

Only one week left to submit your abstracts for the 'Medieval Wales and the March' International Medieval Congress sessions sponsored by the Mortimer History Society. Deadline is 15 Sept. Don't delay, submit today! @imc-leeds.bsky.social #IMC2026 #medievalsky #skystorians #academicsky

This time next week I'll be in Leicester for the @socmedarch.bsky.social conference.😀 #MedArch2025 #medieval #medievalarchaeology Graphics: Society for Medieval Archaeology Image: A nod to the past - a Viking themed handrail in Swansea Guildhall (c) Nigel Davies for Geograph CC BY-SA 2.0

We're so looking forward to talking to everyone at the @amgueddfacymru.bsky.social History and Heritage Fair at the National Waterfront Museum later this month! Come find our stall, we'd love to meet you.

Just two weeks to submit your abstracts for the 'Medieval Wales and the March' International Medieval Congress sessions sponsored by the Mortimer History Society. Deadline for submissions is 15 September 2025. @imc-leeds.bsky.social #IMC2026 #medievalsky #skystorians #academicsky

A blessed feast of St Andthatotherguy to you all

Acorns on sun-burnt August grass 🌱☀️ In medieval Britain, the oak was power itself — boundary marker, court tree, symbol of endurance and lordship. 🌳👑 #Oak #Acorns #BritishCountryside #MedievalHistory #Folklore #queenoflostcastles #medievalsky

If you've ever wondered why Dublin has a church dedicated to St. Werburgh -> A great account here from @drfrancisyoung.bsky.social on Ireland's Anglo-Norman history & the use of English saints "in a kind of sacred imperialism". www.historytoday.com/history-matt...

Fabulous Visigothic eagle brooch, AD 501-533. One of a pair of prestigious eagle brooches worn at shoulder height to fasten clothing. From Alovera, Guadalajara, Spain. Bronze, gold and glass. 📷 Museo Arqueológico Nacional, Madrid #Archaeology

Researching medieval Wales? Why not share your research at the International Medieval Congress next July. We welcome proposals for sessions sponsored by the Mortimer History Society. Deadline for submissions is 15 September 2025. @imc-leeds.bsky.social #IMC2026 #medievalsky #skystorians #academicsky

Absolute Units returns!!! In this ep, we speak to environmental historian @dollyjorgensen.bsky.social about her research into pigs in medieval England. Topics include: taking your hogs for a walk, the Hapsburg chin of domestic pigs, Babe 2, and so much more. merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...

When you remember it's a year to go before the next IMC... #imc2025 @imc-leeds.bsky.social

From last week's IMC paper, here is my handy general formula on the effects of vikings moving cattle by ship across long distances:

Wondering which @imc-leeds.bsky.social sessions to go to tomorrow? Problem solved - why not spend the day listening to papers on medieval Wales! Three sessions of very interesting papers and one by me. I kick off proceedings at 11.15 Tue in room LG.01 Newlyn Building. Hope to see you there. #imc2025

Good to see the book I contributed to in the wild! @archumanities.bsky.social @universityofleeds.bsky.social #imc2025

What is a better way to relax after checking into your #IMC2025 accommodation, than meeting up with colleagues in the LUU Old Bar with a drink of Congress Ale. 🎉 The #IMC2025 Congress Ale is back from a new provider and in Worlds of Learning fashion, we want to learn what you think! #MedievalSky

Looking forward to tomorrow's conference with some interesting approaches to loyalty. I will also be presenting a paper which is different from my usual topics!

I’m over the moon to share that my essay, ‘Contributions to the Conquest: The Abbey of Fécamp and Maritime Memory’ was chosen as the winner of the Marjorie Chibnall Essay Prize for this year’s Battle Conference on Anglo-Norman Studies battleconference.wordpress.com/2025-battle-... #Medievalsky

Thinking of joining us at the University of Reading for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Medieval History Postgraduate Research Forum on 2nd April? Registration for those wanting to attend in-person closes in 2 days. So don't delay, get your free ticket today! www.eventbrite.com/e/1258700740...

Registration is now open for online attendance for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Medieval History Postgraduate Research Forum organised by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Join us at the University of Reading on 2nd April. #MedievalSky www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/outsiders-...

Registration is now open for 'Outsiders-Insiders' Medieval History Postgraduate Research Forum organised by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Join us at the University of Reading on 2nd April. #MedievalSky www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/outsiders-...

#IMC2025 Registration is officially OPEN! 🎉🐴⚔ The IMC team is currently experiencing a high volume of calls and emails! We will reply to all enquiries within two working days. ☺️ Click here to register for IMC 2025: https://buff.ly/4hpap3M Email us with any enquiries at [email protected] 👍

Registration for IMC 2025 opens TOMORROW! 🐴⚔🎉 See our pre-registration checklist and make sure that you are prepared for Tuesday morning at 10am (GMT). 😁 Visit https://buff.ly/4hpap3M for more details. 🎉 Email us at [email protected] with any questions.

A joy to work with Dan, Áron and Charlie on this volume. Well worth a read #medievalsky #skystorians.

In February 2022 I cycled around part of Lower Normandy and up the Seine to Rouen. It was one of the best adventures I've ever had (wet though)! In places the cycle path had been reclaimed by the Seine so it gave me a great understanding of Norman geography and the river despite centuries of change.

Only 1 day left to submit abstracts for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Come and share your ideas in a supportive & inclusive space - either in person or online on 2nd April. Medievalism needs you! #MedievalSky

Only 1 week left to submit abstracts for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. We would love to hear your approach to the topic, so why not consider presenting on 2nd April at Reading or online. #MedievalSky

Two weeks left to submit abstracts for the 'Outsiders-Insiders' Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. Is this theme relevant to your research? If so, consider presenting in an inclusive & supportive environment on 2nd April at Reading or online. #MedievalSky

This quiet stretch of river was once the site of a Roman bridge at the lowest crossing point on the River Wye, linking the Roman Road to Gloucester with the Roman Road to Caerwent. I was part of the team that rediscovered the bridge in 2023, and a timber sample has now been dated to 1st century AD.

Call for papers on the topic of 'Outsiders-Insiders' for the Postgraduate Research Forum hosted by the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies. The hybrid event will be held on 2nd April 2025 at the University of Reading. Submissions due by 31st January 2025. #Medievalsky #cfp

I'm pleased to announce that I'm one of those Associate Fellows who is joining the Royal Historical Society today. Many thanks to @royalhistsoc.bsky.social‬ for electing me.