Philippa of Hainault was crowned #OnThisDay in 1330, despite having been Queen of England for two years already. She was also almost 5 months pregnant by this point! (Image of coronation from Froissard's Chronicles, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons).

George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence and brother of Edward IV, was executed for treason #OnThisDay in 1478. He is said to have been drowned in a barrel of malmsey wine. This 16th century portrait of George was painted by Lucas Cornelisz de Koch. (Image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons).

The Second Battle of St. Alban's took place #OnThisDay in 1461. This portait of the victor, Margaret of Anjou, is from the Talbot of Shrewsbury. (Image: British Library, Royal 1 5 E VI f.2v).

Here are two more medieval news stories! First, a Silla Kingdom tomb excavated in South Korea: tinyurl.com/socmedarch62 Then, medieval graves unearthed in Poland: tinyurl.com/socmedarch63 (Image of Polish graves: Katarzyna Alagierska).

Early Medieval Wales Archaeology Research Group - Call for Papers and Posters for the 2026 Colloquium! Papers are invited which focus on ‘Recent Research and Excavation in Wales’ relating to the late Roman and early medieval periods.

Two medieval news stories you might have missed! First, 13th century ship remains discovered in Malaysia: tinyurl.com/socmedarch60 . Then, medieval armour unearthed in Georgia: tinyurl.com/socmedarch61 (Image: Rustavi City Hall).

Quick reminder that our Call for Papers is now open! We are delighted to be partnering with @uoyarchaeology and @medievalstudiesyork for a jam-packed conference on the theme of Heritage Science, at the @guildhallyork Full details here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/sma-conferen...

Some more medieval news stories! First, a 1300-year-old tomb of an Avar warrior uncovered in Hungary: tinyurl.com/socmedarch58 . And, medieval artefacts discovered in the nests of vultures: tinyurl.com/socmedarch59

Two recent(ish) medieval news stories for you! First, a 16th century inn discovered in Pakistan: tinyurl.com/socmedarch56 . Then, a solid silver Saxon cross goes on display for the first time in Leeds: tinyurl.com/socmedarch57

The second reign of Æthelred begins #OnThisDay in 1014. He is pictured here in a detail from an illuminated page in the Chronicle of Abingdon (Image: British Library MS Cott. Claude B.VI folio 87, verso).

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross took place #OnThisDay in 1461 (though some sources say 3rd Feb). A major battle of the Wars of the Roses, it saw forces loyal to Henry VI defeated by the army of Edward, Earl of March (Edward IV). (Image: British Library Harley MS 7353 f1r CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

Joan, Lady of Wales, died #OnThisDay in 1237. Pictured is a detail of a sarcophagus which has been attributed to Joan in St. Mary's and St. Nicholas's Church, Beaumaris (Image: Llywelyn2000 via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 4.0).

📢 CALL FOR PAPERS! We're delighted to announce details of this year's SMA Annual Conference. Theme is Heritage Science & the call for papers is now open. Full details on the conference & how to submit abstract are available here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/sma-c… We look forward to hearing from you!

The "Joust of Lincoln" took place #OnThisDay in 1141. The forces of King Stephen were besieging the city but were attacked by relief forces loyal to Empress Matilda. Stephen was captured and Matilda ruled for a short time. Image of Lincoln Castle (© Jo and Steve Turner via Geograph CC BY-SA 2.0).

The coronation of Edward III took place #OnThisDay in 1327. Edward was just 14 years old and his coronation marked the beginning of one of the longest reigns in English history (50 years). (Image: posthumous miniature of Edward III c. 1430-1440, British Library, Stowe 594 ff. 7v).

Balthild of Chelles died #OnThisDay in 680. Tradition has it that she was sold into slavery as a young girl before becoming queen consort of the Frankish King Clovis II. She founded several abbies and was famous for her charitable work, as well as being a capable queen regent for her eldest son.

Medieval news stories you might have missed! First, 900-year-old burials of Denmark’s early Christians discovered in medieval cemetery: tinyurl.com/socmedarch54 . And first scientific evidence of the Black Death in Edinburgh discovered in teeth of excavated teenage skeleton: tinyurl.com/socmedarch55

Two more medieval news stories for you! First, an angler digging for worms uncovers a medieval cauldron filled with coins: tinyurl.com/socmedarch52 . And archaeologists uncover a forgotten Scottish castle that may have been a seat of power: tinyurl.com/socmedarch53 Pic: Stockholm County Admin Board.

The reign of Edward III begins #OnThisDay in 1327. In this image from 1390, King Edward III grants Aquitaine to his son Edward the Black Prince. (Image: British Library Cotton MS Nero D VI f.31).

Edward III marries Philippa of Hainault #OnThisDay in 1328. (Image: drawing of tomb effigies of Edward and Philippa at Westminster Abbey, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons).

Some more recent(ish) medieval news! First, gas pipeline works in Ireland uncover evidence of medieval life: tinyurl.com/socmedarch50 . Then, water tunnels reveal secrets of Mamluk-era sugar industry: tinyurl.com/socmedarch51 (Image of pipeline excavation via RTE news).

#OnThisDay in 1382 Richard II marries Anne of Bohemia. They were both just 15 but seem to have had a happy marriage until Anne's death 12 years later. Richard was said to be so devastated by her death that he demolished Sheen Manor where she had died. (Image from the Liber Regalis, Public Domain).

Simon de Montfort's Parliament meets at Westminster Hall (pictured) #OnThisDay in 1265. It was a crucial step on the road to modern democracy because it invited representation from those outside of aristocratic circles. (Image: Tristan Surtel via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 4.0).

#OnThisDay in 1485 Henry VII marries Elizabeth of York uniting the Houses of York and Lancaster and ending 30 years of civil war in England. Pictured is a double portrait of the couple. (Image: Public Domain via Wiki Commons).

Some more medieval news stories you might have missed! First, a new translation of a Norse saga uncovers Viking history of northern Scotland: tinyurl.com/socmedarch48 . And a Byzantine church discovery near Ahtopol in Bulgaria: tinyurl.com/socmedarch49 (image of Ahtopol dig by @BNT).

A newly-recorded flask from Abu Menas, found in the 1970s in Dereham, Norfolk is among the objects discussed in this report on the @findsorguk.bsky.social in @socmedarch.bsky.social. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

Catching up on some recent(ish) medieval news, here are 2 stories you might have missed. First, an 11th century hoard unearthed in Saxony-Anhalt: tinyurl.com/socmedarch46 . Then, archaeologists discover hidden medieval halls and a reading stone beneath an Oxford College: tinyurl.com/socmedarch47

The Battle of Ashdown took place #OnThisDay in 871. It was a significant West Saxon victory for Æthelred I and his brother Alfred (the Great) against the Danish Viking Army. (Image: 19th century depiction of the battle from T. Hughes' "Scouring the White Horse", Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons).

Meet our new Honorary President, Sarah Semple. We delighted to have Sarah on board and look forward to working with her over the coming years. Read Sarah's full introduction here: tinyurl.com/socmedarch45

The Vale of York Hoard was discovered #OnThisDay in 2007. It is a 10th century Viking hoard of 600+ silver coins and 65 other items, including arm rings, brooch fragments and a ingots all contained in a stunning silver gilt cup. (Image: Portable Antiquities Scheme CC BY-SA 3.0)

The reign of Harold II begins #OnThisDay in 1066. The last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England, his reign ended with the Battle of Hastings and the subsequent Norman Conquest. The image shows Harold as depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry (Image: ©The City of Bayeux).

2025 was a busy year for the Society - we even got a brand new President! Here's to a busy and productive 2026!

The Battle of Llwchwr took place #OnThisDay in 1136. The Welsh won a victory over local Norman forces in Gower, South Wales, sparking a Welsh rebellion against the Normans. Pictured is the stone commemorating the battle (Image: celebr8 via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 2.0).

Happy New Year to all of our members, colleagues, followers and friends! With all good wishes for the coming year. We're looking forward to another bumper year of medieval archaeology - keep following for details of our 2026 conference and much more!

The Battle of Englefield took place #OnThisDay in 870. A West Saxon army led by King Æthelred I of Wessex defeated a section of the Viking Great Army which was camped at Reading. Pictured is a page in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describing the Battle. (Image: British Library Cotton Tiberius B i).

The Battle of Wakefield took place #OnThisDay in 1460. Richard, Duke of York, was killed and the Lancastrian army was victorious. Picutred is a monument to Richard at the supposed spot he was slain (Image: SMJ via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 2.0).

Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral #OnThisDay in 1170. Here is a medieval pilgrim badge appearing to depict the murder. (Image: Portable Antiquities Scheme).

Westminster Abbey, London, was also first consecrated #OnThisDay in 1065. View of the eastern façade of the cathedral. (Image: Σπάρτακος via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 4.0).

St. Alban's Cathedral in Hertfordshire was consecrated #OnThisDay in 1115. View of the cathedral from the west. (Image: Diliff via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 3.0).

Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire was founded #OnThisDay in 1132. View of the Abbey showing the River Skell, Tower and Chapel of Altars. (Image: WyrdLight.com via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 4.0).

Merry Christmas & Seasons Greetings to all our friends, colleagues & followers! Here is a festive early Nativity scene on the Norman font at St. Martin's Church, Fincham, Norfolk. The panels depict Joseph, Mary with baby Jesus, & a donkey & ox above a manger (Evelyn Simak via Geograph CC BY-SA 2.0).

The reign of Stephen begins #OnThisDay in 1135. Pictured is a miniature of Stephen from Matthew Paris's Historia Anglorum. (Image: British Library Royal MS 14 C Vii).

The Lenborough Hoard was discovered #OnThisDay in 2014. It is believed to be one of the largest hoards of Anglo-Saxon coins found in Britain, containing over 5000 silver coins dating to the 11th century. (Image: © Trustees of The British Museum).

Pottery news! The Wiltshire post-Roman pottery type series project nears completion. More details here: tinyurl.com/socmedarch44 (Image: Harvey Hills).

Richard the Lionheart was captured near Vienna by Leopold of Austria #OnThisDay in 1192 on his way home from the Third Crusade. He remained Leopold's prisoner for 2 years. Pictured are the ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard was first kept prisoner. (Image: Airin, Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 1.0).

The reign of Henry II begins #OnThisDay in 1154. Henry is pictured here in a rare contemporary image from the Topographica Hiberniae by Gerald of Wales. (Image: British Library Royal_MS_13_b_viii).

Stuck for present ideas? How about 2 shiny new #medieval publications? - The Bamburgh Bowl Hole Anglian-period Cemetery: A bioarchaeological study of a Northumbrian royal site by Sam Lucy, Charlotte A. Roberts and Graeme Young

#OnThisDay in 1431 Henry VI of England is crowned King of France at Notre-Dame de Paris, aged just seven years old. He is the only English monarch to wear both crowns. Pictured is a mid-15th century depiction of his coronation as Henry II of France (Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons).

The Battle of Annan took place #OnThisDay in 1332. Forces of the Bruce loyalists mounted a surprise attack on Edward Balliol, who had seized the Scottish crown a few months prior. It was a decisive victory for the Bruce loyalists. Image: Edward Balliol's seal (Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons).

#OnThisDay in 1488 Bartolomeu Dias returns to Portugal after becoming 1st known European to sail round the Cape of Good Hope. Statue of Dias outside the High Commission of South Africa in London (Image: Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0).