📢 The Medieval Britain & Ireland fieldwork listings (1957-2025) are now available as a download-only database via the Archaeology Data Service website. Read all about the project and how to access the files here: tinyurl.com/socmedarch95

The Battle of Barnet took place #OnThisDay in 1471. It was a decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses and a victory for Yorkist forces. Image from the Ghent Manuscript, showing Edward leading the Yorkist charge and piercing the armour of the Earl of Warwick. (Image: Ghent University Library).

Two recent medieval news stories! First, Cookham Abbey dig gets funding to continue research: tinyurl.com/socmedarch78 . Then, we’re a little envious of the students on this training dig – what a find! tinyurl.com/socmedarch79

Bristol Cathedral was consecrated #OnThisDay in 1148. Pictured is the west front of the cathedral. (Image: NotFromUtrecht via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0).

Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) died #OnThisDay in 1240. Pictured is a statue of Llywelyn in Conwy, North Wales. (Image: Rhion Pritchard, public domain via Wikimedia Commons).

The second reign of Edward IV begins #OnThisDay in 1471. Pictured is a posthumous portrait of Edward c. 1540. (Image: National Portrait Gallery).

Two recent medieval news stories! First, a tooth enamel study tracks early medieval migration to England: tinyurl.com/socmedarch76 . And an Anglo-Saxon “lordly centre” discovered near Skipsea Castle: tinyurl.com/socmedarch77 (Image: University of York).

Announcing this year’s Jarrow Lecture: Bede, Providence, and Early Medieval Kingship. Full details here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/2026-jarrow-...

Richard I died #OnThisDay in 1199. Pictured is his tomb effigy in Fontevraud Abbey where his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, is also buried. (Image: Adam Bishop via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA 3.0).

The Ryther Hoard was discovered #OnThisDay in 1992. It is a hoard of over 800 silver coins dating from Edward I through to Henry VII, stashed inside a Humber ware jug. Discovered by a metal detectorist, they are now at the Yorkshire Museum). (Image: York Museums Trust CC BY SA 4.0).

Petronilla de Grandmasnil died #OnThisDay in 1212. She was the wife of Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, and both were part of the Revolt against Henry II. At the Battle of Fornham, Petronella was found in a ditch wearing a mail hauberk with a sword and shield...

Eleanor of Aquitaine died #OnThisDay in 1204. She was one of the most influential women of the medieval period. Queen of France and later Queen of England, she played a significant role in European politics. Tomb effigy, Fontevraud Abbey. (Image: Adam Bishop via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA 3.0).

More medieval news! First, archaeologists uncover a 700-year-old underground vault in Germany: tinyurl.com/socmedarch74 . And a missing medieval masterpiece rediscovered in a school library: tinyurl.com/socmedarch75 (image: Cambridge University).

The Battle of Towton took place #OnThisDay in 1461. The battle is considered the largest and bloodiest of the Wars of the Roses, with considerable losses on both sides. Victory secured the throne for Edward IV. Painting by Richard Caton Woodville (Image: Public Domain via Wiki Commons).

Robert the Bruce was crowned king of Scotland #OnThisDay in 1306. He is depicted here with his first wife Isabella of Mar, in the 1562 Forman Armorial. (Image: National Library of Scotland, Public Domain).

ℹ️ Reminder for Masters dissertation supervisors There’s still time to nominate an outstanding taught MA dissertation in medieval archaeology for the SMA Postgraduate Dissertation Award. Full details here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/awards/awards/ Deadline: 1st April #MedievalArchaeology

Some more medieval news stories for you! First, a long-lost Anglo-Saxon village found near Friston: tinyurl.com/socmedarch72 . (Image: MOLA-Wessex Archaeology). Then, some intriguing finds could solve the mystery of women in medieval Welsh cemetery: tinyurl.com/socmedarch73

The reign of Henry V begins #OnThisDay in 1413. Henry is depicted here as Prince of Wales, offering or receiving a book, from Thomas Hoccleve's "Regement of Princes" c.1411. (Image: British Library, Arundel 38 f.37).

The Battle of Nibley Green took place #OnThisDay in 1470. It is notable for being the last battle on English soil fought entirely between private armies, & the culmination of an inheritance dispute for Berkeley Castle, with William Berkeley the victor. (Image: Philip Halling for Geograph CCBY-SA2.0)

Cuthbert of Lindisfarne died #OnThisDay in 687. He was a popular saint in northern England both during his life and after death, with a cult of worship centred on his tomb in Durham Cathedral. Pictured is a 12th century wall-painting of St Cuthbert in Durham Cathedral (image: Durham Cathedral).

Something for the weekend for all you pottery lovers - the Wiltshire Pottery Type Series is now available! The physical type series is available to view at the Wiltshire Museum. More info on how to access the online resource here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/wiltshire-po...

The reign of Æthelred begins #OnThisDay in 978. His moniker "the Unready" comes from the Old English word "unræd" meaning "poorly advised" and is a pun on his name, which means "well advised". Pictured is a gold mancus of Æthelred showing him wearing armour (Image: PHGCOM via Wikimedia Commons).

The reign of Harthacnut begins #OnThisDay in 1040. His reign was brief as he died suddenly just two years later, the last Dane to rule England. Pictured is a silver penny of Harthacnut from the collections at Yorkshire Museum (Image: York Museums Trust, CC BY SA 4.0).

Happy St. Patrick's Day to our Irish followers! Here is a depiction of St. Patrick standing on a snake in Purgatory from "St. Patrick's Purgatory: England" (Image: British Library Royal MS 17 B XLIII, f. 132v). #StPatricksDay

Here are some medieval news stories to kick of the week! First, an unusual 9th century burial of a Viking Age woman in Norway: tinyurl.com/socmedarch70 . Then, facial reconstruction from a 900 year old skull: tinyurl.com/socmedarch71

The Battle of Boroughbridge took place #OnThisDay in 1322. It was the culmination of a long period of antagonism between Edward I and Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. The rebels were defeated and Lancaster was executed (pictured), ending the Despenser War. (Image: Enluminere, Wiki Commons, Public Domain).

Society Members, the Minutes of our latest AGM are now available in the Members' Area of our website, in both text and video format. Check them out here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/members-area/

Some recent medieval news stories you might have missed! First, medieval artefacts discovered in Łasztownia excavation: tinyurl.com/socmedarch68 (Image: Marcin Bielecki ). Then, a rare 16th century astrolabe returns to the Isles of Scilly: tinyurl.com/socmedarch69

📋 Checklist for the weekend: ☑️ Mow the lawn ☑️ Walk the dog ☑️ Submit abstract for SMA conference Deadline is the 10th April - we look forward to hearing from you! Full details on our website here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/sma-conferen...

Happy World Book Day! If you fancy reading something with a medieval flavour, why not check out our Monograph series? Full list available here: medievalarchaeology.co.uk/publications... A reminder that Society Members receive a 30% discount on all Routledge publications - see Members Area for info.

Rievaulx Abbey was founded #OnThisDay in 1132. Situated in Yorkshire, it was once one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries. (Image: WyrdLight.com via Wiki Commons CC BY-SA 3.0).

The reign of Edward IV begins #OnThisDay in 1461. He is pictured here in a 15th century portrait from the Royal Collection. (Image:© Royal Collection)

More medieval news from earlier this year! First, the bones of early medieval bishops and royals reinterred after painstaking project: tinyurl.com/socmedarch66 . And a princely burial unearthed at the Sizewell C site: tinyurl.com/socmedarch67

Happy St. David's Day to our Welsh followers. Tradition holds that St. David died #OnThisDay in 589 or 601. Medieval depictions of the saint are scarce but this Victorian stained glass window from the Church of St. Mary, Nercwys, incorporates some medieval glass fragments. (Image: © Martin Crampin).

The Battle of Ancrum Moor took place #OnThisDay in 1545. It was part of the War of the Rough Wooing - a war attempting to put pressure on the Scots to agree to a marriage match between the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, and Henry VIII's son, Edward. (Image: Site of the battle ©Jim Barton CC BY-SA 2.0)

Dafydd ap Llywelyn died #OnThisDay in 1246. He is shown here in this 13th century manuscript drawing by Matthew Paris alongside his brother Gruffydd at the deathbed of their father Llywelyn the Great. (Image: Lampman via Wiki Commons Public Domain).

Two more medieval stories you might have missed! First, a new study reexamines the Pictish-Viking transition in Orkney: tinyurl.com/socmedarch64 . Second, the largest medieval cog yet found, discovered in the Øresund Strait: tinyurl.com/socmedarch65 (Image by Viking Ship Museum).

The reign of Robert II begins #OnThisDay in 1371. Robert was the first monarch of House of Stewart in Scotland. Pictured is a penny of Robert II minted in Edinburgh. (Image: Portable Antiquities Scheme CC BY-SA 4.0).

The Battle of Bramham Moor took place #OnThisDay in 1408. It was the final battle of the Percy Rebellion during which the Earl of Northumberland was killed and the power of the Percys was shattered. (Image: stone commemorating the battle, © David Rogers for Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0).

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).