Medieval Highlights from Cultural Collections

Illuminated manuscripts, court rolls and chronicles! Drop in to see medieval and medieval-related treasures from Cultural Collections.

Discover some of the medieval treasures of Cultural Collections during the International Medieval Congress.

The medieval collections at Leeds contain beautiful illuminated prayer books, richly decorated with illustrations, borders and initials. See the changing seasons in calendar pages, illustrated with images of tasks for each month, revealing the pattern of the rural year in the countries where the books were made.

Alongside these, see manuscripts recording history at national, local and individual levels. Medieval chronicles record the history of England, detailing national events and the activities of kings. The enormous series of surviving court rolls of the manor of Wakefield, dating from the 13th to 20th century, provide insight into the lives of ordinary people in a particular place – individuals whose stories are often not found in the wider historical narrative.

See how medieval stories have been retold for Victorian and modern audiences, and learn about uncovering deserted medieval villages lost to time.

The International Medieval Congress is organised and administered by the Institute for Medieval Studies. Since it began in 1994, the Congress has established itself as an annual event attracting medievalists from all over the world. It is the largest conference of its kind in Europe.

This event is free and open to all.