Our MA student, Maebh Springbett, examines a medieval pewter chalice held in the collection of Reading Museum. In the centre of a dusty cave lit by dancing flames, the knight sits waiting. He is flanked by a grand display of ornate chalices. Some silver, some gold, some jewelled. ‘He chose…poorly’ he says calmly, addressing the […]
Our friend Mark Stevens, the County Archivist at the Royal Berkshire Archives, introduces their new exhibition that opened on Monday 9th June. The Thames may, at first sight, look uncontrolled. And it can be. In 1519, it was considered to be the source of plague that swept through Oxford. While in 1809, floodwaters destroyed many […]
PhD student Fiona Lane shares some of her own research in the aftermath of the VE80 celebrations, focusing on very different types of street parties: those hosted by rent strikers in the 1930s. ‘It will be like Coronation Day again!’, exclaimed an organiser in Birmingham to her neighbours as they hung bunting from their houses […]
Professor Rebecca Rist, Professor of Medieval History, explains how the College of Cardinals will elect a new Pope. Pope Francis I – his Legacy Pope Francis has been in office since 2013. He chose the pontifical name ‘Francis’ after the medieval saint and mystic Francis of Assisi (c.1181-1226) who championed the poor and dispossessed. During […]

Undergraduate Open Days
We typically hold Undergraduate Open Days in June and October each year. These events offer an opportunity to speak to students and lecturers from all our courses, enjoy talks, and find out more about University life.

Master's events
These events typically include live presentations from academic staff on our different master's courses, live chat with staff and students, and lots of other useful digital resources.