Medieval Women:
In their own words
On Monday 11 November, we were lucky enough to take KS5 English Literature students to a wonderful exhibition at the British Library called 'Medieval Women: in their own words.'
Their testimonies speak of diverse experiences, revealing female impact and influence across private, public and spiritual realms, and bringing alive experiences that still resonate today. From the joys of friendship and motherhood, their important work carried out as labourers, businesswomen and artisans. From skilled medical practitioners to influential religious leaders.
This amazing exhibition, with its testimonies, costumes, illustrations and artefacts, really brought medieval women to life, and planted them correctly into the vital and powerful position they held.
Why are English Students going on a History Trip?
Our Key Stage 5 Sixth Form English students study the famous works of Geoffrey Chaucer, who died way back in 1400!
His most famous work is 'The Canterbury Tales', following a group of travellers on a pilgrimage from London to Canterbury.
One tale, 'The Wife of Bath', tells of an older, experienced woman openly telling how she exerts control in a male-dominated society. She also tells of everyday issues concerning marriage and contentment. This exhibition gave brilliant context for our students study of Chaucer.
Two Year 12 students, Ayah and Sabirin, had this to say:
'The exhibition spoke about many different roles of women such as their links to healthcare, as well as their household and public roles.
One of the historical figures in the exhibition, Christine de Pizan, said
"God has given women such beautiful minds to apply themselves, if they want to, in any fields where glorious and excellent men are active."
We really benefited a lot from the trip and it gave us a lot of contextual knowledge.'
