Half the planet is having a massive fight about how to correctly interpret an Ancient Greek poem but go ahead, close some more humanities departments.
Sara Charles
@saracharles.bsky.social
Medieval manuscript practitioner, bringing the manuscript making process to life. Author of The Medieval Scriptorium. Cat lady. www.teachingmanuscripts.com PhD in medieval martyrologies. Editor of Historical Research journal.
Would people like a light-hearted Story from the Archives? In my case, the Bodleian's special collections reading room, which was at the time in the basement of the science library. It is entitled "Why Have You Given Me This Block of Wood?"
No summer school on book history would be complete without a pigment and illumination workshop from the outstanding @saracharles.bsky.social! The students absolutely LOVED it - look at their beautiful initials!
Very excited to be part of this international, interdisciplinary workshop on writing as a sacred act www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/e/judaistik/... #shapingholiness
I'm delighted & proud that this article, based on my Historical Research Lecture 2025, is now published in its final form in the @ihr.bsky.social journal Historical Research. It's the 'Editor's Choice' (thanks, @saracharles.bsky.social!), so open access for 6 months. academic.oup.com/histres/arti...
Can popular history be radical? Historical research and writing for the public with a manifesto for radical popular history
Abstract. This article, a transcript of the 2025 Historical Research Lecture, re-visits the question of what makes history radical, asking what kind of rad
academic.oup.com
So, it's all about me is back on sale in the shop. One only, Welsh slate, inpainted, finished with slate oil, 25 x 20 x 3 cms. £290 inc UK shipping. www.poorfrankraw.co.uk/shop/index.h...
Ready for business in the foyer at @imc-leeds.bsky.social! Come and see all the manuscript materials and have a go at medieval script, illumination and painting with pigments #imc2026
Come and talk trade non-fiction with the inimitable @cathamclarke.bsky.social, the sparkling @saracharles.bsky.social, and the intrepid Anthony Bale (and me) this evening at #IMC !
Catherine Clarke@cathamclarke.bsky.social · 4w agoThis evening @imc-leeds.bsky.social! Maurice Keyworth L.09, 7pm. Come and say hello and ask us your questions!
The fantastic stalls of Anachronalia and Fiftyeleven are now selling their wares at #imc2026. Go and stock up on all things to do with bookcraft and medieval bunnies!
I’ll be with the totally brilliant @cathamclarke.bsky.social, @eleanormaybaker.bsky.social and Anthony Bale tonight, talking about writing medieval history for a general audience @imc-leeds.bsky.social #imc2026
Catherine Clarke@cathamclarke.bsky.social · 4w agoThis evening @imc-leeds.bsky.social! Maurice Keyworth L.09, 7pm. Come and say hello and ask us your questions!
My first article is published today in the @haskinssociety.bsky.social Journal. I'm so pleased to finally see it out in the world. My article outlines the maritime dimension to William fitzOsbern's lordship in the southern Welsh March in the years after 1066. doi.org/10.2307/jj.4... #MedievalSky
I’ll be doing my thing again at @imc-leeds.bsky.social on Thursday in the Foyer. Drop by to see lots of manuscript materials - and have a go of writing with a quill and iron gall ink, applying gold leaf to gesso and painting with pigments #bookhistory #medievalsky #IMC2026
First they came for the languages. In the hope that no one would have the words to say what was happening. 1/9🧵
University of Aberdeen's plans to cut modern language degrees were 'rushed' - review
The University of Aberdeen says it accepts there were "missteps" in its process in 2023.
bbc.co.uk
If you visit St. Peter's Church in Wormleighton, whose construction began in the 12th century, and look at the medieval tiles that decorate its floor, you might be surprised by two small cat pawprints that decorate one of them!
I had not posted about it but as I am now earnestly grappling with it: I am writing another book for @bodleian.ox.ac.uk Bodleian Publishing, 'Tales of Horror from Medieval England'. Expect translated narratives of violence, sorcery, fearsome creatures, the undead, and the end times.
I'm leading this new @ihr.bsky.social Discovery Course: 'Writing and Pitching Your #Trade Non-Fiction #Book'. Two days, with experienced writers + agent Elliot Prior (Curtis Brown), plus an optional add-on 'writing retreat' with expert advice @ihrlibrary.bsky.social www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
Writing and Pitching Your Trade Non-Fiction Book
Discovery Course (PAID)
history.ac.uk
There are still a few spaces left on this. Do come along if you're interested in early medieval manuscripts, their secrets, and delightful archival anecdotes.
Jennifer@bibliojenni.bsky.social · 2mo agoThe Hereford Gospels online symposium is on 26 June. It's a free opportunity to hear about this remarkable manuscript from the experts. I'm also pleased to confirm that it will be recorded for those who may not be able to come in real time! www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/herefo...
Just spotted a bat chilling out in the Saint-Ouen Abbey. Look at the feets!
Just hanging out in Rouen, living my best urban medieval life ❤️
Join us @imc-leeds.bsky.social! Very excited for this session with the brilliant @eleanormaybaker.bsky.social, @realmandeville.bsky.social and @saracharles.bsky.social on writing trade non-fiction - from finding an agent to working with trade publishers, the media and beyond. #medieval #imc2026
The London International Palaeography School 2026 comes to an end. A wonderful week of learning about manuscripts. Thank you to all the students and staff @ies-sas.bsky.social @senatehouselib.bsky.social who make this so much fun. See you in 2027. 🎉📖✍️🥂😴
The last working ochre mine in the U.K, Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean, where colour has been mined for 4,500 years. A beautiful range is still mined & milled there: yellow ochre, red ochre (Terra Rosa d’Inghilterra), brown ochre, & rarer purple ochre, akin to ‘caput mortuum’.
A great first day at the London International Palaeography School @ies-sas.bsky.social #MedievalSky #Manuscripts #BookHistory
The complete quartet: FOUR POCKETS FOR SEASONAL FORAGERS, hand-embroidered tie-on pockets displaying flowers, seeds, roots, berries and leaves according to each season.
What an utter delight it has been to have @saracharles.bsky.social at Hereford Cathedral the last few days! Finished up with ink & quill making and calligraphy in the reading room today.
Fantastic talk by @saracharles.bsky.social this evening at Hereford Cathedral explaining and demonstrating the process of bringing medieval manuscripts into being #MedievalSky
And there will be fun stuff to play with too!
Jennifer@bibliojenni.bsky.social · 2mo agoThere are a few tickets left for @saracharles.bsky.social talk on Friday evening at Hereford Cathedral. What better way to spend a Friday night than immersed in thinking about manuscript production? www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/from-p...