Medieval mysteries unveiled as Swansea goes back in time
The mysteries of medieval life are to be unveiled as the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Research (MEMO) at Swansea University launches a programme of events that will take Swansea back in time this summer.
The events range from the annual Symposium by the Sea this weekend which brings together academics from Britain and Europe to discuss the theme Medieval Urban Life: Facts and Fictions through to Medieval Mayhem in July which promises games, storytelling and art competitions for children.
At Archaeology for All a Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust event at Swansea Museum on 16 July, Dr Catherine Clarke from MEMO will tell the story of Swansea’s ‘hanged man’ and explore how medieval witness statements are interlinked with a planned new digital map of medieval Swansea. There is also a showcase of research and the chance to ask questions about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in medieval studies.
The same day will see medieval landmark Oystermouth Castle re-open following restoration and preservation work, while this summer is to see the partial opening of Swansea Castle, following restoration work by a team from the City and County of Swansea Council, which includes Dr Clarke of MEMO.
The series of events closes with doomed lovers, religious recluses, medieval medicine and storytelling as MEMO team up with Swansea Central Library on 23 July to present Medieval Mysteries and Medieval Mayhem, an event for adults and kids.
Dr Alison Williams, Director of MEMO said, “These events are certain to herald a medieval summer in Swansea. We hope that both adults and children will come along to these events and enjoy discovering more about the history and literature of our medieval past here in Wales.”
Programme of events:
Date: Saturday 18 June
Symposium by the Sea
Title: “Southern Welsh towns in the later Middle Ages’
Speaker: Mr Tony Hopkins from Gwent County Archive – part of the
Title: Report on Excavations at Swansea Castle
Speaker: Rick Turner from CADW
Time: 10.30 am – 12 noon
Venue: James Callaghan Building, Swansea University
Admission: Free and all welcome
Date: Saturday 16 July
Title: Archaeology For All
Time: From 10.30 am
“A Tale of Medieval Swansea: historical sources and new research” a talk by Dr Catherine Clarke will be at 2:30 pm
Venue: Swansea Museum
Admission: Free and all welcome
Date: Saturday 23 July
Title: “Medieval Mysteries” followed by “Medieval Mayhem”
Time: From 12 noon
Venue: Swansea Central Library
Admission: Free and all welcome
For more details of MEMO’s activities please visit the website: http://www.swan.ac.uk/arts/research/memo/
