Face to Face with the Middle Ages – free public lecture delivered by Professor Patricia Skinner

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Type 'medieval' into Google on any given day and what do you get? You are assaulted by a range of suggested websites, from Wikipedia entries to University websites offering medieval resources and courses. In a free public lecture on 16th May 2014 at Swansea University, Professor Patricia Skinner explores the enduring attraction that the Middle Ages hold for us.


Lecture title: Face to Face with the Middle Ages

Speaker: Professor Patricia Skinner


Date: May 16

Time: 6pm

Venue: Wallace Building, Swansea University, SA2 8PP

Admission: Attendance is free and all are welcome to attend


Lecture summary:

Face to Face public lecture - small The lecture will consider the fascination - alternating with negative stereotypes of 'medieval' barbarism - that the Middle Ages continue to exert in contemporary culture. It aims to challenge that stereotype, and suggests that the medieval period - in particular the much-maligned Early Middle Ages - has much to teach us.

Dr Elaine Canning, Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities, said:

‌“This talk will be a wonderful opportunity to hear a distinguished figure in the field of ancient and medieval history address the compelling impact of the Middle Ages upon present-day cultural experiences and practices”.

‌The lecture forms part of the public lecture and event series organised by RIAH, the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities at Swansea University. 

Other notable names who have featured on this year’s programme include: broadcaster Huw Edwards, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, Rt Hon Peter Hain, MP and Chair of the Arts Council of Wales, Professor Dai Smith.

For further information, email riah@swansea.ac.uk, or call 01792 295190.