New society invites Sheffield to explore life in the Middle Ages
The University of Sheffield and the University of the Third Age are asking members of the public to join a new society, Sheffield Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Society (SAMS).
The society will meet once every three months to hear talks from leading experts in all aspects of the Middle Ages, stretching from the Anglo-Saxons right up to the Tudor period. The series of lectures, discussions and workshops will cover everything from literature, language and linguistics, history, religion and politics, to music, art and culture.
The first lecture, on Tuesday 29 May 2012 from 5.30pm-7.30pm, will be given by Dr Philip Shaw from the University of Leicester. An expert in Old English and other early Germanic languages, Philip has published articles and books on the linguistic evidence for pagan religious life and conversion to Christianity.
“We’re starting the series with a linguist,” explained Dr Rebecca Fisher from the University of Sheffield’s School of English, who co-founded the society, “But we also have Dr Charles West, a historian from our very own University of Sheffield, lined up to speak on a ninth-century treatise on marriage, divorce and religious practices in Frankia.
“Just before Christmas, we'll also hear from Dr Roger Ellis, who worked at the University of Cardiff before retiring. He'll be speaking to us about early Tudor literature. In the new year, I hope to get an archaeologist on board, as well as an expert on medieval music.”
The new society is hoping to build on the enormous success of the recent Engage with Old English project, led by Dr Fisher and students in the School of English. The project culminated in a public workshop all about Old English and the Anglo Saxons designed to get people involved in learning new things about the fascinating subject. The workshop was very well attended by the public and the project video, Twentieth century blockbusters with tenth century scripts, has been viewed by over 1,000 Youtube users.
Dr Fisher said: “I’m really excited to hear from all these fantastic speakers. They will bring the Middle Ages to life for us, and will provide a great opportunity for academics and members of the local community to share their knowledge about this fascinating period.”
To find out more visit Sheffield Anglo Saxon and Medieval Society.
Additional information
Sheffield Anglo Saxon and Medieval Society
SAMS
Youtube video
Engage with Old English
The University of Sheffield
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Contact
For further information please contact:
Amy Stone
Media Relations Officer
The University of Sheffield
0114 222 1046
a.f.stone@sheffield.ac.uk