What chores did medieval women have to get through each day? How could plucking your eyebrows in the Middle Ages land you in hell? And why did people believe that older women’s looks could kill? In our latest “Everything you wanted to know” episode, medievalist Dr Eleanor Janega answers listener questions about the lives and livelihoods of women in the Middl ... Show More
Oct 2024
Medieval Writers, Extraordinary Women
<p>**This episode contains some strong language**</p><br><p>Few women had the luxury of writing down their thoughts and feelings during medieval times. But remarkably, there are at least four extraordinary women who did. Marie de France, a poet; Julian of Norwich, a mystic; Chris ... Show More
39m 5s
Oct 2024
Medieval Chastity Belts: History Unlocked
Sexual purity was hugely importance in the medieval world, especially for women.How did chastity work in practice? Why was it so important? And was the infamous chastity belt really used?Joining Kate today is friend of the show and co-host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval, El ... Show More
45m 38s
Jul 2025
Childbirth in Medieval Times with Kate Lister
<p><strong>This episode contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of birth</strong></p><br><p>Today we're delving into historical childbirth's stark realities, facing the medieval attitudes toward childbirth, its dangers, and grizzly details. Dr. Eleanor Janega pays a v ... Show More
37m 8s