Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 12 April 2022

A noble woman’s place …..


There is an interesting article on the website of The Conversation about household management in the middle ages by women of high estate. Such skills were very necessary then and in later centuries to ensure the health and well-being of family and servants, and also the maintaince of the dignity appropriate to the  household. These were not just medicinal skills but also concerned with oversight of the meals and provisions, and raising daughters, female relatives and staff to be able to marry well, and living devout lives.



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