Echoes of the Middle Ages: Where Past Meets Present
There’s something about the clang of steel on steel, the scent of woodsmoke, and the flutter of banners against a winter sky that always stirs something in me.
Every July, the Abbey Medieval Festival transforms a quiet corner of Southeast Queensland into a place where centuries collide, where knights ride, artisans craft, and crowds gather to glimpse the echoes of the past. Over the years, I’ve been quite a few times, not just for the living drama, but for the way it makes me feel - grounded, curious, and quietly connected to something far older than myself.
Troubadours of France: Poetry, Power & Plantagenets
The troubadours of medieval France were more than poets and musicians—they were the voice of chivalry and love. Emerging in the courts of Aquitaine, their art flourished under the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her descendants. But their influence went beyond poetry, often carrying subtle political messages and critiques. From courtly love to coded messages, these highly sought-after entertainers shaped medieval culture.
Read on to discover the world of these lyrical storytellers and their ties to the Plantagenet dynasty.
A Sipping History - Beverages throughout the Medieval Era
When we think of Medieval society, the images in our mind are of kings, knights, battlefields, and castles with magnificent halls for feasting. While food played an important role in the daily lives of people during this era, beverages were equally important. In fact, medieval beverages were more than just liquid refreshments, they were integral parts of daily life, culture, celebrations and medicine. Each sip carried with it a glimpse into society’s values and traditions.
The Role of the Mistress in Medieval Society
Medieval society was a complex web of power, politics, and dynastic ambitions, and at the centre of it all was the royal court, comprising the monarch who held the reins of authority, as well as the nobles of the realm, and of course their ladies.
While queens and noblewomen fulfilled their roles as wives and mothers, there existed a fascinating group of women who wielded significant influence behind the scenes - the mistresses of the most important men in the kingdom, including the king himself. These enigmatic figures played an intriguing role in shaping medieval society, leaving a lasting mark on history as we know it.
The Juiciest of Medieval Gossip
In modern times we need look no further than social media to hear stories of royal scandal and gossip. During the Middle Ages, the sharing of these tall tales may have taken a little longer, but this, in no way lessened the impact on society. It doesn’t really matter whether the time period is Medieval or the 21st century, there is nothing people enjoy more than a tittle-tattle regarding murder, sex or corruption.
8 Medieval Christmas Traditions
When it comes to Christmas, it can mean different things to different people, one thing for sure is that for most people, regardless of religious persuasion, it is a time of celebration, family and festivity. The holiday itself dates back to the 4th century when Pope Julius I declared December 25 to be the date of Christ’s birth. It was not long before believers all throughout Europe were celebrating the season with feasts, drinking and all sorts of revelry. I decided to go hunting and find out a bit more about some of the modern traditions we enjoy, and it seems a lot of them have come from the mingling of the Christian and the Pagan worlds to develop into what we all know today.
