Medieval Women: In Their Own Words – British Library

This exhibition focuses on Europe from roughly 1100 to 1500, a period in which there was strong cultural interconnection across the continent. While most medieval sources from the period were written by and about men, women’s surviving testimonies offer remarkable insight into their contributions to medieval social and economic life, culture and politics, their skilful management of households and convents, and the vibrancy of female religious culture.

This is the story of medieval women, told in their own words.’

‘Matilda almost became the first ruling queen of England. After her father, King Henry I, died and her cousin Stephen seized the throne, Matilda opposed Stephen in a civil war. For a brief period in the 1140s, while King Stephen was in prison, Matilda in effect ruled England in her own right. In this document Matilda is styled ’empress’ and ‘lady of the English.’ It’s seal depicts her crowned and holding a sceptre, and the silk seal bag may have been fashioned from one of her dresses.’

‘This is the earliest documented reference to Licoricia of Winchester, perhaps the most successful Jewish businesswoman in medieval England. She is first recorded lending money in 1234, as a widow, and in time she became one of King Henry III’s chief financiers. In 1277, Licoricia was murdered at her home in Winchester, along with Alice of Bickton, her Christian maidservant. it was almost certainly an antisemitic crime, but no one was ever convicted, despite her sons having identified the assailants.’

‘In 1290, a seven-year-old girl set sail from Norway, her homeland, to Scotland. Margaret, maid of Norway, had inherited the title Queen of Scots when her grandfather died in 1286. She was supposed to marry Prince Edward of England (the future Edward II), uniting the two kingdoms. But Margaret never arrived. On 7 October, the Bishop of St Andrews informed King Edward I that Margaret had died en route, perhaps in Orkney; she never set foot on the Scottish mainland.’

‘This rare original seal impression would once have been attached to a document that Isabella issued…Her crown, sceptre and ermine-lined cloak are emblems of royalty and majesty, the coats of arms of England and France represent her distinguished marriage and ancestry, while the post with her hand on her breast denotes sincerity and humility.’

‘When Joan of Arc sent this letter to the citizens of Riom, she was planning to besiege the town of La-Charite-sur-Loire but her army’s supplies were running low. She entreated the city to assist by sending gunpowder and military equipment.

Being illiterate, Joan dictated her letter to a scribe, but signed her own name, ‘Jehanne’, at the end. This is the earlies of three surviving examples of Joan’s signature, her large uncertain letter forms suggesting her unfamiliarity with writing.’