THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH
Get hooked
If we’ve whetted your appetite for the medieval Church, why not explore the topic further with these books, podcasts and TV shows
BOOKS
Going to Church in Medieval England
This richly illustrated account of parish churches and churchgoers in England, from the Anglo-Saxons to the mid-16th century, explores the finer details of church life – from who did, and did not, attend, to how churches conducted baptisms, marriages and burials.
Julian of Norwich: A Very Brief History
Janina Ramirez explores Julian’s remarkable life and times, offering insights into how and why her writing has survived, and what we can learn from this 14th-century mystic whose work has often lain hidden in the shadows of her male contemporaries.
Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel, Victim: A 900-Year-Old Story Retold
John Guy looks at the life of Thomas Becket, the son of a merchant draper who was befriended and favoured by Henry II –a man who quickly ascended the rungs of power and privilege before losing it all.
ONLINE AND AUDIO
► The delight and mystery of rural churches: Medieval historian Dr Emma Wells reveals the secrets hidden in our rural chapels and churchyards on the BBC Countryfile podcast. Listen at bit.ly/2XRpR5a
► For podcasts, features, quizzes, interviews and more on the medieval Church, visit our website: historyextra.com
WATCH
The Pillars of the Earth
(Now streaming on Amazon Prime and My5)
Based on Ken Follett’s historical novel of the same name, The Pillars of the Earth sees an idealistic mason set out to erect a glorious cathedral in 12th-century Kingsbridge against a backdrop of war and religious strife.
Cadfael
(Seasons 1–4 now streaming on BritBox; seasons 3–4 available on the ITV Hub)
Based on Ellis Peters’ bestselling books, the four seasons of Cadfael see Sir Derek Jacobi star as a former soldier-turned-medieval monk at Shrewsbury Abbey, with a knack for solving fiendish mysteries.