The Knightly Newsletter is no longer in production, but you can now get The Medieval History Newsletter instead. Subscription instructions at the end of this document are no longer valid, so please sign up at our current sign-up page.
Below is an archived copy of The Knightly Newsletter. Known outdated links have been removed, but the text remains. Please keep in mind that the information contained herein is several years old and may no longer apply; some links may lead to features that are no longer active.
The Newsletter for the Medieval History Site at About.comVol. II, No.17
|
|
|
Our Latest Feature
The Battle of Hastings was one of the most significant turning points in western history. But what brought England to this point?
Free Halloween Cards from About.com
About.com has free electronic greeting cards to send to your scariest online buddies this Halloween. Come check them out!
In the News
Skeleton rediscovered
The skeleton of a barber-surgeon, thought to have been destroyed during WWII, has been rediscovered in a storeroom at London's Natural History museum. For more information, see the article at BBC News.
Attack victim found
The remains of an attack victim found during the renovations of a betting shop in Naas, County Kildare, have been dated to the 13th or 14th century. The deceased suffered wounds from a sharp weapon, possibly a sword, and the loss of an ear. For more information see the feature by Sean MacConnell at the Irish Times.
Astronomy and the Church
One of the most common misconceptions about the medieval Catholic Church is its supposed antagonism to scientific learning. Not so, says Dr. John L. Heilbron, science historian, in his new book The Sun in the Church. Not only did the Church consult astronomers for accurate information concerning dates and times, but many cathedrals were used as solar observatories. For more on Heilbron's own observations, see the article by William J. Broad at the New York Times.
Please note that the New York Times requires visitors to register in order to read their features. However, registration is free, and the above article is well worth the few moments it takes.
Medieval Minutia
While individual women could wield considerable personal power, legally their lives were governed by men. A powerful king could compel a wealthy widow or heiress to marry whomever he chose, for the prospective bridegroom would usually pay the monarch a fee for the privilege. In one case, Lucy, Countess of Chester and three-time widow, paid a hefty fee to compensate the king for possible revenues lost, and in return received five years' freedom from marriage.
Source: Medieval Europe: A Short History by C. Warren Hollister
For more about women in medieval times, see our index of net links.
Chat About Medieval History
Time zones are changing soon, and you'll be setting your clocks forward or backward. Please help your Guide devise a new chat schedule by emailing her the best times and days of the week for you to chat, or fill out a chat profile. And come see the latest profiles at our profile page.
I hope you can join us today and Friday for a chat about your favorite medieval subjects. You can find our schedule on the log-in page.
Medieval History Mini-Quiz
How's your knowledge of chivalric history? Test it at our one-question Mini-Quiz.
Elsewhere at About.com
You've heard the tales and Urban Legends about the connection of Halloween to evil. Now get the facts from Tammy Todd, About.com Guide to Alternative Religions.
Quote of the Knight
- Nothing is to be feared but fear.
- Francis Bacon
Quote of the Knight
|
Thank you for reading this edition of the Knightly Newsletter and for visiting the Medieval History site. Have a great Halloween weekend, and see you in chat !
Melissa Snell
Your Medieval History Guide at About.com
The Knightly Newsletter is copyrighted © 1999 by Melissa Snell and About.com. All graphics used on this page were created by your guide.
Check out issue II.16 of the Knightly
Newsletter.
Visit our index of previous issues.
More at the Medieval History Site
Site
Map
FAQs
Quizzes
Reviews
Daily
Features
More about the Knightly Newsletter
