Articles written by Rachel Bellerby
All 78 articles written by Rachel Bellerby
Category: Medieval History (general)
Religious relics were the crowd-pullers of the medieval age. Any church or monastery that could lay claim to a relic would be assured a steady stream of visitors. more...
Category: Late Middle Ages
'Monasteries and Society in the British Isles in the Later Middle Ages' is a collection of papers relating to British monasteries in medieval times. more...
The Buildings That Made up a Medieval Monastery: The Layout of a Monastic House in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
A medieval monastery was viewed as a place of quiet contemplation, but was often home to dozens of men working in various capacities. more...
Category: High Middle Ages
A study of the events of 1215 when King John of England was forced to sign a revolutionary document. more...
Category: England Travel
Rising fuel and food prices are making more people seek out visitor attractions that don't charge an entry fee. more...
Beach Games for Kids: Seaside Activities for Under Tens
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Ensure your beach trip is a big success with these ideas for childrens' beach games, which require little in the way of equipment or forward planning. more...
The Viking Longship: Use of the Longboat in Viking Warfare
Category: Early Middle Ages
Viking raiders depended on the speed and manoeuvrability of their longships to carry out their deadly attacks. more...
The Peasants' Revolt of 1381: Fourteenth Century Poll Tax Riots in England
Category: Late Middle Ages
A rebellion of working class people following social changes brought about by the Black Death. more...
The March of Wales, 1067-1300: Review of Book by Max Lieberman
Category: High Middle Ages
A study of one of the most hotly contested borders in medieval Britain more...
The Medieval Manuscript: How Documents Were Created in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
An illustrated prayer book or Bible was one of the most rare and valuable possessions a medieval person could own. more...
Castles in West Yorkshire: Historic Attractions Around Leeds and Bradford
Category: England Travel
Three medieval castles with turbulent histories. more...
Castles in North Yorkshire: Historic Visitor Attractions in the North of England
Category: England Travel
Northern England is home to some of the UK's oldest and most imposing castles. more...
The English Aristocracy at War: By Dr David Simpkin – Book Review
Category: High Middle Ages
The English Aristocracy at War, From the Welsh Wars of Edward I to the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 - a new study of warfare in the Middle Ages. more...
The Black Death Book Review: ‘A Personal History’ by John Hatcher
Category: Late Middle Ages
The experiences of ordinary people during the plague, told through the eyes of a fourteenth century clergyman. more...
'The Vikings' Book Review: With a Foreword by Magnus Magnusson
Category: Early Middle Ages
A look at Viking warfare and raids, the famed Viking longship and the Vikings in North America. more...
Medicine in the Middle Ages: Healing the Sick in Medieval Times
Category: Medieval History (general)
Medicine in medieval times was an intriguing blend of superstition, tradition, plant-lore and knowledge passed down from the ancient Greeks and Romans. more...
Edward I and the Ring of Iron: A Chain of Castles Built Across North Wales
Category: High Middle Ages
The medieval castles built by King Edward I in the thirteenth century, were part of the most intensive defense campaign in Europe during the whole of the Middle Ages. more...
Caedmon - First Known English Poet: The Story of the Sixth-Century Cowherder Who Became a Writer
Category: British Poetry
Only one of Caedmon's poems survives, but it is still in publication some 1300 years after his death. more...
Charlemagne – Book Review: The Latest Medieval Book From Rosamond McKitterick
Category: Early Middle Ages
'Charlemagne, The Formation of a European Identity' is a major new study of the rule of Charlemagne, using both contemporary and secondary sources. more...
In a Unicorn's Garden Book Review: Recreating the Mystery and Magic of Medieval Gardens
Category: Medieval History (general)
Judyth McLeod explores medieval gardens, interviews gardening experts and explains how to create a medieval garden at home. more...
Tracing Your Manx Ancestors: Family History Records for the Isle of Man
Category: Genealogy (general)
The Isle of Man is a crown dependency with its own 1,000-year-old parliament. Family history research here is different to the UK. more...
Book Review Author Robert Bartlett: The Natural and the Supernatural in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
A new study from leading medievalist Professor Robert Bartlett more...
Archery in the Middle Ages: The Medieval Archer on the Battlefield
Category: Late Middle Ages
The training of the medieval archer and the use of the longbow and crossbow in medieval European warfare. more...
Start Penpalling Today!: Find Friends Around the World With a Letter-Writing Hobby
Category: Hobbies (general)
Penpalling is a low-cost, absorbing hobby that gives you a reason to look forward to the mail every day. more...
The Medieval Craft Guilds: Trade Associations in the Middle Ages
Category: Late Middle Ages
The medieval craft guilds had tremendous power in urban society. They controlled what could be sold, who could sell it and at what price. more...
Self-Catering With Young Children: Planning Your Vacation With Babies and Toddlers
Category: Infants & Toddlers (general)
How to prepare for, and survive, a self-catering holiday with pre-school kids. more...
Your Child in Hospital: Make Your Overnight Stay on the Ward a Success
Category: Early Childhood (general)
Find out how to handle your child's stay in hospital and make the experience as positive as possible for everyone concerned. more...
Make Money From Readers' Letters: An Extra Stream of Income for the Freelance Writer
Category: Freelance Writing (general)
Earn money and win prizes by writing letters and opinion pieces for newspapers and magazines. more...
The Siege in Medieval Times: Besieging a Castle in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
Medieval warfare - the tactics, methods and weaponry used to lay siege to a castle in medieval times. more...
The Poetry of Branwell Bronte: Published Works of the Brother of the Bronte Sisters
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte are celebrated 19th century novelists. Their brother Branwell's own literary works are often overlooked. more...
Medieval Mystery and Miracle Plays: Theater in Medieval Times – Stage Productions in the Middle Ages
Category: High Middle Ages
Medieval mystery and miracle plays began as serious church performances and developed into colorful and theatrical spectacles involving the whole community. more...
Richard III and Middleham Castle: The Childhood Home of the Last Plantagenet King
Category: Late Middle Ages
Richard III was the last reigning English monarch to be killed in battle. He spent his boyhood at Middleham Castle. more...
Mary Ward: Catholic Rebel & Leader: Foundress of the Institute of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Category: Catholic Church
Mary Ward was seen as such a controversial character that she wasn't officially acknowledged as foundress of her religious order until 250 years after her death. more...
Bolton Castle Prison of Queen Mary: Imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots in the North of England
Category: Tudor History
Mary Queen of Scots spent six months imprisoned in luxury at Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire. She was to spend nearly two decades as a prisoner of Queen Elizabeth I. more...
The Medieval Monastery Garden: Monastic Gardens as a Source of Food, Herbs and Medicine
Category: High Middle Ages
The gardens of a medieval monastery could be a supply of food, herbs, medicine and also served as a spiritual retreat. more...
Medieval Friars and Hermits: Life Outside the Monastic Community in the Middle Ages
Category: High Middle Ages
Monastic communities thrived in medieval times. But a cloistered life wasn't for everyone. Some people chose to live as hermits or preachers in the community. more...
Museums for Children in Yorkshire: Child-Friendly Museum Attractions in and Around Leeds and York
Category: England Travel
All-weather museums in the North of England that will fascinate and educate children of all ages. Some have no entry fee and all will entertain kids for hours. more...
The Vatican Library - A History: Manuscripts of the Holy See, Including the Secret Archives, in Rome
Category: Catholic Church
The Vatican Library in Rome is a collection of Roman Catholic manuscripts which was shrouded in secrecy for centuries. The oldest texts date back 1500 years. more...
Kids' Rainy Day Outdoor Activities: Entertain Your Child in Bad Weather with Outdoor Fun and Games
Category: Kids Outdoor Activities
It can be disheartening to have a period of bad weather, particularly during school vacations. Here are some ideas to entertain your child on even the rainiest of days. more...
The Last Queen – A Novel – Book Review: Historical Fiction by C W Gortner
Category: Late Middle Ages
Juana of Castile was the last Queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country's throne. But her privileged life was one of turmoil and sorrow. more...
Category: Parenting Resources (general)
Collecting and dropping your child at school doesn't sound like much of a chore. But for anyone who's a little shy, waiting at the school gates can be a daily trial. more...
Overseas Trade in the Middle Ages: The Medieval Merchant and Foreign Commerce
Category: Medieval History (general)
Medieval merchants travelled their homelands and abroad, undertaking hazardous journeys to obtain new and exciting products to sell. more...
Lammas Day - Celebrating the Medieval Harvest: An August Feast Day of the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
Lammas Day was one of the oldest medieval festivals, a feast with pagan origins. It was a celebration of the end of the growing season and the gathering of the harvest. more...
The Fears of Henry IV - Book Review: The Life of England’s Self-Made King, by Ian Mortimer
Category: High Middle Ages
A medieval biography of Henry IV, the man who ousted King Richard II from the throne. more...
The History of Myddleton Lodge, Ilkley: A Catholic Stronghold in the North of England
Category: Catholicism (general)
Myddleton Lodge was a centre of faith at a time when it was illegal to be a Roman Catholic in England. more...
How to Find Things to do in the School Holidays: Inexpensive Summer Activities for Under Tens
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
The summer holidays may be an exciting prospect for primary school age children, but not always for parents. more...
Category: Late Middle Ages
A new book by historian Frank Welsh on the Council of Constance, one of the major turning points of European history. more...
The Princes in the Tower Review: Alison Weir’s Latest Book
Category: Late Middle Ages
A reconstruction of the events surrounding the mysterious disappearance of two princes in the Tower of London. more...
Cathedral Book Review: A Study of English Medieval Cathedrals by Jon Cannon
Category: Medieval History (general)
The medieval period was the golden age of cathedral building. The sixth to fifteenth centuries saw the creation of some of the finest cathedrals ever built. more...
Ale Production in Medieval Times: The Brewing Industry in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
Ale is one of the oldest foodstuffs and has a history going back thousands of years. more...
Heraldry in the Middle Ages: The Bearing of Arms in Medieval Times
Category: High Middle Ages
A coat of arms was a way of identifying a knight in battle or in a tournament and the use of military symbolism became widespread in twelfth century Europe. more...
'The Siege' Book Review: By Ismail Kadare, Man Booker Prize Winner
Category: Late Middle Ages
A powerful novel of warfare between Christian forces and the Ottoman army in the fifteenth century. more...
The Black Death: Bubonic, pneumonic and septicemic Plague in the Fourteenth Century
Category: Late Middle Ages
The Black Death was a terrifying plague which wiped out up to half the population in the countries it affected. There was no cure and victims died within hours. more...
Interest Your Child in Religion: Introduce Catholicism into Everyday Life
Category: Catholic Practices
Most Catholic parents would like to think they can raise a child who is interested in Catholic life. Find out how to introduce your child to religion in a natural way. more...
Ten No-Nagging Tips for Parents: How to Get Better Behaviour Without Constantly Repeating Yourself
Category: Parenting Methods (general)
Find out how to get your child to listen and cooperate without making the same requests again and again. more...
Hilda 6th Century Abbess of Whitby: A Medieval Woman Who Ran a Double Monastery in Northern England
Category: Early Middle Ages
Hilda of Whitby, a member of the Northumbrian royal family ruled a monastery of monks and nuns, holding power in a time when few women carried out important roles. more...
Historic Ilkley in West Yorkshire: Home of Ilkley Moor, the Cow and Calf rocks and a Roman Fort
Category: England Travel
Ilkley is a spa town with a long history. Famous as the location of an important roman fort, the town is now best known for its proximity to the stunning Ilkley moors. more...
The Medieval Eleanor Crosses: Built by King Edward I to Mourn Eleanor of Castile
Category: High Middle Ages
Twelve medieval monuments built by an English king devastated by the death of his queen. more...
Farming in Medieval Times: Working on the Land in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
Farming was an important and crucial part of medieval life. The success or failure of a harvest could mean the difference between prosperity and starvation. more...
'It's Twins!' Book Review: Susan M Heim’s Guide to Parenting Multiples.
Category: Parenting Resources (general)
Parent-to-parent advice from infancy through adolescence. more...
Personality Differences in Twins: Encouraging Individuality In Pre-School Multiples
Category: Infant Toddler Development
However similar your twins might look, chances are, as they become toddlers, their own distinct personalities will begin to become apparent. more...
Create a May Altar at Home: Honor the Mother of Jesus in May, the Month of Mary
Category: Catholic Practices
Set aside a corner of your home to pray to Mary in the month of May. An interesting religious activity for families. more...
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag: 600 Year Old Marian Shrine in Knaresborough, England
Category: Catholicism (general)
A shrine to Our Lady carved out of a rock face in thanksgiving following an accident centuries ago. more...
May the Month of Mary: Paying Tribute to Mary the Mother of Jesus
Category: Catholic Practices
Why and how May is celebrated as the month of Mary in the Catholic faith. more...
May Day in Medieval Times: Bringing in the May in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
May Day was one of the most popular medieval festivals because it celebrated the end of a long, hard winter. more...
Viking Weapons: Weaponry used by the Vikings in War, Sea Battles and Raids
Category: Early Middle Ages
A Viking raid caused terror in medieval communities. The sea-faring warriors used a range of terrifying weapons and fear was an essential part of their arsenal. more...
Fit Writing Into a Busy Life: How to Write When You Have Work and Family Commitments
Category: Freelance Writing (general)
Many freelance writers have to fit their projects around work and family commitments. Find out how to maximize your opportunities to write during a busy day. more...
The Knight and Medieval Jousting: Tournaments and Lancing in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
A medieval tournament could be a bloody and brutal spectacle, even a fight to the death. more...
Saint Margaret Clitheroe: A Catholic Martyr Executed for her Faith
Category: Catholic Saints
Margaret Clitheroe converted to Catholicism at a time when being a Catholic could mean death. more...
St Seiriol and Penmon Priory: Sixth Century Welsh Hermit who Lived on the Isle of Anglesey
Category: Early Middle Ages
Seiriol left a life of privilege as a member of the Welsh royal family to become a hermit on a remote island. His fame spread far beyond his humble hermit's cell. more...
Help Your Child Make Friends: How to Encourage and Develop Friendships at Elementary School
Category: School Readiness
Many children need a little encouragement to develop positive and lasting friendships. Help your child seek out positive playmates and encourage others to warm to them. more...
Alternatives to Easter Chocolate: Candy and Gift Ideas for Kids' Holiday Treats
Category: Early Childhood (general)
If your child can't or won't eat chocolate, here are some ideas for Easter treats that are just as much fun as a chocolate egg. more...
Medieval Easter Celebrations: An Important Feast on the Church Calendar in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
Easter celebrations in medieval times when a day of feasting and fun followed weeks of fasting and penitence. more...
The Medieval Pilgrimage: Religious Pilgrim Destinations in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
Medieval society was often divided sharply into rich and poor. But, on a pilgrimage, people from all walks of life could meet and travel together. more...
The Medieval Garden: Garden History, Use of Plants and Herbs in the Middle Ages
Category: Medieval History (general)
For medieval people, a garden was much more than a place to relax; it could be used as a way of earning money, a place to rear animals and even a source of medicine. more...
Haworth Village in West Yorkshire: Visit Haworth Home of the Bronte Sisters and See Places They Knew
Category: England Travel
Haworth is famous as the home of the Bronte sisters. Discover how to find the places the sisters knew and loved and experience the atmosphere of the wild Yorkshire Moors. more...
Building a Medieval Cathedral: Construction of Places of Worship in the Middle Ages
Category: High Middle Ages
A craftsman could begin the building of a medieval cathedral and even that man's grandson wouldn't see it finished. Who was involved in a cathedral's construction? more...
Play for Different Aged Siblings: Help a Younger and Older Child Have Fun Together Without Arguments
Category: Infant/Toddler Play
Create positive playtime for children of various age groups - whether you are at home, outdoors or at a play center, an older and younger child can have fun together. more...
