History Visits
Talks (Show and Tell)
For my 'Show and Tell' style presentation, you will get me in full period costume, but there is limited audience participation.
During the talk I will hand around a variety of replica and reproduction objects, and some of the laminates from my display board showing the evidence.
All I need for a 'Show and Tell' is a table.
Sessions last approximately 45-60 minutes and cost £45 plus 45 pence per mile travel fee. Contact me here to book.
Choose from the following:
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Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine (charms and spells, plant and animal, object, and knife based magic and medicine from 'Dark-Age' Engla-lond),
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Hildegard of Bingen (discusses contemporary attitudes towards rules and regulations around religious healing, as well as the healthful properties of all beasts, plants, and rocks)
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'A Surfeit of Blood' (diagnosing a Medieval humoral imbalance through urine, bloodletting 3 ways, a plaster, and payment),
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'Arrow in the Face!' (John Bradmore's 1403 treatment of the future Henry V),
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'Flax and Flowerpots' (women's hair and head-dress in the 15th century),
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Recreating Historic Heads (historic looks to try on your own head from Anglo-Saxon to Medieval).
Flax and Flowerpots / Recreating Historic Heads
Queen Jean, 2022, Catfield WI
The lovely ladies of Cley Women's Institute, modeling from left to right: a nun (cap, band, 2 veils, and a wimple); a prostitute (reyed or striped hood); and a truncated henin (based on Han's Memlings Portrait of an Old Woman). June 2025
Anglo-Saxon Magic and Medicine
The Pagan Anglo-Saxon cunning woman makes a 'sealfe'.
10th century recipe, written in Old English, for an eye-salve from Bald's Leechbook - an ancient medicine proven to be very effective against a modern superbug!
A Surfeit of Blood / Arrow in the Face
Where do you think this goes?
What do I do with a urine sample?
Illustration from a medical book of John of Arderne, showing a woman physician 'cupping' a female patient.
After my talk, there's always time for folks to come and have a closer look and ask questions over a cup of tea!