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Paul Cavill

Lecturer in Early English (Old English), Faculty of Arts

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Expertise Summary

BA, MPhil (Hull), PhD (Nottingham) Areas of expertise - Old English language and literature, history of the English language, English place-names

I am currently

Undergraduate Modules I teach:

  • I co-teach on the core first- and second-year modules Beginnings of English and Medieval Englishes: Variation and Continuity and contribute some of the lectures
  • I am convenor of English Through Time, a second-year module on the historical development of English
  • I am convenor of Literature of the Anglo-Saxons, a third-year optional module

Postgraduate Modules I teach

  • I am convenor of the MA in Old English
  • I am convenor of the modules Old English Texts 1 and 2, and Old English in History 1 and 2, available to MA students in Norse and Viking Studies, Viking and Anglo-Saxon Studies, Medieval English--and to students on some other MAs
  • I contribute to the core module Basic Techniques in English Medieval Studies

Current Research Students

I am at present supervisor for the following research students:

  • Melissa Venables, working on story-telling in Beowulf
  • Natasha Hedderman, working on translations of Beowulf
  • Graham Collis, working on Germanic place-names in the Pas-de-Calais

Areas of Research Supervision

I am happy to discuss doctoral projects in most areas of Old English studies with prospective research students: feel free to contact me by email in the first instance.

Research Summary

My research focus is on Old English poetry, especially the wisdom and heroic poems.

Specifically, my major projects currently include:

  • I am working on the battle of Brunanburh of 937, for a book to be published by Nottingham University press, and a chapter to be published in a conference volume; my recent work on this topic has also been published in Livingston, M. ed. The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook. Exeter: Exeter University Press, 2011
  • I am Editor of the Journal of the English Place-Name Society (see http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/~aezins//index.php)
  • the early history of the English Bible

I also write on a wide range of topics, most recently manuscripts, Christian forms and expression in Old English, on the Bible and its history in English, place-names, the history of the English language, aspects of hagiography, interactions of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and the Venerable Bede.

Selected Publications

  • CAVILL, P., 2011. The place-name debate. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 327–49
  • CAVILL, P., 2012. Historical perspectives on the development of English. In: JOHN MCKENNY AND TOMETRO HOPKINS, ed., World Englishes 1. Continuum.
  • CAVILL, P. and HARDING, S., 2012. In Search of the Battle of Brunanburh University of Nottingham Press.
  • CAVILL, P., 2012. The Battle of Brunanburh, 937: battlefield despatches. In: STEPHEN HARDING, DAVID GRIFFITHS AND ELIZABETH ROYLES, ed., In Search of Vikings University of Nottingham Press.

Past Research

My research has focused on a range of texts and embraces diverse disciplines:

  • I have many years' experience in place-name scholarship, and have edited the English Place-Name County Survey volumes over the past two decades
  • I have published several articles on the early traditions relating to Saint Edmund of East Anglia
  • I am interested in and have written books on the history of early English Christianity (Anglo-Saxon Christianity, The Christian Tradition in Anglo-Saxon England), and the influence of Christianity on literature (The Christian Tradition in English Literature).
  • I have also published extensively on Maxims, Cædmon's Hymn, The Battle of Maldon and other works

I have extensive research experience in the general linguistic, cultural, historical and literary background of Anglo-Saxon England, and enjoy interdisciplinary approaches to the study of both texts and language.

Future Research

I am working on a new edition of the Old English Maxims poems and their background.

A enduring interest is the interaction of Christian ideas with English culture and literature, especially in the pre-Conquest period, but also more widely.

  • CAVILL, P., 2012. The Battle of Brunanburh, 937: battlefield despatches. In: STEPHEN HARDING, DAVID GRIFFITHS AND ELIZABETH ROYLES, ed., In Search of Vikings University of Nottingham Press.
  • CAVILL, P. and HARDING, S., 2012. In Search of the Battle of Brunanburh University of Nottingham Press.
  • CAVILL, P., 2012. Maxims in the making of a homily: Archbishop Wulfstan's notes. In: COLETTE STEVANOVICH, ed., Formulas in Medieval Culture Brepols.
  • CAVILL, P., 2012. Historical perspectives on the development of English. In: JOHN MCKENNY AND TOMETRO HOPKINS, ed., World Englishes 1. Continuum.
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Annales de Waverleia. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 88, 215–16
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Appendix: A note on the Dee-rowing of Edgar.. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 364
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Henry of Huntingdon, Historia Anglorum. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 60–64, 195–200
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Exploring spirituality in schools outreach. In: eds.. In: BAKER, G and FISHER A., eds., Arts and Humanities Academics in Schools: Mapping the Pedagogical Interface Continuum. 151–64
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Annales Cambriae. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 48, 182–83
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Scottish Chronicle. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 132, 230
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Bartholomew of Cotton, Historia Anglicana. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 82, 213
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Annals of Ulster. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 144, 236
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Rex pius Athelstan. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook 1st ed.. Exeter University Press. 38, 172–73
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. John of Worcester, Chronicon. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 56, 190–91
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. John of Oxnead, Chronicon. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 84, 214
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Symeon of Durham, Historia Regum. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 64–66, 202
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Eadmer of Canterbury, Vita Odonis. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 50–52, 186–88
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Eulogium Historiarum. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 132–34, 230–31
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Chronicon Ramesiensis. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 66, 203
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Symeon of Durham, Libellus de Exordio. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 54, 188–89
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Carta dirige gressus. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook 1st ed. Exeter University Press. 36, 170-72
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. The place-name debate. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 327–49
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. William of Malmesbury, Gesta Regum Anglorum. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 56–60, 191–95
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Aethelweard, Chronicon. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 48, 183
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Introduction. In: Popular Phrases from the Bible Bible Society. 3–8
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Wulfstan of Winchester, Vita S. Ethelwoldi. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 50, 184
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Some sidelights on Byzantine influence in Anglo-Saxon England The Iconographer’s Review. 7–15
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Pseudo-Ingulf, Ingulfi Croylandensis Historia. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 134–38, 233–34
  • CAVILL, P., 2011. Eadmer of Canterbury, Vita Oswaldi. In: LIVINGSTON, M., ed., The Battle of Brunanburh: A Casebook Exeter University Press. 54, 189–90
  • CAVILL, P., 2010. Heroic saint and saintly hero: the Passio Sancti Eadmundi and The Battle of Maldon. In: WAUGH, R and WELDON, J., eds., The Hero Recovered: Essays on Medieval Heroism in Honor of George Clark Medieval Institute Publications. 110–24
  • CAVILL, P., 2010. Review of Magennis, H., Swan, M. eds. A Companion to Ælfric, Brill’s Companions to the Christian Tradition 18 English Studies. 91, 790–791
  • CAMERON, J and CAVILL, P., 2009. Lowdham, Thurgarton Wapentake, Nottinghamshire Journal of the English Place-Name Society. 41, 49-56
  • CAVILL, P., 2009. Review of Roberts, B.K., Landscapes, Documents and Maps: villages in northern England and beyond, AD 900–1250 Journal of the English Place-Name Society. 41, 149–150
  • CAVILL, P., 2008. Eorodcistum in The Battle of Brunanburh Leeds Studies in English. 39, 1-15
  • CAVILL, P., 2008. ‘The site of the battle of Brunanburh: manuscripts and maps, grammar and geography’. In: PADEL, O.J. and PARSONS D.N., eds., A Commodity of Good Names: Essays in Honour of Margaret Gelling Donington: Shaun Tyas. 303–319
  • CAVILL, P., 2008. Review of Wright, C.D. et al., eds. Source of Wisdom: Old English and Early Medieval Latin Studies in Honour of Thomas D. Hill TOEBI Newsletter. 27, v–vi
  • CAVILL, P., 2008. Review of Higham, N.J., ed. Britons in Anglo-Saxon England Journal of the English Place-Name Society. 40, 144–149
  • CAVILL, P., WARD, H. and OTHERS., 2007. The Christian Tradition in English Literature: Poetry, Plays and Shorter Prose Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
  • CAVILL, P., 2007. ‘Place-names and historical geography: some issues arising from Scandinavian settlement in England’. In: , ed., South Development and Sino-Foreign Communication: International Symposium of Chinese Historical Geography 2006 557–568
  • CAVILL, P. and WATTS, V., eds., 2007. The Place-Names of County Durham, Part 1: Stockton Ward Nottingham: English Place-Name Society.
  • CAVILL, P. and BRODERICK, G., eds., 2007. Language Contact in the Place-Names of Britain and Ireland Nottingham: English Place-Name Society.
  • CAVILL, P., 2007. ‘Coming back to Dingesmere’. In: CAVILL, P and BRODERICK, G., eds., Language Contact in the Place-Names of Britain and Ireland Nottingham: English Place-Name Society. 27-41
  • 2007. Pilgrims & Pilgrimage: Journey, Spirituality & Daily Life through the Centuries CD-ROM, ISBN 9780955067310 University of York and St John’s College Nottingham. Dyas, D.. University of York and St John’s College Nottingham. 01/01/1900 00:00:00
  • CAVILL, P., 2007. Review of Karkov, C.E., Keefer S.L., Jolly, K.L., eds. The Place of the Cross in Anglo-Saxon England TOEBI Newsletter. 25, 14–15
  • CAMERON, J. and CAVILL, P., 2007. ‘Carlton on Trent’ Journal of the English Place-Name Society. 39, 145-9
  • CAVILL, P., 2006. Review of Orchard, A., A Critical Companion to Beowulf TOEBI Newsletter. 22, 9–10
  • CAVILL, P., 2006. Review of Muir, B.J. ed., The Exeter DVD: The Exeter Anthology of Old English Poetry The Medieval Review [online].
  • CAVILL, P., 2005. The Armour-Bearer in Abbo's Passio sancti Eadmundi and Anglo-Saxon England Leeds Studies in English. VOL 36, 47-62
  • CAVILL, P., 2005. Fun and Games: Viking Atrocity in the Passio sancti Eadmundi Notes and Queries. VOL 52(NUMBER 3), 284-286
  • AYTO, J., CAVILL, P. and CROFTON, I., 2005. Brewer's Britain & Ireland London : Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
  • CAVILL, P., HARDING, S.E. and JESCH, J., 2004. Revisiting Dingesmere Journal of the English Place-Name Society. 36, 25-38
  • CAVILL, P., 2004. Christianity and Theology in Beowulf. In: CAVILL, P., ed., The Christian tradition in Anglo-Saxon England : approaches to current scholarship and teaching Woodbridge : Boydell & Brewer. 15-39
  • CAVILL, P., 2004. Review of Baker, P.S., Introduction to Old English TOEBI Newsletter. 18, 9–10
  • CAVILL, P., ed., 2004. The Christian Tradition in Anglo-Saxon England: Approaches to Current Scholarship and Teaching Woodbridge : Boydell & Brewer.
  • CAVILL, P., 2004. Introduction. In: CAVILL, P., ed., The Christian Tradition in Anglo-Saxon England Woodbridge : Boydell & Brewer. xiii-xviii
  • CAVILL, P., 2004. Index. In: CAVILL, P., ed., The Christian Tradition in Anglo-Saxon England Woodbridge : Boydell & Brewer. 205-7
  • CAVILL, P., 2004. Review of Aitken, A.J., ed. by Macafee, C., The Older Scots Vowels: A History of the Stressed Vowels of Older Scots from the Beginnings to the Eighteenth Century Nottingham Medieval Studies. 48, 260–261
  • CAVILL, P., 2003. Genre and analogy in the legend of St Edmund Nottingham Medieval Studies. 25-47
  • CAVILL, P., 2002. Bede and Caedmon's Hymn. In: HOUGH, C. and LOWE, K.A., eds., 'Lastworda Betst': Essays in Memory of Christine Fell with her Unpublished Writings Stamford : Shaun Tyas. 1-17
  • CAVILL, P., 2002. The Battle of Brunanburh Literary Encylopaedia, http://www.litencyc.com.
  • CAVILL, P., 2001. The Manuscripts of Caedmon's `Hymn' Anglia. VOL 118(PART 4), 499-530
  • CAVILL, P., 2001. Vikings : fear and faith in Anglo-Saxon England Grand Rapids, MI : Zondervan.
  • CAVILL, P., 2001. A Treasury of Anglo-Saxon England : faith and wisdom in the lives of men and women, saints and kings / Paul Cavill London : HarperCollins.
  • CAVILL, P and HARDING, S.E. AND JESCH, J., 2000. Wirral and its Viking Heritage Nottingham: English Place-Name Society.
  • CAVILL, P., 2000. A dangerous, wearisome and uncertain journey. In: CHADWICK, H., ed., Not Angels but Anglicans Norwich, UK, SCM-Canterbury Press Ltd. 9-24
  • CAVILL, P., 2000. From Rome to Augustine: Britain before 597. In: CHADWICK, H., ed., Not Angels but Anglicans Norwich, UK, SCM-Canterbury Press Ltd.
  • CAVILL, P., 2000. Wisdom and proverbs Oxford University. Available at: <http://users.ox.ac.uk/~stuart/dits/dragons.html>
  • CAVILL, P., 1999. Maxims in Old English Poetry Brewer, D.S., Woodbridge, UK.
  • CAVILL, P., 1999. Anglo-Saxon Christianity : exploring the earliest roots of Christian spirituality in England London : Fount, 1999.
  • CAVILL, P., 1999. Some dynamics of story-telling: animals in the early Lives of St Cuthbert Nottingham Medieval Studies. 43, 1-20
  • CAVILL, P., 1999. Review of Munro, R., Place Names of the Falkland Islands and Hodsdon, J., An Historical Gazetteer of Cheltenham Journal of the English Place-Name Society. 31, 130–131
  • CAVILL, P., 1999. Children and the Rock: The Ending of the Old English Metrical Psalm 136 English Studies. VOL 80(NUMBER 2), 89-105
  • CAVILL, P., 1998. Review of Keats-Rohan, K.S.B. and Thornton, D.E., eds. Domesday Names: An Index of Latin Personal and Place Names in Domesday Book Medium Ævum. 67, 368
  • CAVILL, P., 1998. Maxims in The Battle of Maldon Neophilologus. VOL 82(NUMBER 4), 631-644
  • CAVILL, P., 1998. Review of Rumble, A.R. and Mills, A.D. eds., Names, Places and People: An Onomastic Miscellany in Memory of John McNeal Dodgson Nottingham Medieval Studies. 42, 242–245
  • CAVILL, P., 1997. Review of Roberts, J. and Kay, C. with Grundy, L., A Thesaurus of Old English, and Clark. C., Words, Names and History Nottingham Medieval Studies. 41, 186–191
  • CAVILL, P., 1997. Review of Page, R.I., Runes and Runic Inscriptions: Collected Essays on Anglo-Saxon and Viking Runes Early Medieval Europe. 6, 110–111
  • CAVILL, P., 1996. Review of McKinnell, J., Both One and Many: Essays on Change and Variety in Late Norse Heathenism Early Medieval Europe. 5, 242–244
  • CAVILL, P., 1995. Biblical realignment of a maxim in the Old English Phoenix. In: The Bible and Early English Literature from the Beginnings to 1500 Manchester, Manchester University Press. 193-8
  • CAVILL, P., 1995. Interpretation of The Battle of Maldon, lines 84-90: a review and reassessment Studia Neophilologica. 67, 149-64
  • CAVILL, P., 1993. Beowulf and Andreas: two maxims Neophilologus. 77, 479-87
  • CAVILL, P., 1992. Engel dryhtnes in The Dream of the Rood 9b again. Neuphilologische Mitteilungen. 93, 287-92
  • CAVILL, P., 1986. Notes on maxims in Old English Notes and Queries. 231, 145-8
  • CAVILL, P., 1985. Sectional divisions in Old English poetic manuscripts Neophilologus. 69, 156-9
  • CAVILL, P., 1985. Two sententious generalisations in the Metrical Psalms of the Paris Psalter Neuphilologische Mitteilungen. 86, 453-57
  • CAVILL, P., 1983. A note on Beowulf, lines 2490-2509 Neophilologus. 67, 599-604

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