Postgraduate Medieval Studies at Nottingham
Bring history to life. From medieval caves, to prisons, to England's oldest Inn, Nottingham has plenty to explore.
Nottingham is the perfect place to complete our Viking and Early Medieval English Studies MA.
Find out more on our dedicated webpage.
The Vikings are on right on your doorstep in Nottingham! There are medieval churches, and street names – for example ‘Hound’s Gate’, which is derived from Old Norse – all around the city. At Nottingham you will learn about place-names, because we are the home to The Institute for Name-Studies. And Nottingham is surrounded by towns ending in ‘by’, which is Old Norse for ‘farmstead, village’!
Cassidy
Viking and Early Medieval English Studies graduate and PhD English student
Our expertise
In the School of English, we offer expertise in:
- Place-names
- Runes
- xxx
- xxx
- xxx
My main research area is health and disease.There's an often erroneous idea that people in the Middle Ages didn't get medical attention or, if they got medical attention, it was useless. And that’s not true.
Christina Lee
Associate Professor in Viking Studies
In terms of the city, we are in the heart of the Danelaw, so Nottingham is one of what's called the 'Five Boroughs'. These were five towns that were ruled by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Judith Jesch
Professor of Viking Studies
Vikings and Anglo-Saxons for Schools
A medieval city
We’ve got multiple points of interest right on our doorstep...
Nottingham Castle
Built in the 11th century, the castle played a significant role in the English Civil War. Today, the castle museum showcases the city and its community, including our famed Nottingham lace, an extensive art gallery, and early Nottingham crafts.
Your ticket also includes entrance to the caves, and the Brewhouse Yard Museum at the foot of the castle.
Students walking through the castle grounds
National Justice Museum
This historic building served as a courthouse and prison during the medieval period. You can explore the Victorian Courtroom, Georgian gaol, and ancient cells, getting an insight into the legal system and punishments of the time.
If you're feeling adventurous, they also host murder mystery events and ghost tours!
City of Caves
Below Nottingham there is an extensive network of natural caverns, and man-made caves carved from sandstone, dating back to at least the medieval period.
They have served various purposes over the centuries - including dwellings, storage spaces, pub cellars, tanneries, air-raid shelters, and even as medieval dungeons and hideouts!
Sherwood Forest
This ancient woodland was a royal hunting ground in medieval times and is the
legendary home of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men.
Nowadays, you can explore the forest on your own, or take part in one of the many seasonal events - from joining a hygge nordic walk, stargazing, or trying your hand at willow weaving.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Located beneath Nottingham Castle, the pub claims to have been established in 1189, making it one of England's oldest inns. It is said that Crusaders who passed through the region would stop at the inn before their journey to the Holy Land. The basement of the pub includes a series of caves, connecting it to Nottingham Castle, which were once used as part of the jail.
If it's your thing, the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk starts here Saturday evenings at 7pm.
St Mary’s Church
The medieval St Mary's Church, located in the Lace Market area, is one of
Nottingham's oldest surviving buildings. It dates back to the 14th century and
showcases architectural features of that era. It is also home to the oldest door in Nottingham!
Students are welcome to join the weekly services, volunteer, ot take part in their occasional courses and talks.
Newstead Abbey
Newstead Abbey was originally a monastic house founded in the 12th century. After the dissolution of the monasteries, it was transformed into a grand country house. It is famously associated with the poet Lord Byron, who lived here for a time in the early 19th century.
