Tag Archives: medieval

The Mappa Mundi, the World’s Largest Medieval Map

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Housed in the Hereford Cathedreal, the Mappa Mundi is believed to the be the world’s largest medieval map. England specialized in world maps of the Middle Ages. They were drawn upon cloth or walls or animal skins.  Only those who … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Age of Chaucer, British history, buildings and structures, Church of England, medieval, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Quem Quaeritis Trope, the Roots of Liturgical Drama

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

 The first Easter or Quem Quaeritis trope had its beginnings in the Benedictine Abbey of St. Gall, Switzerland. (The script of this first trope and an accompanying translation can be found below.) The Easter trope became the model for similar … Continue reading →

Posted in acting, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, drama, medieval | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The Quem Quaeritis Trope, the Roots of Liturgical Drama

Pre-Elizabethan Drama: Folk Plays

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Folk drama is a remote form of oral literature. The early forms included dancers wearing masks portraying animal and human characters. Eventually, speeches and songs were added. The action and the dramatic imitation became the prominent part of these early … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, drama, Great Britain, medieval, religion, theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Meet Author Barbara Gaskell Denvil, Parachuting into Escapism with the Release of “Fair Weather”

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Today I welcome one of dear “internet” friends, Barbara Gaskell Denvil, who has an exciting new release. Barbara agree to a short interview so we could all learn more of her and LEARN you will. She is absolutely fascinating.  First, … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Normans, book release, books, British history, castles, Guest Blog, Guest Post, historical fiction, history, interview, legacy, legends, mystery, reading habits, suspense, witchcraft acts | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

An Introduction into Anglo-Norman Early Drama

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Drama arose in the Tenth Century in certain monasteries when modifications to the mass occurred. Scenes of the Master’s life began to be represented in the churches, especially during the holier holidays. Many could not read and so the use … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Normans, Church of England, drama, Great Britain, medieval, playwrights, religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on An Introduction into Anglo-Norman Early Drama

John Gower, Medieval English Poet and Contemporary of William Langland and Geoffrey Chaucer

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

John Gower was a medieval English poet whose work spoke of moral allegory and courtly love. He was known to be a friend of Geoffrey Chaucer and their styles were compatible. Gower was said to influence many other poets of … Continue reading →

Posted in Age of Chaucer, Anglo-Normans, British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

History Behind the BBC Series “The Last Kingdom”

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

I am watching “The Last Kingdom” on BBC America (Saturday’s at 10 P.M.). It is a tale of Saxon history, with England struggling to become a “nation” in itself, without the rule by the Danes. Although I possess a “working knowledge” … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, British history, Great Britain, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Anglo-Norman Literature: Part III ~ Romantic Verse Beyond “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The French epic arrived in England early on. Some historians believe that Chanson de Roland was sung at the Battle of Hastings. We have evidence of “chansons de geste” from the period, which serves even today. The chanson de geste, Old French … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Normans, British history, literature, romantic verse | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments