Medieval Period

Resource 1: Tower of London, London

This Medieval Palace community is surrounded by walls and a moat.  Dating back to William the Conqueror in 1070 or so, The White Tower was the first portion to be built, completed in 1100. Henry III added two new tours in the early 1200s, and by 1238, he built massive walls on the north, east and western sides, along with nine new tours and a moat. King Edward I (1272-1307) transformed the Palace by adding a second wall to fortify the Palace.  In 1533, Henry VIII commissioned the addition of lodgings. In 1774, a new gate and drawbridge were created at the east of the outer southern wall.
William the Conqueror (1066-87) that the history of the Tower of London begins. - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/sightsandstories/buildinghistory/normanbeginnings#sthash.79zy8H15.dpuf
William the Conqueror (1066-87) that the history of the Tower of London begins. - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/sightsandstories/buildinghistory/normanbeginnings#sthash.79zy8H15.dpuf
William the Conqueror (1066-87) that the history of the Tower of London begins. - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/sightsandstories/buildinghistory/normanbeginnings#sthash.79zy8H15.dpuf
William the Conqueror (1066-87) that the history of the Tower of London begins. - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/sightsandstories/buildinghistory/normanbeginnings#sthash.79zy8H15.dpuf
William the Conqueror (1066-87) that the history of the Tower of London begins. - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/sightsandstories/buildinghistory/normanbeginnings#sthash.79zy8H15.dpuf

Aside from visiting the Tower, the official website http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/ showcases additional histories of the Tower and the people associated with it.  There is also a webpage devoted to further reading about the tower, as well as a timeline of events at the Tower and archives of five different organizations that are part of the history of the palace, prison, and fortress.

This is an excellent resource for architecture, weaponry, dress, and furniture of the time.

Architecture of the Medieval Palace
  • Dark heavy stones and wood
  • Leaded glass windows
  • Heavy Doors
  • Use of iron
  • Gargoyles

Photo taken at Tower of London, The White Tower. 07-14-13.  Leaded glass windows. ~1070-1110.

Photo taken at Tower of London. 07-14-13.  Door. ~1070-1110.

Photo taken at Tower of London. 07-14-13.  Wakefield Tower. 1200s.
Photo taken at Tower of London. 07-14-13.  Outside Wall. 1200s.

Photo taken at Tower of London. 07-14-13.  White Tower. ~1070-1110.
Photo taken at Tower of London. 07-14-13.  Gargoyles. ~1070-1110.

Photo taken at Tower of London. 07-14-13. X Frame Chair in St. Thomas's Tower. 1275.

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Resource 2: Bath Abbey, Bath

This Medieval cathedral is the iconic example of Gothic architecture, and the last great medieval cathedral to be built in England.  Aside from being allowed to take pictures for documentation purposes, the cathedral has several plaques about the construction and history of it. Though several other churches have been on the ground currently occupied by Bath Abbey, the Abbey has stood is this place since 1499 when it was founded. It was completed in 1611.

Their website, http://www.bathabbey.org/history, also includes history of the church (and the churches that occupied the space prior to Bath Abbey), archives on family history, architecture, music, services, memorials, and more.

 How to detect Gothic style:
  •  Ceilings were vaulted and crossed by many large beams
  • Windows had pointed arches
  • Bare stone walls usually decorated with tapestries
  • Number of clover leaf patterns in trefoil and quatrefoil groupings 
  • Crockets/curling leaves adorning the cotton-ball puff points of the groups
  • Finials similar to a complex multiple cross at the point of Gothic arch

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Exterior. 1499.

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Exterior. 1499.

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Exterior. 1499.

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Interior Ceiling. 1499.

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Interior. 1499.

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Interior Stained Glass Window. 1499.

Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Pipe Organ (restored). 1499.



Photo taken at Bath Abbey, Bath. 07-17-13. Bath Abbey Pews. 1499.

  

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Resource 3: Saint Audoen's; Dublin, Ireland

This medieval church was built between 1181-1212 and is the only medieval church left standing in Dublin, Ireland.  One portion is now unroofed. When the struggle for protestant vs Catholic came about in the late 1700s, many people left the church and the large chapel wasn't needed anymore, so part of it was left to fall in disarray, with a new wall built to shorten the chapel.

  • Excavations here have uncovered remains of post-and-wattle houses, indicating a settled community in the area at that time
  • Church was closely associated with the Guilds during the middle ages
Rood-screens: Feature of Medieval Churches
  • Divided the body of the church from the sanctuary containing the high altar.
  • Wooden partition, solid to waist height and had a door. Upper part was latticed with windows or squints through which the service could be seen by the congrtation
  • During Lent the screen was draped with a huge veil
  • Candles were arranged at the top of the screen
  • A bell hung from the top of the screen as well, and was rung at moments of great solemnity
  • Screen was also decorated with paintings of the Passion or other religious themes.

Clothing
  • Pins were used to hold clothing together
Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Saint Audoen's Church. 1181-1212.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Portlester Chapel. Mid-15th Century.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Portlester Chapel. Mid-15th Century.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Ring pins and Stick Pins. 1000-1100.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Bone Comb. 900-1100.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Chapel. 1181-1212.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Chapel Window. 1181-1212.

Coat of Arms/Trade Guilds
Associations of craftsmen or merchants formed themselves into "trade guilds"
Each trade guild in the city had its own chapel in a chose church
Merchants: Christ Church
Carpenters & Masons: St. Thomas Abbey
Barber-Surgeons: St. John
Butchers: Cornmarket
Carpenters, Millers, Masons, and Tailors: St. Audoen's Lane
Cooks, Shoemakers, & Tanners: Met in the Street

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Coat of Arms/Trade Guilds. Middle Ages.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Coat of Arms/Trade Guilds. Middle Ages.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Coat of Arms/Trade Guilds. Middle Ages.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Coat of Arms/Trade Guilds. Middle Ages.

Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Coat of Arms/Trade Guilds. Middle Ages.
Candles
  • Important as a light source
  • Made by simple process of repeatedly dipping a series of wick on a piece of wood into melted wax until desired thickness was reached.
Photo taken at Saint Audoen's Church; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Wax Makers. 1538.

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Resource 4: Holy Trinity Church; Stratford-on-Avon

This medieval limestone church, built in the shape of a cross, is most famous as the church of Shakespeare.  It is where he was baptized as well as where he is buried.  The baptismal font, though taken out of the church at one point and used as a cattle trough, is now restored at the church.  The stained glass, high ceilings, elaborate carvings, rood screen and stonework are all part of the typical Gothic style.  The church is still a functioning parish. Historical information and current services are available at their official website http://www.stratford-upon-avon.org/


Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Cemetery. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13. Front Entrance. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Part of Front Entrance. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Light Outside Front Entrance. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Doors. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  The Nave. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Organ Pipes.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  The Clopton Chapel. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Shakespeare's Baptismal Font. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Wooden Carved Ceiling. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  The Nave. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Holy Trinity Church Exterior. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Holy Trinity Church Exterior. 1210.

Photo taken at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-on-Avon. 07-30-13.  Holy Trinity Church Exterior. 1210.

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Resource 5: The British Museum; London, England

Over two million artifacts from the collection are archived online at http://www.britishmuseum.org/.  Aside from the extensive collection within the museum, the Museum also offers a range of courses and events for teachers exploring the permanent collection and the special exhibitions.  There is also a plethora of activities and resources for students online, categorized by culture, by subject, and by age group.  This particular museum is so vast and varied that spending a day there wouldn't be enough. The collection ranges from Egyptian to Roman to Greek artifacts and more, with great information about culture, lifestyle, religious life, and more.

This is a wonderful resource for props, set design, actors (as far as viewpoint/background information on the life of characters, and even costuming.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Helmet and Mail Collar. 1375-1400s.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Royal Gold Cup. AD 284-305.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Silver-Gilt Chalice. 1322.

Photo taken at The British Museum, London. 08-02-13. Copper-Gilt Chalice. 1414.




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Resource 6: National Gallery, London

This free art museum showcases paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Photos are not allowed, but the official website http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/ lists all paintings along with dates and artist information. There are lectures, courses and workshops offered as well as a selection of films and podcasts.


General Trends of the 1300s
  • Simple lines, no ornamentation
  • Wooden doors
  • Dual colors
Sketched at the National Gallery, room 51. 07-11-13. 1315.


Fashion Trends of the 1300s: BIBLICAL TIMES
  • Women had headcoverings
  • Robes with rope ties
  • high collars
  • Simple trim
  • Sandles
  • Draped fabric
  • Body is mostly covered-comment on modesty?



Sketched at the National Gallery, room 51. 07-11-13. Virgin & Child. 1315.






General Trends of the late 1400s/early 1500s
  • Appears nudity is widely accepted
  • Women bathed together
  • Focus on hunting and battle-weapons included spears, swords, bow/arrows, standards/flags

Fashion of the late 1400s/early 1500s
  • Men had tunics
  • Chain mail worn with armor
  • Luxurious materials for women
  • Hair uncovered
  • Low necklines
  • Fitted bodices


Sketched at the National Gallery, room 60. 07-11-13. The Story of Griselda. 1494.




Sketched at the National Gallery, room 60. 07-11-13. The Story of Griselda. 1494.


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Resource 7: Rock of Cashel; County Tipperary, Ireland

This medieval church, partially in ruins, is in the process of being restored. Queen Elizabeth even visited it several years ago. It's also known as St. Patrick's Rock or Cashel of the Kings. The official website for the town of Cashel is http://www.cashel.ie/, though there isn't much additional history on the site.  


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Outside of the Porch. 13th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Outside of the Porch. 13th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Cormac's Chapel. 12th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Detail in Cormac's Chapel. 12th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Detail in Cormac's Chapel. 12th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Outside of the Porch. 13th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Outside of the North Transept. 13th Century.


Photo taken at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Outside of the Round Tower, the Choir, and the North Transept. 12th- 13th Century.


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Resource 8: Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland

This medieval castle that is standing now is the third to have been erected on the site. The first building in the tenth century was a wooden structure. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone structure which had the entrance some twenty feet above the ground on the north face. This building was demolished for foundations. In 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster, of which the keep still remains standing.  The official page for the Blarney Castle is http://www.blarneycastle.ie/pages/history. Much of the building is still standing, but has definitely weathered with age.  The roof has collapsed, save for the stone section around the perimeter, and any wooden floors have long given out as well, leaving large, drafty, open rooms in their stead.

Photo taken at the Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Outside of the Dungeon. 1480.


Photo taken at the Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Main Castle Keep and Tower. 1480.


Photo taken at the Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Inside the Castle. 1480.


Photo taken at the Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland. 07-26-13.  View from a Window. 1480.


Photo taken at the Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Window. 1480.


Photo taken at the Blarney Castle; County Cork, Ireland. 07-26-13.  Inside of the Castle. 1480.


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Resource 9: Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland

This remains the largest Cathedral in the country.  It's a fine example of Gothic architecture.  Saint Patrick's also has large bells in the belltower, which is now off-limits to visitors.  More information can be found at http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/index.aspx.
Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Exterior. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Exterior. 1191.


Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Fan Vault Ceiling. 1191.


Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Interior Gothic Arches. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Rood Screen. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Detailed Carvings. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Original Door. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Carved Stone Pulpit. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Interior. 1191.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Mosaic Floor. 12th Century.

Photo taken at Saint Patrick's Cathedral; Dublin, Ireland. 07-27-13. Crest. 12th Century.

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Resource 10: Book Period Style for the Theatre, by Douglas A. Russell

This book is the most useful, well-laid out book that covers a span of time from the ancient world all the way up to the modern world. Sections within each time period include costuming and accessories, acting and movement, directing information, information on the theatre itself, world/history events that were going on at the time, art and sculpture, how to design for that time, and specific plays of the time.
General Medieval Info:
  • Architecture- Gothic was skeletal, precise, planned and ornate; flying buttresses supported the skeletal structure
  • Focus on religion: "actors" were priests and performed morality plays to spread the message
  • Non-religious shows had slaves as actors. Comedia: Low class comedy to entertain the masses
  • Fear of the mystical
  • Heavy, colorful (stained glass), broken mosaic artwork
  • Marriage of religion and art= gold leafing
  • Religious crusades and wars
  • Terminology for churches comes from this period (aisle, sacristy, nave, etc)
 **This is the age of fairy-tale kings, queens, princesses, and knights!**

Medieval Costuming & Accessories:
  • Covered the entire body leaving only the face and hands uncovered
  • Christian idea that the body was sinful and should not be exposed
  • Tunics and cloaks
  • Semifitted garments gave a flat and less changing silhouette (as opposed to draped garments which call attention to the movement of the body under the garment)
  • Embroidered garments and richly jeweled for Byzantine rulers
  • Bliaut: Laced and draped tunic/gown for women. Laced at the sides and back to give a smoooth fit to the hips without compleex darting and cutting. Sometimes women were sewn into them
  • Cote: Loose, floor-length tunic for both men and women
  • Surcote: Loose, wide-sleeved overtunic
  • Women's Headcoverings: Gorget (draped under the chin); Wimple (Kerchief draped over the head)
  • Hooded cloak is a new outer garment
  • Cloak for Court Wear: Scarlloped edges to short shoulder cape and long tail to the hood
  • Braies: Underpants, looks like a diaper
  • Mantle:Loosely fitting outer garment
  • Pourpointes: Ties that connect the bottom of the doublet to the hose or breeches
  • Kirtle: Undergown with round neck
  • Poulaine: Pointed shoes
  • Princess dresses: Long sleeves at the elbow, long draped trains
  • Particolored hose: Multiple colored hose, as in one red hose, one white
Medieval Movement
  • Simplistic, honest, natural, youthful, and uncomplicated with no attempt at self-consciousness
  • Great attention lavished on special characters like angels, deity, and devils
Later Medieval Movement
  • Men: When sitting, turn feet outward; crossed legs should be avoided; hands should not be placed on the knees but kept either above the waist or gracefully between the thighs
  • To display the sleeves, make broad sweeping arm gestures
  • Family members kissed one another with full feeling, whether man or women
  • Knights often kissed one another on meeting
  • Strangers usually approached by grasping both hands tightly above the elbows (to insure no one would be stabbed since no hands were free to reach for a dagger)
  • Gentleman removed his hat in the presence of his equal
  • Women, dealing with full skirts, adopted a swaying, pregnant movement; moved slowly and heavily
  • Women sit with a very straight back; left hand can hold the elbow of the right arm  or hold the locket on the neck chain

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