READING HISTORY

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  • Who Was the First White Knight?

    By Dr. Anne Mathers-Lawrence   In this season of remembrance for those who fought and died in wars and battles, it is worth commemorating Whiteknights’ very own White Knight – the first on record. He was John of Earley, who… Continue reading

  • The Windsor Witches

    by Professor Helen Parish Swarms of witches, devilish magic, and dramatic trials: Professor Helen Parish reveals the telling history of the witches of Windsor in our fantastic new video, giving you a taste of history at the University of Reading   Watch if… Continue reading

  • The post-Reformation history of Hallowmass

    By Professor Helen Parish Earlier this week, my colleague Anne Mathers-Lawrence posted a blog with the provocative title Who Invented Hallowe’en? It is a fantastic overview of the medieval origins of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and a… Continue reading

  • Who Invented Halloween?

    Professor Anne Lawrence-Mathers Was Halloween a medieval festival? The origins of Halloween have often been traced back to the middle ages, and the usual ‘early witness’ is Bede. His The Reckoning of Time, an extremely influential book on the calculation… Continue reading

    Who Invented Halloween?

  • Black History Month: October 2014

    by Dr Emily West The authority known as the ‘Greater London Council’ introduced Black History Month (BHM) to the UK in October 1987 with the intention of promoting greater racial tolerance and understanding in the city. The initiative was soon… Continue reading