Gone Medieval Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Gone Medieval
Host: Dr. Eleanor Yanaga
Guest: Dr. Eleanor Jackson, Curator of the Medieval Women Exhibition at the British Library
Release Date: November 19, 2024
1. Introduction to the Medieval Women Exhibition
Dr. Eleanor Yanaga welcomes listeners to a special episode focused on the newly unveiled Medieval Women Exhibition at the British Library. She expresses her excitement about the wealth of documents on display, particularly those highlighting the lives and contributions of medieval women.
2. Women's Literacy and Education
Dr. Jackson discusses the historical challenges in accessing women's voices due to limited literacy opportunities. She explains that while women from middle-class backgrounds were often taught to read, writing was less commonly encouraged, leading to fewer recorded contributions.
Notable Quote:
"There are different kinds of literacy. So women from middle classes up would be taught often to read, but not to write."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [04:17]
3. Women in Book Production
The conversation highlights the significant role of women in the production and illumination of medieval manuscripts. Dr. Jackson shares the story of Jeanne Montbaston, a female book illuminator who took over her husband's manuscript workshop after his death, emphasizing the often-overlooked contributions of women in literary craftsmanship.
Notable Quote:
"She was running the business and she was also illuminating the books. And what's interesting is we would not know that she even existed had her husband not died."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [06:57]
4. Coverture and Historical Bias
Dr. Yanaga introduces the concept of coverture, where a woman's identity becomes subsumed under her husband's, contributing to the invisibility of women's achievements in historical records.
Notable Quote:
"When you become somebody's wife, you essentially disappear and are amalgamated into their name."
— Dr. Eleanor Yanaga [07:59]
5. Joan of Arc and Her Legacy
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Joan of Arc, including the exhibition's loan of her original letter requesting military supplies. Dr. Yanaga reveals Joan's unique position as an illiterate peasant woman who learned to sign her own letters, illustrating her agency and political influence.
Notable Quote:
"Joan was illiterate. She was a peasant woman, so she couldn't write, but she did learn to write her own signature."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [09:57]
6. Sanitizing Historical Figures
Dr. Jackson explains how, posthumously, figures like Joan of Arc were often sanitized to fit prevailing narratives, altering their original images to align with societal expectations and bolster political agendas.
Notable Quote:
"They're trying to make her into this more sanitized image,... showing her as this kind of almost stereotypical princess in a pink dress."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [12:47]
7. Women in Military Roles
The exhibition showcases women who actively participated in warfare, not just in supportive roles. Examples include Margaret from the Paxton family and Black Agnes, who successfully defended Dunbar Castle in Scotland.
Notable Quote:
"Women aren't just shrinking violets."
— Dr. Eleanor Yanaga [13:56]
8. Inheritance and Women's Agency
Dr. Jackson highlights that nearly half of women in medieval Europe inherited property, challenging the notion that women held no economic power. This inheritance underscores their agency and the societal value placed on daughters.
Notable Quote:
"About 44% of women are inheriting some form of property at this point in time."
— Dr. Eleanor Yanaga [15:39]
9. Notable Women: Marjorie Kemp and Christine de Pizan
The exhibition features Marjorie Kemp’s Book of Marjorie Kemp, a unique autobiography of a medieval anchoress, and Christine de Pizan’s manuscripts, which portray women engaging in intellectual and creative pursuits.
Notable Quotes:
"Christine de Pizan manuscripts are just absolute jewels in this."
— Dr. Eleanor Yanaga [23:39]
"Christine was overseeing their production. She was guiding, saying, this is how I want it to be."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [24:31]
10. Heretical Women: Mirror of Simple Souls
Dr. Jackson discusses Mirror of Simple Souls by Marguerite Poret, a heretical text that survived despite attempts to suppress it. This work exemplifies the precarious balance medieval women mystics navigated between spiritual expression and ecclesiastical condemnation.
Notable Quote:
"Medieval visionaries were walking a really fine line between sainthood and condemnation."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [28:56]
11. Marginalized Women in Historical Records
The exhibition includes documents like the case of Elena Reichner, a female-presenting individual facing legal challenges, and Maria Moriana, a likely woman of color petitioning for her freedom. These records shed light on the diverse and complex lives of marginalized women in medieval society.
Notable Quotes:
"Elena Reichner is a really fascinating document... living as a woman wearing women's clothes."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [32:53]
"Maria Moriana is a document about a woman who is very probably a woman of color."
— Dr. Eleanor Yanaga [34:25]
12. Women's Health Care in the Middle Ages
The exhibition explores women's health care through items like birthing girdles, which served as protective amulets during childbirth. These artifacts demonstrate the blend of medical practice and spiritual belief in medieval women's lives.
Notable Quote:
"The idea with a birthing girdle was that if a woman was to see it or have it laid on her when she was in labor, then it would protect her and the unborn child."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [37:24]
13. The Beauty and Artistry of Medieval Documents
Dr. Jackson emphasizes the aesthetic richness of medieval manuscripts, highlighting their vibrancy and intricate designs. She notes that many documents remain visually stunning due to their preservation, offering a colorful glimpse into the past.
Notable Quote:
"The medieval palette... you really get a sense of the richness of the medieval palette."
— Dr. Eleanor Yanaga [40:32]
Conclusion
Dr. Yanaga and Dr. Jackson conclude by encouraging listeners to visit the Medieval Women Exhibition to experience firsthand the profound contributions and vibrant lives of medieval women. The episode underscores the importance of uncovering and celebrating the diverse roles women played in shaping history.
Notable Quote:
"Women were always advocating for themselves and participating in the world around them, even if it isn't always easy to find them."
— Dr. Eleanor Jackson [05:38]
Additional Resources: Listeners interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed can explore past episodes covering Joan of Arc, Marjorie Kemp, and broader themes surrounding medieval women.
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This summary captures the essence of the "Gone Medieval" podcast episode, focusing on the rich discussions about medieval women's roles, their documented contributions, and the ongoing efforts to bring their stories to light.