What did people in medieval England really understand about mental health?

In this episode, I’m joined by Michèle Schindler, author of Mental Health in Late Mediaeval England, to explore a subject that is often misunderstood—and oversimplified. From the famous collapse of Henry VI to lesser-known noble case studies, we move chapter by chapter through her research to uncover how mental illness was recorded, interpreted, and treated in the late Middle Ages.

Were those suffering seen as “mad”… or simply unwell?
Did medieval society respond with cruelty—or with compassion?
And how did religion, law, and community shape the experience of mental illness?

We also dive into the difficult topic of suicide, challenging long-held assumptions about how strictly Church doctrine was applied in practice.

This conversation may change the way you think about the medieval mind—and the people who lived within it.

Michèle's books through Pen & Sword

Michèle's books through Amberley

Michèle's books on Amazon US

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Michèle Schindler