LINKS TO WEBSITES of PARTICULAR RELEVANCE
Please note I am not responsible for the content of any sites beyond my initial review or past knowledge of these links
www.jamesarlen.com A good friend and mentor in the armour field. James and I worked on a Joan of Arc film back in the 90s.
in our own backyard. Students get a real sense of what a mid to late Medieval Manor would look and feel like.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pictures from the Maciejowski Bible... Yeah it catches my tongue too. Its Polish I believe and its a fantastic visual resource or the mid 13th century armour, costumes, equipment, tents, horses, saddles, etc...bearing in mind the stylization of the day, a bit battle-graphic, but very interesting equipment details.
Great article on how tough arms and armour really were and just as important, how it was made.
An interesting look at populations in the Middle Ages
Ever wondered what real knightly spurs looked like? My long time friend is an excellant 'spurrier', or spur - maker.
Ever notice that western history doesnt include the west?...or the south? I jest, true, however we tend to view history as a story from a rather narrow perspective; or use history to justify what we want to know or simply satisfy what we want to feel. I was amazed at how history books from other parts of the world do exactly what our own history books do....see things from a certain path or point of view despite the fact that there is substantial evidence that many continents and regions did exchange ideas with others....'no one is an island' in other words. Im glad to see a website that includes the often overlooked Native "American" tradition. (for we are not the only 'America'--South, Central, North). Keep up the good work Michael.
I would be remiss in not mentioning my own mother, a professional actress...and the likely source of my passion to entertain.
Showing what a mid to late Crusader would have looked like about 1200 to 1250 AD. I love this website.
Lnks to historically authentic living history groups, mostly in Europe. These links are probably the best way to see the evolution of arms, armour, clothing, equipment and tool changes in styles (as well as similarities)
ARMOUR MAKERS --who have inspired me)
THE STUFF OF LIFE: from utensils, to coins, to furniture, to jewlery....and more...
ALSO SEE ABOVE: "KNIGHTLY RESOURCES, REFERENCES and LIVING HISTORY GROUPS"
Early Medieval wrought iron work....hooks, tools, to cooking utensils.
Ever wondered how Medieval people carried things.....without pockets?
EVERYDAY RESOURCES and REFERENCES: from utensils, to coins, to furniture, to jewlery
KNIGHTLY EQUIPMENT: from utensils, to coins, to furniture, to jewlery
PLACES TO VISIT (within a few hours from DC area)
http://www.thewalters.org/ Do NOT miss the Walters if you teach any aspect of Western, Middle Eastern, or Asian culture. The Walters has an armour collection, incredible collection of reliquaries, eclisiastical things, furniture, stained glass windows, historical sculptures,.....HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I suggest taking the students. I was once an intern at the Walter's, so I have a soft spot for the museum. Its like a little Metropolitian Museum of Art (NYC) right in Baltimore.
KNIGHTLY RESOURCES, REFERENCES and LIVING HISTORY GROUPS
For several years in the mid 1990s I had the chance to hang around and learn a great deal from these good folks who specialize in this award-winning late 14th century living history. I believe they have recently worked on a book too. I also have a soft spot for La Bell as the authenticity of their 'stuff' (from armor to clothing to furniture) awoke a passion in me for trying to recreate history (and its objects) as closely as possible. Its not easy trying to make everything perfectly accurate, yet --as an operating tenet-- its a worthy goal as one learns so much from experiencing the material life of history. I cant say enough good things about these folks. Definately find out when they are putting on their next encampment. Their presentation and interpretation is very high academia. Most ideal for adults and educators seeking to learn more about the late Middle Ages.
http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/visit/index.shtml We are so lucky to have a Medieval Cathedral right in our own backyard. Students will benefit from seeing the architecture as well as the grounds and monuments. Note that there are actually several authentic Medieval fountains and stone pieces in the gardens (one of which dates to the very early Middle Ages, 7th to 9th century I believe! I have a soft spot for the Cathedral....I proposed to my fiance, now wife, there while having a quaint little fall afternoon picnic on the massive front lawn. We spend the rest of the day strolling in the gardens. Okay, so your students wont care for the mushy-mushy, take them to see the crypt and catacombs...or see if they can spot the Darth Vader sculpture on the Western Tower: http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/discover/darth.shtml.
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While exploring the Virginia shore, we discovered this bed and breakfast gem. Lived in by none other than Alexander Graham Bell, yet built even earlier by General Burnsides' son, this 1870s house is well preserved and "stately" in a modest Victorianesque manner. Rates seem quite reasonable given the surrounding quaintness of Colonial Beach's quiet streets and waterfront; truly relaxing. The interior will send you back just after the Civil War...and I even saw several gorgeous 14th and 15th century brass rubbings adorning the staircase....not so odd, given that Victorian decor took a lot of inspiration from Medieval and Gothic designs. Anne Bolin is the cheery owner's name. She is ahead of you....she'll nod when you realize the nominal connection. Victorian gothic and Anne Bolin...c'mon I had to include this place!
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE POND
Interior Design and Historical design are hobbies of mine. This site belongs to a good friend.
There is a fine line betwen the late Middle Ages and Early Colonial history. Historic St. Marys city astounded me with its late 15th and 16th century architecture and archelogical reconstructions. Larger than I expected. A great place to visit. Not far from the opening of the Potomac, whereupon you can glimpse the Bay. Worth the trip.
