Medieval Highlights from Cultural Collections

Illuminated manuscripts, court rolls and chronicles! Drop in to see medieval and medieval-related treasures from Cultural Collections.

Discover some of the medieval treasures of Cultural Collections during the International Medieval Congress.

The medieval collections at Leeds contain beautiful illuminated prayer books, richly decorated with illustrations, borders and initials. See the changing seasons in calendar pages, illustrated with images of tasks for each month, revealing the pattern of the rural year in the countries where the books were made.

Alongside these, see manuscripts recording history at national, local and individual levels. Medieval chronicles record the history of England, detailing national events and the activities of kings. The enormous series of surviving court rolls of the manor of Wakefield, dating from the 13th to 20th century, provide insight into the lives of ordinary people in a particular place - individuals whose stories are often not found in the wider historical narrative.

See how medieval stories have been retold for Victorian and modern audiences, and learn about uncovering deserted medieval villages lost to time.

The International Medieval Congress is organised and administered by the Institute for Medieval Studies. Since it began in 1994, the Congress has established itself as an annual event attracting medievalists from all over the world. It is the largest conference of its kind in Europe.

This event is free and open to all.

Access Information 

Getting Here 

• This event is in Treasures of the Brotherton, in Parkinson Building. There is step-free access – see our Visit information for more details. 

Sensory 

• Treasures of the Brotherton is a dark gallery, but the room in which the event takes places is quite bright.

• Noise levels will depend on how many people are visiting at any time and talking to the Cultural Collections team. There will be no music or audio content played during the event.  

• You are welcome to borrow anything you like from the ACCESSories Hub in Treasures of the Brotherton during the event. Please remember to return the items before you leave. 

In the Room 

• In the room, there will be tables set up in a U-shape. The tables will have books, archives and objects displayed and staff and volunteers from Cultural Collections will be there to tell you about these items.

• There are stools that can be borrowed if you prefer to sit to look at the items

What to Expect 

• This is a drop-in event and numbers will vary as visitors arrive and leave at different times.

• You can move around the tables in any order and leave the room and return if you would like to at any time.

You can find more information about getting here, what to expect in our spaces, nearby facilities and additional access resources in the Visit information on our website. If you can't find what you're looking for or have any other questions, please email us at gallery@leeds.ac.uk and we'll be happy to help.