The rare medieval wall paintings are so intact, and still colourful! In the painting of St George slaying the dragon, you’ll notice his head is cut off - because they had to replace the thatch roof in the 16th century and unintentionally lowered it oops!

Today we pulled into a tiny village called Broughton. Google told us St Lawrence had amazing medieval wall paintings - but when we arrived it was locked. A parish notice board showed a number to call if you wanted to collect a key to look inside the church… and I’m so glad we did!

CHAINED copy of John Jewell’s 16th century ‘Apology of the Church of England’ 😍 St Lawrence’s Church, Broughton, Buckinghamshire

On Apr 14 at 2:30pm I'm giving a talk for the Friends of Guildford Museum (info attached). For Surrey locals, the 'hogsback' might bring to mind a local brewery, or busy dual carriageway... Come along to learn of the mysterious carved stone monuments from the late viking-age, known as hogbacks!

The swirling, leafy pattterns that frame this illumated scene are a secret habitat for detailed illustrations of flowers, moths and birds. My photos, taken through display glass in low light, don't do the brilliance of the page any justice compared to viewing it up close in person!

who could at any moment end up like the worried monarch at the bottom - barely clinging on, flailing to try grab back the crown that's fallen from his head.

In the pink robe, the author Boethius is depicted as a somewhat bored looking student getting a lecture from lady Philosophy herself (her extavagant wimple in danger of getting caught on the pointer in her hand). Fortune is also depicted as woman. She spins a wheel with a king sitting on top...

Late contribution to all the #WorldBookDay posts floating around on social media today - a cutting from the page of a manuscript on display at the The Wallace Collection. This is frontispiece of a 15th edition of Boethius’ work ‘On the Consolation of Philosophy’.

The @northernstudies.bsky.social seminar starts in 5 minutes! Tonight Dr Rosemary Power will be presenting her research on "Sheela-na-gigs in Scotland: medieval survivals and the search for meaning" us06web.zoom.us/j/8927943526....

In partnership with the Heritage Council, the #ChesterBeatty is pleased to offer a 12-month internship in book and paper conservation: ow.ly/LJNb50XlIKo #ConservationInternship #BookandPaperConservation #DublinJobs

#monkabulous is my new favourite hashtag

A devil with glowing red eyes and sharp fish-like teeth being stepped on by St. Michael in bejeweled armor

Bartolomé Bermejo, Saint Michael triumphant over the Devil (detail), 1468, Oil and gold on wood, 179.7 × 81.9 cm (National Gallery, London)

Also on the list:
- trans people just living their lives
- studying humanities subjects

Cover of Merriam-Webster's All Caps dictionary, a red background with a white circle and text for people who are mad.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY SORRY FOR OUR DELAY WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THIS WAS A REAL DAY.

A charcoal drawing of a skeleton at a table with a plate, a glass, and a wife carafe. Another skeleton leans its head out of open bed curtains

Odilon Redon, The Battle of the Bones, 1881, Charcoal on paper, 44.7 x 37.3 cm (Kröller-Müller Museum)

Sally Rooney on the psychological toll of renting:

Important service announcement:

Riasg Buidhe cruciform stone Colonsay, a stone carved with a bearded face above a cross with spirals in the arms and a shaft ending in a fish tail.

Detail of face, Riasg Buidhe stone cross, Colonsay.

Reverse of Riasg Buidhe stone cross, Colonsay

Detail of vaguely phallic ornament on reverse of the Riasg Buidhe stone cross, Colonsay

Finally got the chance to meet this guy last week. A completely unique and haunting cross from Riasg Buidhe, Colonsay, in the gardens of Colonsay House. Its dating remains up for debate, ranging from the 7th to the 10th century AD www.trove.scot/image/384171

I sure am - I’ve never been to Denmark before and have fallen in love!

Viking helmets (probably) didn’t have horns but I do! Loved the little outdoor altar beside the replica Viking longhouse at Sagnlandet Lejre 🍎💀🍃

I recently gave a seminar for @northernstudies.bsky.social about medieval hogback stones in Britain and compared their shape to Viking-era longhouses in Scandinavia - next time I can use my OWN photo with the replica hall at Sagnlandet Lejre in the presentation!

Sagnlandet Lejre is an awesome spot to visit and relatively straightforward to get to from central Copenhagen ⚔️

“If I finish all my dinner can we please pillage a monastery papa?”

SSNS launches Ryan Foster Memorial Grant - Scottish Society for Northern Studies The Society has launched a new funding grant to support those who have come or returned to academia later in life.

A memorial grant of £500, donated in Ryan’s honour, is open for applications until 5 dec 2025. If you or someone you know came or returned to academia later in life, take a look at the specifications and make an application! www.ssns.org.uk/featured/ssns-launches-new-grant

Browsing the books in @nationalmuseet.dk gift shop & was touched to see familiar names from @northernstudies.bsky.social including the late Ryan Foster.

A memorial grant of £500, donated in Ryan’s honour, is open for applications until 5 dec 2025. If you or someone you know came or returned to academia later in life, take a look at the specifications and make an application! www.ssns.org.uk/funding/#175...

We ran out of time but it’s on our must-do list!

Yesterday I visited Malmesbury Cathedral, burial place of Athelstan - coronated 1,100 years ago #OTD !

SSNS launches Ryan Foster Memorial Grant - Scottish Society for Northern Studies The Society has launched a new funding grant to support those who have come or returned to academia later in life.

The Society has today launched a new funding grant in honour of Dr Ryan Foster, supporting those who have come or returned to academia later in life.