New Exhibition
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words
British Library, London
Until 2 March 2025
Our latest exhibition introduces the women of medieval Europe through their own words, visions and experiences. Discover the rich and complex lives of women in the Middle Ages, with over 140 extraordinary items that reveal their artistry, resourcefulness, courage and struggles.
Medieval women’s voices evoke a world in which they lived active and varied lives. Their testimonies speak of diverse experiences, revealing female impact and influence across private, public and spiritual realms, and bringing alive experiences that still resonate today.
This exhibition focuses on Europe from roughly 1100 to 1500, a period in which there was strong cultural interconnection across the continent. While most medieval sources from the period were written by and about men, women’s surviving testimonies offer remarkable insight into their contributions to medieval social and economic life, culture and politics, their skilful management of households and convents, and the vibrancy of female religious culture.
Must-see highlights include:
The Book of the Queen by Christine de Pizan: The first professional woman author in Europe
Sibylle of Flanders' 12th-century ivory cross: Owned by Sibylle, countess of Flanders, who went on Crusade to the Holy Land
A silk textile made in al-Andalus (Islamic Spain), where Muslim women labourers were fundamental to the silk industry
Julian of Norwich’s The Revelations of Divine Love: the first work in English definitely authored by a woman
A 15th-century birthing girdle: a manuscript inscribed with prayers and charms that was used for protection during childbirth
Battel Hall retable a rare surviving painting from a medieval English nunnery
On Women's Cosmetics: a recipe book likely to have been composed in Southern Italy in the 12th century with recipes for hair dye remover, face creams and breath freshener
A lion skull that possibly came from a pet lion of Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England.
Break free from traditional narratives and encounter personalities both famous and forgotten who tell the story of medieval womanhood. And discover stories familiar to women today, from the gender pay gap and harmful stereotypes, to access to healthcare and education, as well as challenges faced by female leaders.
This is the story of medieval women, told in their own words.
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words is supported by Joanna and Graham Barker and Unwin Charitable Trust.
For more information, visit https://www.bl.uk/whats-on/medieval-women/.