Ghosts, Ghouls & Spirits of Medieval Britain

About this event

Why were people in medieval Britain so fascinated by ghosts and spirits? And what did these stories really mean? With Q&A. Tickets for iOS (Apple) App users - It is not possible to purchase online event tickets through the Eventbrite app, please open this page on a computer or mobile browser (safari or Google Chrome etc). To do this click the three buttons at the top right of the page, click share then copy the link to your browser. Medieval writings are full of ghosts, demons, and strange beings said to haunt forests, rivers, and villages. These stories weren’t just for entertainment. They helped people make sense of death, fear, and the unknown. They also reflected tensions between old pagan beliefs and newer Christian ideas, as well as the risks of life beyond the safety of the village. In this workshop, we’ll explore how supernatural stories shaped the way people understood their world, and how they were used to support or challenge religious and social authority. Looking back at these beliefs helps us see how fear and storytelling have always been part of human life. Explore the history of ghosts and spirits, trailing back to pre-Christian history and ancient superstitions Discuss the relationship between supernatural stories and changing worldviews Understand the role storytelling and superstition in human history Learn how ancient fears and superstitions may not be so dissimilar to our modern ones Dr Jennifer Farrell is a lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and History at the University of Exeter, specialising in the medieval supernatural. Her research focuses on topics including prophecy, magic, demons, and Arthurian literature. She studies how supernatural beliefs shaped culture and understanding in Western Europe during the high and late Middle Ages (c. 1000–1500). She has published work on medieval prophecy and fairies, exploring their role in history and literature. She is currently working on a book on Geoffrey of Monmouth and the origins of the Arthurian legends. This talk is 16+ ⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy