Let’s uncover the sparkles of the Dark Ages together!

Medieval Musings is a newsletter and membership community run by

, DPhil student in Archaeology at the University of Oxford. I came to Substack to connect with other readers and writers of medieval history, as well as to show that the Middle Ages were about more than just kings, battles, and castles (though I love all three).

Out of a passion for uncovering the lives more often left out of the history books, we explore the lightness and brightness that existed in those so-called ‘Dark Ages’ before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Why subscribe?

There’s so much exciting information about the early medieval world that I uncover in the course of my PhD research. Sticking strictly to my research aims, however, I can’t include all of it in my thesis.

That’s where Substack comes in. These newsletters offer the opportunity to share research tidbits and questions that don’t make it into the PhD write-up. Opening up the dimly-lit world of early medieval England, these stories and experiences will help us to see this so-called ‘Dark Age’ as it really was, unveiling everything you didn’t know you didn’t know.

Free subscribers will receive at least one free post per month, while paid members will receive 2-3 additional essays, including biographies, book reviews, and historical discussions. Paid members also have access to exclusive chats and a soon-to-be unveiled book club with monthly live sessions.


What are readers saying about Medieval Musings?

A recommendation from THE QUEEN herself, Lucy Worsley

‘Your piece does a great job of shedding light on a misunderstood period of history. I really enjoyed your article - it’s insightful, well-argued, and brings fresh attention to the richness of the so-called 'Dark Ages.' - Mario

Fascinating, peel back the curtains of time and see what is there 😍🤗’ - Jane C. Smith

‘Wonderful essay, Holly. You’re doing such important work by rethinking the way these stories are told. I’m really looking forward to the next instalments in your series.’ - Jonathan Crain

From a few of our lovely paid subscribers

Contact

To get in touch with Holly about professional enquiries, including guest appearances, off-Substack podcasts, and book reviews, please send a DM through the Substack app or email her at the address below:

medievalmusings.substack@gmail.com

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Musings on Dark Age England and how much more sparkly it was than we tend to think

People

✨ Uncover the sparkles of the Dark Ages with me ✨ Studying for a PhD in Archaeology at Oxford, sharing all the exciting stories and objects I uncover.