Medieval Women: In Their Own Words is an exhibition at The British Library that offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of medieval women through 140 items, focusing on their unique stories and perspectives. So much of our history is told through the male gaze and focuses on the male perspective, but in this wonderful display, the curators give women centre stage.
The stories highlighted throughout the display of texts, objects, and artefacts showcase a female perspective, moving away from the male gaze that is often applied to history. In this close examination of archaeological and written evidence, we understand more about women in matters of religion and spirituality, politics and power, personal and emotional, professional and economic.
Eleanor Jackson, lead curator of Medieval Women, says, ‘Through over 140 amazing objects, Medieval Women highlights the importance of original manuscripts, documents, printed books and artefacts in recovering the lives of women in the past. While their stories have been traditionally overlooked, this exhibition restores women to their central place in history and reveals the vital contributions that they have made to our Society.’
The exhibition looks at all women, not solely covering a specific culture, class or religion, but gives us a broad perspective and understanding. It is a multi-sensory experience: visitors can watch, read, smell, and listen to evidence. By evoking all the senses, the curators bring us closer to the women revealed throughout the exhibition and deepen our understanding. The collection was a curatorial powerplay of beautifully preserved letters, books, paintings, and objects. Objects included jewellery, gowns, and even bones.
It is striking that although men have narrated most of our histories, the female experience was just as crucial and fruitful, despite unequal rights causing dire limitations. The exhibition focuses on the triumphs and powers of medieval women whilst educating visitors on their secondary place in society and their legal deference to men. Women had significantly less power and influence in society than their male counterparts, and married women were often at the mercy of their husbands. Yet, despite the prevalent misogynist laws and ideology of this period, women played vital roles in many aspects of daily life outside of the home and were often revered for their work.
These women had much more autonomy than history would give them credit for. Women were important in the daily running of the household, that much is sure, but they were so much more than this. They balanced on a tightrope between chef, healer, midwife, chief-of-staff, seamstress, gardener, and provider… to name a few roles.
In the economic space, women demanded far more attention than many would assume. The silk working industry in al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) is one example. This was a booming economic industry where women played a central part: “The skilled work of cultivating, processing and spinning silk in al-Andalus was probably carried out largely by women.” (The Whitworth, The University of Manchester).
Midwives played a non-negotiable role in the birthing and rearing of children, so the importance of this goes without saying. It could be said that a fair few families depended on women to produce heirs and continue the family line… and all that jazz. Medieval society also placed great responsibility on wet nurses, crucial in child-rearing. Wet nurses could make a decent living without depending on a husband.
Women were also talented and yet often overlooked writers. The exhibition boasted work by Christine de Pizan, the first recorded woman to print a book under her own name. Some may say she was ahead of her time, but truthfully, most of her time was far behind. “God has given women such beautiful minds to apply themselves, if they want to, in any fields where glorious and excellent men are active.” (Christine de Pizan, translated by Earl Jeffrey Richards (1983). If you’re interested in viewing texts by de Pizan, I urge you to purchase a ticket.
Although ultimately married women were legally at the mercy of their husbands, their strength of character and lived experiences show that this wasn’t such a simple arrangement. Women had autonomy and were central to many important aspects of personal, religious, political, and economic life.
Accompanying this exhibition is the essay collection Medieval Women: Voices & Visions, edited by Eleanor Jackson and Julian Harrison. So, if the tales of these women have enchanted you, continue learning. After all, this exhibition clarifies that so much female history has been overlooked and forgotten. The responsibility lies with us in continuing to share their stories.
