Scouring the interwebz I was able to find a release date for Game of Thrones DVD and Blu-Ray. The wait is almost over. You can get Season 1 of Game of Thrones on 06 March. You can head over to Amazon right now and pre-order the Blu-Ray for $45 USD! That is a great price for a Blu-Ray set. As with all things on Amazon that price is bound to change.

Here are the details and special features:

Details:

• Actors: Sean Bean, Mark Addy, Michelle Fairley, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey
• Directors: Tim Van Patten, Brian Kirk, Daniel Minahan, Alan Taylor
• Format: AC-3, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, French, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 5
• Studio: HBO Studios
• DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
• Run Time: 561 minutes

Special Features:

• Complete Guide to Westeros
  “An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in season one.”
• Making Game of Thrones
  “An exclusive 30-minute feature including never-before-seen footage from the set and interviews from the cast and crew.”
• Character Profiles
  “Profiles of 15 major characters as described by the actors portraying them.”
• Creating the Show Open
  “An inside look at the creation of the Emmy-winning opening title sequence for Game of Thrones.”
• From the Book to the Screen
  “Executive producers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, and author George R.R. Martin talk about the challenges of bringing Martin’s epic fantasy novel to life on HBO.”
• The Night’s Watch
  “An in-depth look at the unique order of men who patrol and protect the Wall, a 700 foot ice structure that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the darkness beyond.”
• Creating the Dothraki Language
  “An insightful glance into the comprehensive language created for the Dothraki people in Game of Thrones.”
• Audio Commentaries
  “Seven audio commentaries with Cast and Crew including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and more.”

Exclusive to Blu-Ray

• Blu-ray Complete Guide to Westeros
  “An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in season one, PLUS 24 exclusive histories of the Seven Kingdoms as told by the characters themselves.
• In-Episode Guide
  “In-feature resource that provides background information about on-screen characters, locations, and relevant histories while each episode plays.”
• Anatomy of an Episode
  “An in-episode experience that explores the creative minds and colossal efforts behind episode six, ‘A Golden Crown.’”
• Hidden Dragon Eggs
  “Find the hidden dragon eggs to uncover even more never-before-scene content.”

Tags: A Game of Thrones, Blu-Ray, DVD, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, HBO, House Lannister, House Stark, Lannister, Sean Bean, Song of Fire and Ice, Stannis Baratheon, television, Westeros, Winter is Coming

Do you need your Game of Thornes fix? The DVDs are still months away and Season 2 is a little over 10 weeks away. You know what would be great, if you could watch one episode of Season 1 every week for the next 10 weeks. Well guess what, you can, well you can if you have HBO.

Starting tonight HBO will air Game of Thrones Season 1 every Thursday. It will be a good refresher going into Season 2.

Are you going to watch the Season 1 replay? Let us know in the comments below.

Tags: A Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, HBO, House Lannister, House Stark, Lannister, Sean Bean, Song of Fire and Ice, television, Westeros, Winter is Coming

A new online database containing 205,000 service records of soldiers who fought in the Hundred Years War between 1369 and 1453 is now available to search free on the Forces War Records website.

Many families have ancestors who fought bloody battles with swords and bows and arrows, serving in the British military under Henry V or fighting in the Hundred Years War, yet to date it has been difficult to find information to support this. The new Medieval Soldier Database which has gone live on the Forces War Records website is offering free searches of an extensive database which includes muster roll evidence showing which Lord each soldier worked for, as well as full profiles of individual soldiers, organised by name, surname, rank and date of record, and all types of soldier profiles, from a royal duke to a peasant archer.

Of interest to the discerning family historian, these records are presented in an easy searchable format, and provide a great resource for tracing family military ancestry back to 1350. Uniquely, these medieval war records also match relevant battles and campaigns to each solider where applicable.

Prior to the arrival of the printing press in the 1440’s, spelling was not standardised and names often appeared in either Latin, the Church’s main language, or French which the Royal Court used. The Medieval Soldier Database allows for alternate spellings of surnames to broaden the search possibilities.

Forces War Records holds the most extensive database of British Armed Forces who either died in battle or are still alive today. Search military records by name and unit, and find out more about military genealogy on the Forces War Records website.

###

Tags: Forces War Records, genealogy, Henry V, Hundred Years War, Medieval Soldier Database

From the great folks over at Battle Castle we get a first look at the TV Trailer for Battle Castle. Airing on History Television Canada and hosted by Dan Snow.

Visit the Battle Castle Website to view all the castles. On twitter you can find Battle Castle at @BattleCastle and Dan Snow is @TheHistoryGuy.

Battle Castle will air on 23 February 2012 in Canada.

About Battle Castle

Battle Castle brings to life mighty medieval fortifications and the epic sieges they resist: clashes that defy the limits of military technology, turn empires to dust, and transform mortals into legends.

Castles conjure thoughts of romantic tales, but make no mistake, they are built for war.

Dover: Prince Louis’ key to England. Malaga: the Granadans final stronghold. And Crac des Chevaliers: Crown Jewel of Crusader castles. Through dynamic location footage and immersive visual effects, Battle Castle reveals a bloody history of this epic medieval arms race.
As siege weapons and technology become more ruthless, the men who design and built these castles reply … or perish. Follow host Dan Snow as he explores the military engineering behind these medieval megastructures and the legendary battles that became testaments to their might.

Each episode will climax in the ultimate test of the castle’s military engineering – a siege that will change the course of history. Which castles will be conquered and which will prevail? You’ll have to watch to find out.

But the journey doesn’t end there –in fact, it’s just beginning. Battle Castle extends into a multi-platform quest, taking us deep into the secret world of medieval warfare and strategy. Become the ultimate ‘Castle Master’. Stay tuned for more on the Battle Castle experience.

Tags: Battle Castle, Bogdan Galazka, Cherry Soup, Food, Lentil Soup, Malbork Castle, medieval, Mushroom Soup, Nicole Tomlinson, soup, Teutonic Knight, The Cuisine of the Teutonic Grand Masters in Malbork Castle, Zupa Gryzbowa, Zupa Wisniowa, Zupa Z Soczewicy

Plundering, pillaging and plenty of sea food — what wasn’t to like about the life of a Viking?

How it sometimes ended, suggests an archeological study in the current Oxford Journal of Archeology. In the study led by Mark Pollard of the United Kingdom’s University of Oxford, archeologists thought they had uncovered the victims of England’s St. Brice’s Day Massacre in 1002 A.D.

The 1002 massacre was “a most just extermination” in the words of King Aethelred the Unready, of Danes cluttering up the English countryside that took place at St. Frideswide’s Church, now Christ Church Cathedral, in Oxford. Scandinavian Viking raiders had harried the English coast in the Middle Ages, expeditions that lasted two centuries, creating long-lasting friction between Danes and Saxons. The massacre victims (who reportedly included the sister of Denmark’s King Sweyn Forkbeard, who along with Aethelred the Unready, is worth mentioning just for the sake of wondering why kings today have such boring names) had walled themselves for sanctuary inside a church, which the townsfolk burned down to murder them. “Afterwards, with God’s aid, it was renewed by me,” King Aethelread noted in a royal proclamation on rebuilding the church.

So, when archeologists found the bones of at least 33 men, and two teenagers, in an ancient ditch near the massacre site four years ago, some supposed they had found some of the massacre victims. “The skeletal remains were dumped in a mass grave, and had clearly been thrown in one on top of another,” said the study, noting the bones showed, “multiple serious perimortem (around the time of death) injuries, most commonly multiple blade wounds, as well as many healed wounds, suggesting they may have been professional soldiers..”

“Several of the skeletons showed evidence of charring, which was not reflected in the local grave fill, suggesting that they had been exposed to burning before burial – an observation which heightened the suspicion that these may be some of the victims of the burning of St Frideswide’s Church.”

“Taken together, this evidence left little doubt that these bodies were the result of a mass execution,” said the authors.

But something a bit unexpected turned up when the archeologists tried carbon dating of the bones from three of the skeletons.

“The radiocarbon dates are very consistent,” found the researchers, “…but with calibrated age ranges which do not encompass ‘expected’ date of AD 1002.” Instead the age range of the bones was somewhere from 940 to 970 A.D.

Well. Perhaps the seafood diet of Danes might result in a shift in the type of carbon in their bones. This “marine reservoir effect” that can throw off carbon dating by as much as 400 years, the team suggested.

Tags: Archaeology, Archeologist, Bayeux Tapestry, Christ Church cathedral, Danes, England, King Aethelred the Unready, Oxford Journal of Archeology, Saxons, St. Brice's Day Massacre, St. Frideswide's Church, United Kingdom, University of Oxford, Vikings

We are back today with the trifecta for the Rama: Travel App. There was the Medieval Exeter tour and earlier this month I reviewed the Medieval Winchester tour. Last week Crimson Bamboo, the company behind the Rama Travel App released the Medieval Glastonbury tour by Tom Vivian (Twitter: @tomvivan). Medieval Glastonbury is available for $1.99 USD, covers 1.2 miles (2km) and takes approximately 90 minutes. The only requirement to use the app is an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or 3G to utilize the GPS map feature.

Glastonbury, located in Southwest England and only 60 miles from Exeter is a medievalists dream. Early settlements date back thousands of years but it was during the medieval era that the town flourished. Home to the Glastonbury Abbey one of the most important Abbeys in England. Second only to Westminster Abbey in its endowments and riches. Glastonbury is also home to two of the most famous and debated figures in history, the Holy Grail and King Arthur.

Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea founded the abbey in the 1st century and hid the Holy Grail on the abbey grounds. In the 12th century a grave was discovered containing two skeletons and an inscription: Hic jacet sepultus inclitus rex Arthurus in insula Avalonia (“Here lies renowned King Arthur in the island of Avalon”).

For this tour Tom focuses on the facts, not the legends. The extraordinary Glastonbury Abbey is the first of seven waypoints. Other points of interest include ‘The George and Pilgrim’ a resting place for medieval pilgrims, the Abbey Barn and St. Michael. Each waypoint includes written instructions to the next destination, which is a nice touch and ensures that you don’t lose your way while on the tour.

I have discussed the interface in the previous Exeter and Winchester tours. It is still the same, simply, intuitive and well done.

Glastonbury is an ancient city with roots firmly planted in the Middle Ages. The Abbey stood as a beacon of power for over 700 years until King Henry VIII broke from the Catholic church and ordered the dissolution of the monasteries. Tom Vivian captures the spirit of Glastonbury with his vivid and descriptive writing, conjuring images of the medieval city at its prime. A bibliography of Glastonbury history and archaeology books rounds out the tour. If you are in Glastonbury, planning a trip, or want to learn the history of the city then you need this tour.

Get the Rama: Travel App for History Lovers from the iTunes Store.

Visit the Crimson Bamboo website for a complete list of all the Rama tours available.


Medieval Archives gives the Rama: Travel App for History Lovers and Medieval Glastonbury Tour 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: Medieval Archives received a complimentary copy of the Medieval Glastonbury tour for review purposes

Tags: Avalon, Crimson Bamboo, England, Exeter, Glastonbury, Glastonbury Abbey, Henry VIII, Holy Grail, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Joseph of Arimathea, Kaye Jones, King Arthur, medieval, Medieval Exeter, Medieval Winchester, Rama, Tom Vivian, Winchester

Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds’ worth of rare Saxon silver coins from the Museum of St Albans, which represent the rich history and heritage of the district.

St Albans District Council has said the 30 coins were taken from a locked display cabinet in the Medieval Gallery at the Hatfield Road museum.

It is thought the locks on the cabinet were broken before the coins, estimated to have an insurance value in the region of £12,000, were taken.

The council says the theft occured on or around the weekend of Saturday, January 7.

A sixth or seventh century silver hand pin, discovered in excavations at St Albans Abbey, were also taken from the same case.

The coins were part of a hoard of Saxon silver coins found at the Abbey Orchard in St Albans in 1969 during an excavation by the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society, within the area of the monastic buildings attached to the Abbey, prior to the construction of Abbey Primary School.

Tags: coins, Museum of St Albans, Saxon coins, Soxon, St Albans, St Albans Abbey

The histories of Knights Templar, the Cathars and the Essenes sects are fascinating, but also tragic. Some of what these groups believed went against the established church’s views with respect to whether Jesus was divine, whether he died on the cross, that he escaped to France and married, had children and so on.

According to my reading of history, the medieval Catholic Church was afraid of the secrets that groups like the Knights Templar and the Cathars possessed, and in turn this caused a flurry of hate, wars and rebellion.

Why did this occur? We have to consider how powerful the Catholic Church was in terms of influence and wealth. The church eventually righted itself in the wake of the reformation led by Martin Luther. and the Anglican Church in England. However, as Catholics and Protestants fought over who would rule the Western world’s Christians, both factions put Jesus on the back burner. Both took on Paul’s interpretation of Christ’s life and teachings, turning him into the son of God who was crucified and resurrected. In no way could they accept that Jesus was married or had children, for that would keep him from being divine. Without the death on the cross, there’s no way to afford guilt to all of those who were told that “he died for our sins,” and there would be no premise of the resurrection. So this led to a severe editing of the Bible

Tags: Cathars, Catholic Church, Essenes, Knights Templar, Martin Luther, medieval

The 11th-century Durham Castle is benefitting from a £5-million refurbishment – and now offers holiday accommodation within its ancient walls.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in north-east England is home to Durham University’s oldest college and its rooms are available to rent for bed and breakfast during the university’s vacation times. There are now 40 single, twin and double ensuite rooms, newly refurbished and decorated to 4-star standard.

Durham Castle Contact Information:
University College, Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW
Tel: +44 0191 334 3800
Website: www.thisisdurham.com
www.durham.ac.uk/university.college

Tags: castle, Durham, Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage Site, University of Durham, William the Conqueror

Let’s keep the posts on the Emerald Isle today. If you have never visited Ireland you need to book a trip now! It is a fabulous destination filled with castles, pubs, natural wonders, ancient forts and wonderful people. If you have the time and money definitely consider visiting ireland.

~The Archivist

Plans for a ‘Medieval Mile’ in Kilkenny are due to be announced in the next few weeks, and the project will help to promote the South East as a “necklace of must-see destinations,” a Fáilte Ireland conference held in Hotel Kilkenny heard on Monday afternoon.

The Medieval Mile will be one of two “game-changing developments,” the other being a Viking Triangle in Waterford, said Fáilte Ireland’s head of operations for the South East, Gary Breen.

Of the Medieval Mile, he said: “We hope within the next two weeks to have blueprints developed that will outline how this project will evolve.”

It will include the Craft Yard; St Mary’s Cathedral, which will become an exhibition space; the new Butler Gallery for contemporary art being developed at Evans Home; and the upgrade of High Street.

“When that project is in place, we will have the finest built heritage experience in Ireland,” Mr Breen said.

Other promotions he cited in Kilkenny include a tapas-style Blasta Trail being piloted in hotels, restaurants and cafes with the aim of attracting “grazing” diners in the early evenings; the availability of GAA bookings through the tourist office; and the marketing of an “urban triangle” of Kilkenny, Wexford Town and Waterford.

Tags: Butler Gallery, Craft Yard, High Street, Ireland, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Castle, Medieval Mile, St Mary’s Cathedral, Viking Triangle, Waterford, Wexford

Kilkenny has “a timeless appeal” and is “the Ireland of many visitors’ imaginations,” according to the latest edition of top travel book The Lonely Planet which was published last week.

Top sights recommended by the guide include Kilkenny Castle, Butler Gallery, St Canice’s Cathedral, the National Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Design Centre, Black Abbey, Butter Slip, Black Freren Gate, St Mary’s Cathedral and St John’s Priory.

Tags: Black Abbey, Black Freren Gate, Butler Gallery, Butter Slip, Ireland, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, St John’s Priory, St Mary’s Cathedral, the National Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Design Centre

Medieval nuns may return to haunt a developer by putting a halt to a proposed wind farm.

Banks Renewables wants to build five 115-metre turbines near Hamsterley Forest.

The company has already been told its wildlife survey work is not up to scratch and unless more is done, the project is likely to be refused by Durham County Council.

Banks is now in talks with wildlife experts to persuade them they are wrong. But the company now faces further opposition – this time from archaeologists.

Northern Archaeological Associates Limited said there are remains of a medieval convent in the proposed site, which is “likely to be of at least regional importance”.

Archaeologist Mary Fraser said nothing is known of the convent’s history or size.

She said planners should consider whether the impact of the wind farm on the historic remains would be too great.

Tags: Archaeology, Durham County Council, Hamsterley Forest, Northern Archaeological Associates Limited, Nun, Nunnery

A medieval fishing village is believed to have been found in the Outer Hebrides after a tip-off from an islander.

The site is among potential new historic finds made along the islands’ coasts following information from members of the public.

Archaeologists said they were told about the village after bumping into local man JJ MacDonald. The possible fishing station was discovered near Loch Euport, on North Uist.

The project team said on Ordnance Survey maps the area is called Havn, the Norse word for harbour.

Last year, fishermen, beachcombers, divers and islanders in the Hebrides were asked for information on where archaeologists might find ancient sites along shorelines.

The project involves the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), WA Coastal and Marine, Historic Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).

Tags: Archaeology, Havn, Hebrides, JJ MacDonald, Loch Euport, medieval, North Uist, RCAHMS, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, Western Isles Council

The countdown is on! There are 11 weeks left until the Season 2 premiere of Game of Thrones. Until then we will have to settle for the teasers they are putting out. Here is one on the art direction for Season 2.

Tags: A Game of Thrones, Croatia, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, HBO, House Lannister, House Stark, King's Landing, Lannister, Sean Bean, Song of Fire and Ice, television, Westeros, Winter is Coming