This year’s Halloween Special we present the radio drama Dracula, by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater, originally broadcast on 11 July 1938. The inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula is Vlad Tepes or Vlad the Impaler. Vlad is best known for fighting the Ottoman invasion and for impaling his enemies alive. If you want more…
Monthly Archives: October 2011
Grant to uncover secret heritage of medieval churches
They have been knocked about, rejigged beyond recognition and disguised as much younger models through centuries of turmoil and change. Now the medieval origins of some of Scotland’s oldest churches is being uncovered by an investigation into the nation’s rich religious heritage. It was believed that only around 50 churches across the country built between…
MAP#20 – Moat Jumper CD and Interview with Joe Matzzie
Today we have a review of the debut CD by Moat Jumper, Christmas At The Renaissance Fair. Moat Jumper is a group of World Class musicians that came together for a new collaboration of Medieval and Renaissance Christmas songs. We also talk to musician and producer Joe Matzzie about his background, the forming of the…
Computers Piece Together Scattered Medieval Scrolls
It’s like something out of “The Da Vinci Code”: Hundreds of thousands of fragments from medieval religious scrolls are scattered across the globe. How will scholars put them back together? The answer, according to scientists at Tel Aviv University, is to use computer software based on facial recognition technology. But instead of recognizing faces, this…
Medieval relics found at Queenborough Castle
Medieval pottery and a belt buckle were among the items unearthed during a two-day dig at Queenborough Castle on Friday and Saturday. It was the first project at the site – known locally as the Welly Bank – since Channel 4’s Time Team came to town in 2005. Led by Kent County Council (KCC) community…
Found: Viking war lord buried in his boat
Judging from the opulence of his tomb, he was a revered Viking warrior destined to take his place in Valhalla among the honoured dead. Laid to rest in a 17ft boat with his sword, axe and bronze drinking horn, the powerful Norseman’s burial site has been discovered by archaeologists in a remote part of the…
MAP#19 – 1066 and The Battle of Hastings
Today is the 945th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. We look at the year 1066, the death of King Edward the Confessor and the dispute over the throne of England. Harold Godwinson was crowned the new king of England. However, Harold Hardrada, Viking King of Norway and William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy both…
Tour of Calpe’s Medieval Village
Calpe’S Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment has organized a set of 6 guided tours for the autumn in the Parque Natural del Peñon de Ifach. This should be of great interest to Spanish speaking expatriates who have an interest in the wealth of antiquarian sites, as well as the indigenous flora along the Costa…
Quarr Abbey monks ‘thrilled’ at World Monuments Watch listing
Monks at an Isle of Wight monastery say they are hopeful of saving medieval abbey ruins, after they were recognised in an international heritage survey. The Cistercian Abbey of St Mary’s at Quarr is among 67 “most at-risk” sites listed by the World Monuments Fund (WMF). The monks say the listing will make it easier…
Tyler Museum of Art offers free admission to Medieval exhibit
The Tyler Museum of Art invites the public to enjoy free admission and extended hours for the exhibition Object of Devotion: Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum on Tuesday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This incredible opportunity to experience the exhibition at no cost has been made possible…
Medieval painted churches in England and Wales
England and Wales are full of beautiful medieval churches. From the famous like Christ Church cathedral to the lesser-known like Dorchester Abbey, they offer breathtaking architecture and decoration, and since many are free, they make good budget travel destinations. Some even preserve fragile paintings from the Middle Ages, like this one photographed by Roger Rosewell,…
Infinity Blade II Announced
Chair Entertainment announced Infinity Blade II a sequel to the popular Infinity Blade. Infinity Blade II will be available in December 2011 and only on the Apple iOS. Read a review of Infinity Blade Infinity Blade II Trailer
Macbeth, the Cliffsnotes version
Am I the last to know that Cliffsnotes is now offering videos? In case you didn’t know either here is their version of Macbeth.
Medieval Archives podcast made possible by Steve Jobs
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow…
LEGO® announces Kingdoms Joust
LEGO® announced a new addition to their Kingdoms line. The LEGO® Kingdoms Joust features 1,575 pieces, 9 minifigures, knights and 6 detailed rooms. LEGO® suggests you buy two sets to make a spectacular jousting arena. The set will be available for sale directly through LEGO® beginning January 2012 via shop.LEGO.com, LEGO® Stores or via phone….