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Uncover the untold stories of medieval women—step into the hidden world of life in the Middle Ages.
What was life really like for women in the medieval period? The Secret Lives of Single Medieval Women takes you deep into the fascinating world of medieval history, revealing how women in the middle ages carved out independent lives in a society shaped by tradition, religion, and strict social rules. From the daily routines of a medieval nun to the unexpected freedoms enjoyed by single women, Vicki Leon explores the realities and myths of the medieval era with wit and insight.
Journey through England in the middle ages and beyond, discovering how women in the medieval era navigated love, work, faith, and survival. Whether you’re captivated by medieval England history, curious about the roles of women in the middle ages, or searching for the perfect medieval gift for a history lover, this book brings to life the vibrant, complex stories of those often left out of the history books.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Vivid accounts of medieval women and their roles in society, from nuns to merchants.
- Insights into life in the middle ages and how women shaped and were shaped by the medieval period.
- Fascinating details on medieval history, including daily life, customs, and beliefs.
- A closer look at medieval nun communities and the unique opportunities they offered.
- A journey through medieval england history and the broader medieval era.
If you’re intrigued by the lives of women in the medieval era and enjoyed books like Femina, Normal Women, or The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England, you’ll love The Secret Lives of Single Medieval Women. This captivating read is perfect for anyone fascinated by medieval history, women in the middle ages, or anyone searching for a unique medieval gift.
“I can thoroughly recommend it for both students and those with a less academic enthusiasm for medieval history, who will be whisked back to those ‘days of olde’ from the comfort of their armchair. Most enjoyable and educational!”
—Toni Mount, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Creative Writing and Literature, Dip European Humanities, Cert Ed, internationally bestselling author
“In this book, The Secret Lives of Single Medieval Women, Rosalie once again brings to us remarkable insights into the little-known and often challenging world of single women in the Middle Ages. The depth of her research is noteworthy and her ability to bring it all together with clarity and the additional sprinkling of humorous insights makes this book highly engaging, educational, and entertaining.”
—Edith Cuffe, OAM, Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology
“Scholarly but not stuffy. If you are looking for an informative but fun book on Mediaeval women, you will find it between these pages. This well-written book guides one with a gentle hand through all the classes of unmarried women throughout the Mediaeval era. A must-read for all those modern women who wish to understand the role of our unmarried ancestors in the Middle Ages. Essential reading for the novice reenactor and student of early history alike. And good fun to read.”
—Susanna Newstead, authoress of historical murder/mystery fiction series the Savernake Novels
“This book sheds light on the reality of single medieval women, not just the two-dimensional depictions in movies. Ms. Gilbert not only has researched her subject thoroughly, but her engaging style brings these women to life with examples of actual medieval women.”
—Susan Thatcher, The Grand Duchy of Medieval Merriment
Table of Contents
Foreword by Toni Mount
Introduction
Chapter 1. Who Were the Single Ladies?
Chapter 2. There’s No Place Like Home
Chapter 3. Dressing for Success
Chapter 4. Etiquette for the Solo Woman
Chapter 5. Learning, Education, and Skill-Sharing
Chapter 6. Unpaid Labour, Jobs, and Business Opportunities
Chapter 7. Leisurely Pursuits
Chapter 8. Animal Companions
Chapter 9. In Sickness and in Health
Chapter 10. Death, Funerals, and Beyond
Source Notes
Acknowledgements
About the Author