I want to learn more about medieval history, where can I do this (without going to classes)?

Question

I have an interest in medieval history, and would really love to learn more about this period. But I don't really know where to look for info? Can you recommend any TV programmes, books, maybe even podcasts, websites etc (available in the UK)?

Answer 1

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/medieval/

Some of these are rather over-dramatised (dumbed-down), Terry Jones' book on the death/murder of Chaucer is accessible. BBC's history website is also quite useful.

Answer 2

Books, books and more books! You can do some reading on the web and I've come across the occassional tv show that isn't too fluffy but really you're better off reading just to obtain the broader scope. I've enjoyed the series of books by Frances & Joseph Gies ("Life in a Medieval Castle", "Life in a Medieval City", etc). Most recently I've read "A World Lit Only by Fire" by William Manchester, but there really are so many books out there to pick from! I'm a regular in going through the medieval history section of my local used book store.

If you are in the UK you should have around some really good in-depth reenactment groups if you want to go into the living history part of things as well.

Answer 3

Go to your local library.  That's what its there for.