On the evening of 30th May 2025, the historic Lincoln Guildhall became a vibrant meeting point of voices from the past and present during “Medieval Discoveries: A Learning and Career Journey”. This hybrid event (with attendees joining in person and online) brought together current and former MA Medieval Studies students from the University of Lincoln with members of both the local and international community.
Hosted as part of the Festival of History, the event was chaired by Dr. Antonella Liuzzo Scorpo, Associate Professor of Medieval History in the School of Humanities and Heritage and member of the Medieval and Early Modern Research Studies Group at Lincoln.
The speakers were current MA Medieval Studies students: Erin Fountain, Erin Lintott, Katryn McNeil, Lauren Shaw and Jean Suszko; and MA Medieval Studies Alumni: Carla Linford and Harry Wiggs.
The session highlighted a wide range of academic insights, personal reflections, and professional paths taken by these students and early career researchers engaged in Medieval Studies.
A Platform for Learning and Connection
This hybrid event, made possible through the support of Richard Storey and the Guildhall team, as well as the University of Lincoln’s Media, Communication, and Digital Technologies teams, created a space for reflection, inspiration, and dialogue. The audience was treated to a series of presentations by postgraduate students and alumni, each exploring a personal and professional “medieval discovery.”
Unearthing Hidden Voices
A recurring theme throughout the evening was the importance of bringing “hidden voices” to light. Erin Fountain highlighted how Disability Studies can uncover overlooked medieval experiences, challenging conventional narratives.
Erin Lintott, continuing this theme, focused on race and gender, and the revelatory power of applying multidisciplinary and intersectional approaches to the study of the Middle Ages.
Bridging the Past and Future Through Digital Technology
Jean Suszko discussed the digitisation of medieval manuscripts, a field that opens new possibilities for access and analysis, while also raising important questions about material loss and digital equity. Jean’s insights showcased how Digital Humanities and critical digital skills can enhance traditional historical research while maintaining scholarly rigor.
‘Applied’ Medieval Studies: Public and Academic Spheres
Alumna Carla Linford shared her experience with making historical research accessible to the public, emphasizing how the skills developed during her MA have proven versatile across different historical periods. She also offered meaningful reflections on her work in the Heritage sector, highlighting how both practical expertise and personal resilience have played a key role in her professional growth and evolving career path.
Harry Wiggs, now a postgraduate researcher, traced his journey from his MA dissertation to his current work on Queenship Studies at the University of Lincoln, in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces. His story exemplified how focused academic research can inspire both career directions and public engagement.
Lived Experience and Educational Perspectives
Kathryn McNeil offered valuable insights as a mature student with a cross-disciplinary background and decades of teaching experience in schools across the UK. She reflected on the ways in which age and professional experience can enrich both academic study and historical interpretation, highlighting how ‘applied’ Medieval Studies in educational contexts can foster critical thinking and deepen subject knowledge among learners.
From Local to Global: Lincoln as a Case Study
Lauren Shaw, an international MA student, concluded the speaker lineup by revisiting the theme of “hidden voices.” She used the city of Lincoln and some of its lesser-known medieval sites (beyond the famous Cathedral and Castle) as case studies to illustrate her discoveries. Her presentation explored how approaching medieval history from both local and global perspectives can challenge common stereotypes and broaden participation in historical discussion.
Concluding Remarks
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing the audience to reflect on and engage with the themes and personal journeys shared throughout the evening. Online attendees were also encouraged to participate, reinforcing the event’s inclusive and interactive nature. We talked about decolonising practices and their inherent complexities, the persistent stereotypes associated with the medieval period, and the ways these misconceptions are often perpetuated in public discourse and media. Speakers emphasised how “medieval discoveries” can serve as powerful tools to challenge these narratives and promote a more inclusive, critical, and accurate understanding of the medieval world, one that was far more interconnected and diverse than is often assumed.
“Medieval Discoveries” offered more than just a glimpse into the academic lives of medievalists; it showcased the power of curiosity, interdisciplinarity, and personal growth in shaping not just scholarship, but also meaningful careers.
Whether you’re passionate about the past or simply exploring new academic pathways, the stories shared during this event serve as a powerful reminder that history is not only something we study, but it’s something we continuously rediscover.
For more information
If you are interested in our MA Medieval Studies Programme at Lincoln, please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Antonella Liuzzo Scorpo (aliuzzoscorpo@lincoln.ac.uk).