Feasting and banqueting: the politics of food in Medieval Europe
- Course Code: HEH49
- Dates: 22/06/24 - 22/06/24
- Time: 11:00 - 16:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Vanessa King
Course Code: HEH49
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The symbolism behind the creation of pastries and confectionary displayed at coronation feasts and other grand occasions.
What will we cover?
Food as propaganda in Lancastrian England
The Feast of the Pheasant.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Briefly describe the evolution of the ‘subtlety’ in historical dining
• Describe the symbolism behind the subtleties served at the coronations of Katherine of Valois (1421) and Henry III in 1429
• Decipher the meaning behind the dishes served at the Feast of the Pheasant.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is required. However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential.
An open mind and a willingness to engage respectfully in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. There will be occasional homework reading provided but it is not obligatory.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other expenses other than note-taking materials. You are not expected to purchase any reading material. All essential reading will be available online in Google Classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses on European and British history. Please see the City Lit website.
Vanessa King is a reitred university lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, European, and Global Encounters in the Far East. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
