Noblewomen, Noblewomen Network sponsored panels at the 2024 International Medieval Congress, University of Leeds, July 1–4, 2024

Noblewomen played a central role in medieval society, often having to navigate periods of conflict and crisis. They cultivated important networks within their families and wider society, acting as rules and politicians, as well as cultural and religious patrons and intermediaries. This his a rapidly expanding field of research, with scholars exploring the plethora of roles that noblewomen could play in medieval life, and the way in which that were viewed and represented by wider society. This strand of sessions will bring scholars together who work on medieval noblewomen—to build on and develop the discourse that has develop d over the past few decades, with the continued aim of building a global network of scholars working in this vibrant area of research.

We welcome papers spanning from across the medical woes. As well as across disciplines.

Topics could include, but are not limited to:

• Noblewomen in times of crisis
• The role and involvement of noblewomen in political and political life
• Noblewomen and society
• Noblewomen and the family
• Women and the law
• Ecclesiastical women and interactions with religious communities
• Noblewomen and patronage 
• Noblewomen and material culture
• Noblewomen and literature
• Historiographical approaches to noblewomen

Organizers
Charlotte Packard, Cardiff University, Open University
Harriet Kersey, Canterbury Christ Church University