Dr Emma Herbert-Davies

Profile

I first came to the University of Leeds in 2014 as a mature student to study a Foundation Year in Arts and Humanities, completing the course with an Award for Academic Excellence. I went on to study a BA (hons) in History (First Class). During my degree I was awarded a two-year Laidlaw Scholarship which focused on cataloguing the Winchester Cabinet, a collection of over 3000 ancient coins, medals and tokens belonging to the University’s Special Collections. I graduated in 2018 and went on to complete a Medieval Studies MA (Distinction) and a PhD at the Institute for Medieval Studie at Leeds. Both my MA and PhD were made possible by funding from the School of History and Institute for Medieval Studies.

I have owned and ridden horses for many decades, competing in eventing, showing, racing and team chasing. My doctoral reseach combined a lifetime’s knowledge of horses with my interest in the Middle Ages.

Research interests

The Warhorse in England: 1272-1327

My first monograph offers an understanding of the importance of horses in medieval warfare. The warhorse has long been emblematic of medieval chivalry and power, depicted in art, literature, and the grand narratives of knightly valor. Yet, behind these depictions lies a nuanced history that intertwines the fate of the warhorse with the social, political, and military developments of its time. My book, illuminates the warhorse's essential role during the reigns of Edward I and Edward II—an era marked by almost perpetual conflict and the zenith of cavalry use in English warfare.I examine the practical importance of horses in military campaigns and consider the full lifecycle of these animals, from breeding and training to deployment. I also consider the toll that warfare exacted on their health. In doing so, I reveas not only the substantial investment of resources required to sustain warhorse populations, but also the implications of their care on medieval administrative and logistical practices.

My research also engages with a broader context, integrating perspectives from military history and animal studies to reevaluate how warhorses influenced the structure of armies and the experiences of those who relied upon them. By examining equine practices through meticulous analysis of financial records, army lists, and breeding documentation, this book provides fresh insights into medieval England's martial landscape and the interplay between human and animal agency.

I am currently working on a translation of a 13^th century equine veterinary manuscript. The study of hippiatric texts holds significant importance, particularly for the evolution of horse care and veterinary science. Such works often contain foundational knowledge on equine anatomy, disease treatment, and husbandry practices, which, when translated, can be disseminated across cultures, fostering improvements in horse health globally. Furthermore, the translation reflects broader attitudes towards medicine, showcasing a society’s commitment to scientific exchange and the value placed on systematic study of animal health. This process not only enriches the medical field but also underscores the interconnection between human and animal care practices throughout history. 

Qualifications

• PhD Medieval Studies
• MA Medieval Studies
• BA (Hons) History

Student education

 I have taught undergraduate modules on historical skills and medieval culture. I am a regular guest lecturer and seminar tutor on the Middle Ages at the Lifelong Learning Centre at the University of Leeds. Outside of the University I teach beginner’s Latin as part of my local community education initiative.