Public Talk Given by IMS PhD Student

An IMS PhD student, Victoria Yuskaitis, gave a public talk about anchorites on 5 February at the Bedale Archaeology & History Society.

Bedale Archaeology & History Society

The Bedale Archaeology & History Society in North Yorkshire meets in Bedale Hall at 19:30, usually on the first Tuesday of the month. The Society invites speakers from various backgrounds, including archivists, geologists, archaeologists, and historians. Members and non-members are welcome to attend talks. For more information about the Society, and for the 2019 programme of speakers, contact Patricia Fairey, Secretary (arch@phonecoop.coop). 

IMS PhD Student Talk: Anchorites and Archaeology

Victoria Yuskaitis, IMS PhD student at the University of Leeds, delivered a talk titled 'An Anchoress at All Saint's, York?: Archaeological Remains of English Anchorites in Parish Churches' on 5 February 2019. Yuskaitis showcased archaeological contributions to the study of medieval anchorites, who were religious recluses enclosed for life in cells attached to churches. In particular, Yuskaitis highlighted archaeological examples from the Yorkshire area, and showed the importance of evaluating the archaeological evidence alongside medieval documentary and literary sources. 

The event was well-attended, and Yuskaitis described the audience as 'really enthusiastic - there were lots of great questions!' 

Yuskaitis had previously given a public talk on 28 August 2018 at the Shropshire Archives titled 'Anchorites in Shropshire: Archaeological and Archival Evidence', and she reflected on both talks: 'I enjoy speaking to non-specialist audiences...It's a way to give back to supportive local communities, and it's always so fantastic to see such keen interest in local heritage'. 

Yuskaitis will deliver another public talk at the Much Wenlock Civic Society on 18 June 2019.