A Window on Late Medieval England: The Paston Letters

The Paston letters – a rare collection of medieval correspondence - detail the lives of a 15th Century English family.  This rich resource will be used to explore the family in love, social mobility, and politics during the War of the Roses.

You will be introduced to the history of 15th Century England, to the context of the Paston family and their letters. Each class will use the letters as a basis for exploring the theme of that week, including the rise of the Paston family, their political ties, and the social context of family and love in medieval England.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.

You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Describe the Pastons’ role in local and national politics, including their involvement in the Wars of the Roses
• Use the Paston Letters as a starting point to gain a broader understanding of life in fifteenth-century England
• Reflect on the significance of late medieval social attitudes, including perceptions of gender
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Paston Letters as a source for medieval history

No prior knowledge is required, making this course accessible to all with an interest in history, especially of the medieval period.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services.

The course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.