Anlgo-Saxon and Medieval Studies
Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Studies focuses on theoretically informed research that crosses the conventional period boundaries between Old and Middle English and investigates relationships between the medieval and the contemporary. We have an international research profile in gender and sexuality studies, queer theory, cultural and critical theory, and the study of visual and verbal artefacts.
Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies
The research group works closely with the Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies (CLAMS), one of King’s Humanities Research Centres, which hosts an annual programme of speakers, workshops and one-day conferences. We are also active within Queer@King’s. A further resource for medievalists is provided by the strong cross- and inter-disciplinary ties with other disciplines within Medieval Studies at King’s such as French, History, Spanish and Portuguese.
Current Research Projects
Current research projects include one book on medieval paganity (Sarah Salih), another on medieval sodomy (Bob Mills), a third on perception and criticism in Old English literature (Clare Lees) and the edited Cambridge History of Earlier Medieval English Literature (Lees). Lees is also developing a longer-term research project on ways to bring the past creatively into the present: Extreme Pasts and Absolute Presents is funded by a grant from LCACE (London Centre for Arts and Cultural Enterprises).
The research cluster draws closely on the cultural and intellectual resources available to medievalists in London (pre-eminently the British Library and the British Museum), and participates in London’s many medieval seminars (such as the London Old and Middle English Research Seminar, sponsored by the Institute of English Studies).
Research Students
We currently have a lively and close-knit group of 14 research students, including joint registrations with the Departments of Classics, French and Theology. We welcome enquiries from potential students interested in research in all aspects of medieval literary cultures and in the contemporary languages of Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Studies. Co-supervisions can be arranged for interdisciplinary and cross-period projects.