Photo: bl.ukFocusing on Europe between 1100 and 1500, the British Library will introduce you to Medieval Women through their own words, testimonies and experiences, bringing to life their artistry, resourcefulness, courage and struggles through an extraordinary array of early books, paintings, manuscripts, coins, textiles and other objects.
While most of the medieval sources of this period were written by men, many of the testimonies that do survive reveal the important contribution that women made to everyday life, culture and politics through their management of households and convents.
While the best-known were Royals and aristocrats - able to use their positions to gain power in a male-dominated world - everyday women also contributed to the economy by carrying out important work as labourers, businesswomen and artisans. They even worked as authors - producing instruction manuals and popular works on poetry, prose and philosophy.
Photo: bl.ukReligion was another way for medieval women to gain a significant source of power. Many went on to became influential religious leaders by dedicating their lives to God, joining a convent, and becoming a nun. The intensity of their devotion is revealed through the words that have come down to us.
The exhibition also offers a glimpse into their family and domestic life, sharing some of the joys of friendship, motherhood and falling in love.
Photo: bl.ukMedieval Woman exhibition highlights
Highlights include The Book of the Queen by Christine de Pizan - Europe's first professional female author - and The Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich - the first English work that was definitely authored by a woman.
Photo: bl.ukYou can also see a 12th-century ivory cross once owned by the countess of Flanders during her Crusade to the Holy Land, and a 15th-century birthing girdle inscribed with prayers and charms to protect the mother during childbirth.
Also on display are silk textiles made in Spain, rare paintings from a medieval nunnery, and a recipe book from Southern Italy containing 12th-century recipes for hair dye remover, face creams and breath freshener.
