Part 1 - Here are some things I learned at the medieval women exhibition at the British library ⬇️ The medieval spelling for Joan of Arc was ‘Jehanne’. I saw a surviving signature of the teenager who lead French armies, put a king on a throne and then was exec***d for having a tad too much power (an over simplification - look into her story!) I also saw some of her court proceeding documents. A medical compendium compiled for St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. The chapter on gynaecology includes procedures for testing virginity, making a woman appear to be a virgin, and contraception. Several of the key words in the section on contraception were written in code, suggesting an attempt to control access to this information. - taken direct from British library Christine de Pizan (1430), often described as the first professional woman author in Europe, insisted in her writings on women’s moral and intellectual equality. In her Book of the City of Ladies, she recounted tales of exemplary historical, legendary and biblical women, building a metaphorical ‘city’ out of women’s achievements. - direct from the British library Maria Moriana (whose name is derived from the word ‘Moor’) was an immigrant and probably a woman of colour. Her petition records the resolute words of a woman deprived of her freedom. Imprisoned by her master after refusing to be sold, she presents herself as ‘your oratrice’ (female orator), describing her master’s behaviour as ‘unlawful’ and contrary to all right and conscience. - direct from British library Eleanor Rykener, a s*x worker, was born John Rykener but lived and presented as a woman. She was brought for questioning before the mayor’s court in London after being arrested for committing ‘that detestable, unmentionable, and ignominious vice’ (probably meaning so*omy). In the court proceedings, she describes her precarious existence at the margins of society, not only engaging in s*x work but also odd-jobbing as an embroideress and a barmaid. - direct from British library #History #historytok #britishlibrary #medieval - @byjacklynn