I was back in St-Martin’s-in-the-Field last Tuesday for another interesting and inspiring conversation – this time with historian Professor Janina Ramirez, who is an absolutely delightful person too.
She’s a medievalist and across her three books The Private Lives of the Saints, Femina and Legenda, she explores the women who populated that world, some of whom you will definitely have heard of.
She’s also very funny, incredibly engaging and knows so many incredibly interesting things, I could have just sat there and listened to her talk for hours. It’s always so nice when someone really loves what they do and is so passionate about it. Her books are engaging and full of things I am delighted to now know. The medieval period is in itself a time of huge change, some of which still resonate today so it was certainly fascinating to listen to her talk about Joan of Arc, Lady Godiva, the Bayeux Tapestry (cannot wait to go and see it, 900 odd years old and still so much of it not fully interpreted) and other historical figures who have been misconstrued, misunderstood and their stories mis-told by generations of chroniclers and historians until the truth about them is almost lost.
The Conversation 2026 summer season has now ended and I really enjoyed all the sessions I attended, I got to listen to some truly incredible people talk about their lives, work and passions. Sign up to the St-Martin’s-in-the-Field newsletter to find out about the next season and book tickets when it’s been announced, you won’t be sorry. Promise.
ramblingmads 