24 May 2025: The world of medieval marginalia in East Anglian manuscripts Talk and Book Signing

Join author, Emma Rose Barber to find out more about these curious, quirky and colourful little images (marginalia) in the margins of parchment pages in Psalters, made in East Anglia in the early fourteenth century. They are mixed in with images of wayfarers - those who were often disabled, hungry and poor, those who travelled around by foot hoping to rely on the kindness of strangers to survive. The reasons for the portrayal of these figures is a mystery, but we can have fun guessing.. were they there to ward off evil spirits, to provide protection, or, as part of a shared kinship with the wider animal Kingdom? And were the wayfarers included to remind the owners of these luxuriously illustrated books of their Christian consciences? We will also learn about the de Warenne family - who had priories and castles in places such as Thetford who may have commissioned the manuscripts.

Following the publication of her book - Finding the Wayfarer: Physical, Poetic and Spiritual Survival (published on 15 May, 2025), this illustrated talk will be followed by a Q and A and a book signing by Emma Rose Barber.

Free, but advance booking is essential - book tickets online. (opens new window)

When: 24 May 2025, 3pm - 4pm

Where: Ancient House Museum, 21 White Hart Street, Thetford IP24 1AQ

Cost: Free 

Contact: Call 01842 752599 or go to the Ancient House Museum website. (opens new window)