Dr Eliot Benbow

Dr Eliot Benbow is a Research Associate at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) working on the project “Unlocking Upcycled Medieval Data: North Sea Networks, People, and Commodities in the London Customs Accounts 1380-1560.” His wider work has focused on medieval material culture, devotional culture, trade and migration and the links between England and the Low Countries in the 14th -17th centuries.

About the event

Great quantities of cheap toys, pilgrim souvenirs, badges, brooches, rings and other dress accessories were produced in 14th-15th century England and sold across society. A vibrant material culture that speaks to the experience of everyday life, devotional practice, play and recreation.

This lecture will discuss how these objects were made, sold and used with a particular eye on the connections between England and the Low Countries, which also saw a great quantity of similar goods being traded. Studying these objects and their contexts provides fascinating glimpses into everyday life and the lives of the people who made, sold and used these fascinating fragments of medieval culture.