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WELCOME AUGUST 2023

Discover what life was really like as a medieval woman in this month’s Essential Guide, which begins on page 27

The lives of ordinary medieval women have long been overlooked, with most individuals usually explored in terms of their relationships and interactions with men, as opposed to being deemed worthy historical subjects in their own right. But growing research into this field of history has been shedding new light on the roles played by women – both in and outside the home – across the Middle Ages. For this month’s Essential Guide, we’ve enlisted the help of expert Dr Eleanor Janega to reveal the bigger picture – from tales of crusaders and literary trailblazers, to fascinating discussions regarding work, religion and the perils of childbirth. Turn to page 27 to get started.

Elsewhere, we explore the centuries-old hunt for the Yeti, the elusive hominoid creature said to roam the Himalayas (page 58). We also investigate the remarkable story of the Chevalier d’Éon, the 18th-century soldier, diplomat and spy who chose to live as a woman at various points in his life (page 51); examine what might have happened had George Washington and his Continental Army not escaped after the battle of Long Island in August 1776 (page 64); and uncover some incredible facts about the history of beauty - from the Renaissance penchant for receding hairlines, to the Egyptian love of eye makeup (page 24).

Plus, if you’re struggling with the heat, check out our tips for staying cool the historical way in the next instalment of our new Life Hacks from History column (page 17).

See you next month!

Charlotte Hodgman Editor

THIS MONTH’S BIG NUMBERS

24 The average age of a lower-class medieval woman

when she got

married

2bn The estimated number of Chinese women who underwent

the painful process

of foot binding

< 230 The number of people killed during the Japanese raid on

Darwin, Australia, in February 1942

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