Beyond the martial façade

Gender, Heritage and Medieval Castles

Bibliographic Data

ID5700748
AuthorsK Dempsey (0000-0001-9025-3535, Department of Archaeology, University of Reading, Reading, UK, corresponding author), Roberta Gilchrist (0000-0002-1967-2558, University of Reading), Jeremy Ashbee (0000-0003-4904-3522, Curatorial Historic Properties Team, English Heritage, London), Stefan Sagrott (0000-0002-8838-9190, Cultural Resources Team, Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh), Samantha Stone (0000-0001-7018-7569, Curatorial Historic Properties Team, English Heritage, Guilford)
Year2020
Volume26
Issue4
Pages352-369
Publication date2020-04-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Heritage Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1352-7258 • E-ISSN: 1470-3610
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13527258.2019.1636119
OpenAlexW2956091020
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited42

Gendered interpretations are rare both within castle-studies and heritage discourses on medieval castles. Yet, castles hold potential to inform multi-vocal accounts of the medieval past and to inspire meaningful heritage interpretations to achieve greater societal impact. This article explores the role that gender currently plays in interpretations of medieval castles in Britain, supported by three case-studies written by heritage professionals. The enduring narrative of militarism at medieval castles sites is discussed, together with issues of authenticity in relation to the historical record, which is in itself biased and inherently gendered. Outcomes from a collaborative workshop highlight the need to address interpretative issues where gender is considered to equate to ‘making women visible’. Finally, we pose the question: What makes a ‘good gendered interpretation’ at a public heritage site?Abbreviations: CDI: Calendar of Documents Relating to Ireland 1171-1307 AD, ed H.S. Sweetman. 5 vols (London, 1867-73); TNA: The National Archives Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom

Archaeology · Art · Cultural heritage · Literature · Militarism · Narrative · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Cultural Identity and Heritage · Gender Studies · History · Law · Religious Tourism and Spaces

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