Although they’re often presented as a sort of living, breathing set decoration, the women at aristocratic courts in the Middle Ages served many different functions, from the practical to the ceremonial. Educated and influential, these women served as ambassadors not only of their gender, but often of their families, and places of origin, as well. So, what was it like to be a daily companion to the elites of the medieval world? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Caroline Dunn about the lives of ladies in waiting.

Caroline Dunn is Associate Professor at Clemson University, where her research focuses on women and gender in the Middle Ages. Her new book is Ladies-in-Waiting in Medieval England, published by Cambridge University Press.

The creator and host of The Medieval Podcast is Danièle Cybulskie. Click here to visit her website or follow her on BlueSky @5minmedievalist.bsky.social

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Top Image: British Library MS Add. 12228, fol.222v