Girton Medieval is a new interdisciplinary hub for teaching and learning within Medieval Studies. The first of its kind at any Cambridge college, this initiative will link Girton students and Fellows working on the Middle Ages across different Faculties and Departments, opening up new collaborative avenues for engagement with the Medieval World. Generously funded by the Girton New Initiatives Fund and coordinated by Rosamund Chambers Research Fellow, Dr Jake Stattel.
The College's early history includes many pioneering women advancing various medieval fields, and today Girton continues to be centre for academic excellence in Medieval Studies bolstered by a strong cohort of specialist Fellows. Major breakthroughs have resulted from collaboration between Girton medievalists across disciplinary lines, such as Dr Seb Falk (History of Science, Senior Admissions Tutor) and Dr James Wade (English, Vice-Mistress) making international news in 2025 by together forming a solution to a major puzzle within the work of Chaucer.
The goals of Girton Medieval are to:
• Connect Girton medievalists and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
• Communicate ongoing Girtonian excellence in medieval research
• Advance Girton as a leader in Medieval Studies education and a destination for applicants interested in the Middle Ages
Beginning in Michaelmas 2026, Girton Medieval will host academic events including College-based seminars and colloquia open to the University. There will also be support for student excursions to medieval sites, as well as a Girton Medieval Collaboration Fund which can provide funding for medieval projects among Girtonians.
See the Girton Medieval website for more information on Girton medievalists, the College's medieval legacies, and applying to Girton to study the Middle Ages.