About Ashley Firth
Ashley is a Manchester-based medieval historian who earned her PhD from the University of Huddersfield. A former university lecturer, she is now a researcher and author writing for both an academic audience and for general readership. Her research interests include the Crusades, medieval kingship and queenship, gender, the Vikings, and the Normans, though she has a passion for all aspects of medieval history.
Education
PhD History
The University of Huddersfield, 2017
MA History
The University of Huddersfield, 2010
BA History
The University of Huddersfield, 2007
Areas of Expertise
About Ashley Firth
Ashley is a Manchester-based medieval historian who earned her PhD from the University of Huddersfield. A former university lecturer, she is now a researcher and author writing for both an academic audience and for general readership. Her research interests include the Crusades, medieval kingship and queenship, gender, the Vikings, and the Normans, though she has a passion for all aspects of medieval history.
Education
PhD History
The University of Huddersfield, 2017
MA History
The University of Huddersfield, 2010
BA History
The University of Huddersfield, 2007
Areas of Expertise
Edward I and the Crusade That Shaped a Ruthless King
Before his coronation King Edward I embarked on a perilous holy war. See how the Ninth Crusade transformed a young prince into a ruthless monarch.
The Royal Favorites Who Destroyed the Reign of Edward II
Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser wielded unprecedented power over King Edward II. Read how their unchecked ambition sparked rebellion and ruin.
The Younger Sons Who Unexpectedly Inherited the English Throne
Fate often placed the crown on the wrong head. Death removed older brothers and unexpectedly thrust younger medieval English sons onto the throne.
3 English Queens Who Went on Crusade and Reached the Holy Land
Eleanor of Aquitaine, Berengaria of Navarre, and Eleanor of Castile were English Queens who shaped politics at home and in the Holy Land.
Why Edward I Built Twelve Memorials to His Beloved Queen
The twelve Eleanor Crosses are symbols of grief and power. Explore how Edward I used them to solidify his dynastic rule after his wife’s death.
4 Medieval English Princes Who Never Reached the Throne
High mortality rates spared no royal family. Four medieval English heirs died before claiming the crown and radically altered the course of history.
5 Legendary Leaders of the First Crusade Ranked
Who was the greatest leader of the First Crusade? From Bohemond’s genius to Godfrey’s piety, see the 5 legendary princes ranked by their impact.
Servant of Christ or Ruthless Conqueror? Godfrey of Bouillon and His Legend
Was Godfrey of Bouillon a humble servant of Christ or a ruthless conqueror? Discover the myths and reality of Jerusalem’s first Crusader ruler.
The Miraculous Victory of the Leper King at the Battle of Montgisard
16-year-old Baldwin IV led a charge that shattered Saladin’s army. Here is the tactical miracle of the Battle of Montgisard.
The Rivalry Between Saladin and the Leper King Baldwin IV Defined the Crusades
Inside the high-stakes chess match between Saladin and Baldwin IV and the respect that defined a legendary rivalry.
Why the Kingdom of Jerusalem Fell Apart the Moment Baldwin IV Died
When the Leper King died at 24, Jerusalem’s shield vanished. Trace the political collapse that led to the fall of the city.
The Tragic Moment William of Tyre Discovered the Secret of the Leper King
A childhood play-fight revealed a tragic secret. Explore the moment William of Tyre discovered Baldwin IV leprosy in the royal court of Jerusalem.