Sam holds a BA in History from the University of Oxford and an MA in History from the University of Birmingham. He specializes in medieval Europe.
Education
MA History — University of Birmingham
BA History — University of Oxford
Areas of Expertise
Top 10 Historical Sites in Worcestershire, England
While not usually listed among England’s tourism highlights, Worcestershire is a beautiful country peppered with fascinating historical sites.
How the Peasants Occupied London in 1381 and Why Their Rebellion Failed
The occupation of London by the rebels was the key event of the Peasants’ Revolt. How did they do it, and why was the government initially able to resist?
10 Most Dramatic Melodramas of the British Royal Family
It may seem that the British royal family has recently slid into soap opera-worthy melodrama, but the royal family has a long history of dramatic family conflict.
Why Did Robin Hood Become a Symbol of Medieval Resistance?
From at least the 14th century, Robin Hood has been a symbol of resistance. But where does his story come from, and how has it evolved over the centuries?
How Did the Mongol Empire’s Expansion Impact the West?
In the 13th century, the expansion of the Mongol Empire had a profound impact on Europe’s perception of itself and the wider world.
The Gregorian Reforms That Turned Europe Into a Persecuting Society
In the High Middle Ages, a new clerical class emerged who redefined what it meant to be Christian, and led the persecution of those defined as “other.”
Why Did People Keep Rebelling Against the Tudors?
The Tudor period is known as one of England’s most tumultuous, with multiple domestic rebellions. Why did people consistently rebel against the Tudors?
England’s Greatest Victory? The Battle of Stamford Bridge
The Battle of Stamford Bridge between the last Viking invaders and the Anglo-Saxons under Harold Godwinson is a lesser-known battle of 1066, but it helped decide England’s fate.
How the Battle of Hastings Ended Anglo-Saxon England
The Battle of Hastings is considered one of the most important turning points in English history, but what really happened during the fateful conflict?
How Henry VII Took the English Throne & Founded the Tudors
How did an obscure Welsh nobleman end a civil war and seize the English crown to become Henry VII and the founder of the Tudor dynasty?
Beyond Human: Supernatural Beings in Medieval England
In medieval England, the line between the natural and supernatural was not defined. The weird, wonderful, and unexplained were ever-present.
The Real Robin Hoods: Two Criminal Gangs in Medieval England
Was Robin Hood real or a figure of legend? We’ll never know for sure, but the myth may originate with two notorious criminal gangs.