Gregynog Hall

Medieval Studies at Gregynog

Each year medieval historians from Lampeter (staff, undergraduates and postgraduates) join their colleagues from the other Welsh universities (Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor and Aberystwyth) for a colloquium at Gregynog Hall, the University of Wales conference centre near Newtown. There has been a house on the site of Gregynog from at least the late twelfth century, and the late medieval bards and poets wrote in praise of the lavish hospitality they received there. The current house, a fine nineteenth-century mansion set in rolling parkland, allows us a taste of gracious country living.

Gregynog Hall

The annual Staff-Student Colloquium on Medieval History was held at Gregynog Hall, the University of Wales Conference Centre, from 26 to 28 February 2007. The organization this year fell to colleagues at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and under the leadership of Dr Karen Stöber they produced an exciting programme on the theme of ‘Violence in the Middle Ages’. The visiting speaker was Professor Guy Halsall of the University of York, who raised the provocative question ‘Were early medieval people that violent?’. As usual other papers were delivered by members of staff from Aberystwyth, Bangor, Lampeter, Swansea and Cardiff, on topics ranging from violence against minorities, clerical violence, combat rituals, crusades, and ideas of the just war. It was generally agreed that the papers by members of staff from Lampeter (Janet Burton and Andrew Abram) had the most innovative titles: ‘Holy Smoke’: monasteries, violence and the struggle for power in the North of England, 1135–1154’, and ‘Loose Canons’: the Augustinians and problems of authority in the North West in the Twelfth Century’.

Student participants in the colloquium responded enthusiastically to the papers and to the discussion groups, which culminated in the student-led plenary session during which there was lively discussion and exchange of views.

Two of our students, Sam Hunt and Therron Welstead have this to say:

Lampeter staff and student participants February 2007

For an undergraduate Gregynog presents a unique opportunity to meet fellow students and members of staff from other universities. We feel that this is beneficial not only to our studies but also hones our personal and oral skills. This is especially noticeable in the discussion groups during the evening where mixing with other students is a perfect opportunity to enhance our presentational skills in a new environment, therefore equipping us with the confidence to speak in unfamiliar situations such as interviews for jobs or further education. Gregynog is also a good way to continue our studies in a new environment without the stress of assessed work.

Although Gregynog is primarily an academic experience the social side is also important. It is a chance to speak to your lecturers in an informal way over a drink, and to get to know your peers from the other Welsh universities. In addition Gregynog’s grounds provide a beautiful setting in which we feel we are able to garner a greater appreciation for history as a whole throughout the conference.

In 2008 the colloquium will be begin with afternoon tea on Monday 25 February and end after lunch on Wednesday 27 February. It will be organized by Lampeter and the theme – chosen by last year’s student participants – will be ‘Signs and Symbols in the Middle Ages’. Our guest speaker will be Dr Antonio Sennis of University College, London.

The colloquium offers a balance of academic and social activities. The organizers allow some free time for relaxation, or the opportunity to join an expedition to a local site of interest. This year a group explored Montgomery castle, just a short journey from Gregynog. The discussion held after papers are continued over a drink in the bar.

The grounds of Gregynog Hall: “The Hand”

For further information please contact:

Departmental Administrator
Department of History
University of Wales, Lampeter
Lampeter
Ceredigion SA48 7ED
Wales
UK

Tel: 01570 424872
Email: historyadministrator@lamp.ac.uk

Gregynog Hall

Medieval Studies at Gregynog

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