Medieval Relics: What Did They Do and What Did They Want?

Start date: 26 September 2026
Day: Saturday
Course length: 1 Day Course
Time: 10:00 to 13:30
Folk House

Course code: SA02

Full fee: £42.00 | Over 65s: £37.80 | Benefit: £33.60

Tutor: Dr Maeve Marta O Donnell


Courses description

Medieval Relics: What did they do and what did they want?: Ever wondered why medieval people wrapped pieces of teeth, hair, bones and even dirt in silk and gold?

Learn about medieval relics from an expert on the subject: what were they capable of doing; how did they fit --- or not fit --- into their medieval reliquaries; and what was the function of all the gold and gems placed around them? In this workshop, we will cover the function and history of saints, the meaning of the different materials used to commemorate relics, the various ways they were accessed and celebrated, and how relics created sacred, natural and built environments around them.

This workshop will encompass two hours of history and analysis by covering many amazing medieval examples of tombs, heads, feet, arms and more. A third hour will be reserved for discussion and for students to share their own experiences, interests or creative projects. The course is designed for students with all different backgrounds and interests and no prior art history training is expected or required; just an eagerness to learn and share knowledge openly.

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