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The very origin of England and its early medieval history were brought about by a constant (re)negotiation of borders – physical/geographical, cultural, linguistic, ethnic, religious – in a continuing process of exchange, interaction, and cross-pollination with communities across the British Isles, the North Sea, the Continent, and the wider world. Borders – whether physical or metaphorical – often proved fluid spaces rather than fixed boundaries, porous gateways rather than stalwart lines of demarcation. As such, their various dimensions and forms in early English contexts continue to inspire scholarly attention, while their impact may often be felt to the present day.

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr Matthew Firth (Research Fellow in medieval history, supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award, Flinders University, Australia) will deliver the Roberta Frank Lecture. Dr Firth specialises in the history of early medieval England and its reception, as well as in Icelandic saga literature.

• Prof. Elda Morlicchio (Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”) will be the keynote speaker representing the hosting country. Former chancellor of her university, Prof. Morlicchio is a historical linguist specialising in Langobardic, the elusive language of the Langobards who settled in the Udine area leaving unique testimonies of their civilisation. 

• Prof. Elizabeth Tyler (University of York, UK) will be the EMEN (Early Medieval England and Its Neighbours) keynote speaker. Prof. Tyler is professor of medieval literature, who specialises in English literature and culture from the 9th to the 12th century and its international contexts. 

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See the Call for Papers.

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Stay tuned for more about the conference and the pre-conference workshop!