Mythical Britain
is the home of
Michael Smith 
author, printmaker, translator and performer
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The excavations by T C Lethbridge at Wandlebury in the mid 1950s revealed a frieze of chalk figures unknown to history but which caused considerable controversy at the time. His book in defence of his arguments met with condemnation but his work continues to attract attention nearly 70 years later.

The church of St Mary the Virgin at Dodford in Northamptonshire has a rich collection of medieval effigies and monuments spanning three centuries. A visit is highly recommended.

Monumental brasses in English churches provide a fascinating insight into society, fashion and aesthetics. In this post we look at a variety of brasses from Essex, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire, dating from between 1350 and 1580.

Medieval graffiti provides a fascinating insight into life six centuries ago. Here, we look at six churches to learn about their secrets

A review of the British Library's recent and brilliant exhibition, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words. An exhibition well worth seeing!

Michael Smith reviews an astonishing graphic novel version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by John Reppion and Mark Penman.

An explanation of how the challenges in translating a fourteenth Middle English text into modern English are overcome.

Northsey Island near Maldon in Essex is the site of a famous battle between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons and celebrated in an epic poem.

Jim Leary's Footmarks uncovers how our ancestors were always on the move, leaving behind traces of an exposure to a much broader world.