15/04/2026
We were transported back in time at our last meeting- to 14th Century England in fact! Angela Wolfenden’s presentation of the April programme centred around two major works of English Literature of the time , namely :
A)’Piers Plowman’ ( completed around 1370 ) by William Langland (1330-1386) was one of the first works to be written in the vernacular English rather than the Norman French used at Court at the time Piers Plowman is an enduring and significant piece of Middle English literature that provides insight into medieval theology and Christian doctrine. It reflects the state of the nation at the time and describes what went on in England in the 14th century. It also showcases Langland's literary skill and ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language. The verse form of the poem, the alliterative line/ metre and the circular structure are characteristics of the alliterative revival, a literary movement that originated in the northwest of England! Langland could have been Mancunian!!
B)Geoffrey Chaucer’s (1343-1400) landmark literary work: ‘The Canterbury Tales’ which are mostly in verse, written around 1387 again, in Middle English (which is presented as part of a fictional storytelling contest held by a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury in order to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.) is considered to be one of the paramount works in English literature.
Angela cleverly wove her presentation by alternating between the two works touching on various topics that they both had in common for example:
The English People as a ‘field of men’ and the group of pilgrims
Travelling and the effects of The Black Death on restricting movement
The duties of priests and exposing the venal nature of the clergy
The importance of storytelling tradition in that society to promulgate the passing on historical facts and cultural traditions
English pastimes such as hunting, sport and gambling
Angela also described the reigns of medieval kings of England which provided the backdrop of the society described in both these works from the time of
Edward I Edward II and Edward III which introduced the Age of Chivalry and touching on the the concept of Courtly Love.
We had a fairly good turnout and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the fascinating,well-researched and informative programme and thanked Angela for her presentation of a substantial subject in a very easy to digest form!!
