About Old English Masterclass
Join our introduction to Old English and encounter the language of the Anglo-Saxons. We’ll explore Old English in its cultural context and help you develop skills in analysing and drawing meaning from set texts through accessible exercises and close reading.
Over the weekend you’ll gain an understanding of the journey of the English language from Old English into Middle English and subsequently Modern English. We’ll explore the perils and pleasures of studying a dead language which only survives in a limited number of manuscripts.
We’ll study short sections of prose in Old English and, as our confidence grows, transition to verse – in particular short passages from the epic masterpiece Beowulf. Rather than attempting to learn tables of grammar, we’ll give you a sense of the grammar by using texts which have an attached glossary, allowing you to unpick the dynamics of an inflected language like Old English. You will appreciate the musical richness of the original, while also gaining a sense of its meaning.
This course is suitable for beginners.
A vegetarian lunch is provided on both days. Please let us know your dietary requirements as soon as you book your place by emailing adultlearning@bl.uk
More information
Dr Victoria Symons
Dr Victoria Symons is a medievalist specialising in Old English literature, medical practices and runic writing.
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She holds an honorary lectureship at University College London, having taught Old and Middle English language and literature for more than a decade at a variety of institutions. She is the author and editor of books including The Tale of Beowulf (2022), Runes and Roman Letters in Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts (2017) and Stasis in the Medieval West (2017). Her wider publications include numerous articles, chapters, translations and blogposts for both academic and general audiences, with notable ventures ranging from co-editing The Riddle Ages blog to working on a Beowulf-inspired videogame project. Although her first love will always be runes, her current research centres on childbirth and domestic remedies in both Old and Middle English contexts.
Dr Mary Wellesley
Dr Mary Wellesley is an Associate Member of the English Faculty at the University of Oxford.
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She has worked in the British Library’s department of Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Manuscripts and also held a Research Affiliateship at the Library. Her book, Hidden Hands: the Lives of Manuscripts and Their Makers was published in October 2021. It was chosen as one of the history books of the year by both The Times and BBC History Magazine. Mary is passionate about communicating medieval history to the widest possible audience. Alongside her academic work, she writes widely – her work has appeared in the Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The London Review of Books, The New York Review of Books and The Times Literary Supplement, amongst others. She is also the co-host of two podcast series made by the London Review of Books, ‘Encounters with Medieval Women’ and ‘Medieval Beginnings’. She spent 2017 developing the medieval section of the British Library’s Discovering Literature online resource, which showcases the Library’s medieval English literary collections.
Programme
Saturday
We’ll begin our weekend by looking at early Middle English, and in particular, the 13th-century Ancrene Wisse – an advisory text written for three sisters who were anchoresses: women who were walled up inside a cell to live a life of prayer and contemplation. Aside from its appeal as a historical document, the work will help you to think about spelling and inflection as a preparation for the Old English to come.
Later in the day we’ll move on to some simple sentences from an Old English translation of the Book of Genesis. We’ll also work with some sections from the Lives of the Saints by Ælfric of Eynsham (c.950– c.1010), who is often praised for his clear and crisp prose style that uses the rhythms and alliteration of verse, and poetic language. By the end of day one, you’ll have learned some of the basics of Old English grammar and be able to recognise the difference between the sentence structure of Old and Modern English.
Sunday
On day two our focus will be on Old English verse. We’ll begin the day with a translation exercise on the haunting Dream of the Rood. The morning will conclude with some work with runes, focusing on the famous Franks Casket and its runic inscription. After lunch, we’ll work with some of the enigmatic riddles from the Exeter Book. The Masterclass will conclude with some group translation work on the magisterial Beowulf.
Previous skills, knowledge or experience
None required. Our course is designed for anyone who wants to develop a basic awareness of Old English in its cultural and historical context.
Facilities and refreshments
On Saturday please gather outside the Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre, located on the lower ground floor of the Library, from 10.15. The course will begin promptly at 10.30. On Sunday participants should gather at Gate 5 on Midland Road from 10.15. You will be escorted into the building by a staff member at 10.25. Further instructions will be emailed to you ahead of the course.
Tea and coffee is provided on both days in the morning. A vegetarian sandwich lunch is provided on both days. Please email adultlearning@bl.uk to discuss your dietary requirements.
Accessibility
Please email adultlearning@bl.uk to discuss your accessibility requirements.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for Young Persons (16–25s) and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit. Press Book Now to see the full range of concessions for this event.
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