Stenton Lecture 2024

The Stenton Lecture is an annual event in the calendar of the Department of History, University of Reading by an eminent historian. It is held in honour of the department’s founders, Sir Frank and Lady Doris Stenton. The Stentons were medievalists and together they were responsible for building the reputation of the University of Reading as a centre for historical excellence. Sir Frank Merry Stenton (1880-1967) was Professor of Medieval History from 1912 to 1946 and Vice-Chancellor from 1946 to 1950. As Vice-Chancellor, he presided over the University's purchase of Whiteknights Park, creating the new campus that allowed for the expansion of the university in later decades. Lady Doris Stenton (1894-1971) was Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Reader in History at the University of Reading from 1920 to 1959. She made important contributions to the study of medieval charters and was instrumental in reviving the Pipe Roll Society.

This year’s lecture will be given by Professor Carole Rawcliffe (University of East Anglia) who will be presenting on ‘Great Stenches, Horrible Sights and Deadly Abominations: The Battle Against Plague in Later Medieval England’. 


For more information contact: r.j.salter@reading.ac.uk, Telephone number: 0118 378 7343