How Pagan Was Medieval Britain?

Did paganism survive all through the Middle Ages, as scholars once thought, remaining the religion of the common people, while the elite had embraced Christianity? Or did it die out earlier?

This lecture will consider a broad range of evidence, including figures in seasonal folk rites, carvings in churches, the records of trials for witchcraft and a continuing veneration of natural places such as wells. It will also compare ancient paganism and medieval Christianity as successive religious systems.

A lecture by Ronald Hutton recorded on 7 June 2023 at Barbican Centre, London

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:

[anthonyvictor]

It is ironic to see the hostility among some observers to Prof Hutton regarding his interpretation of historical evidence. From what I have read, he is personally sympathetic to paganism. But his task is not to evangelise for the tradition but to explore a historical question. Such an approach should be judged according to evidence not personal preferences. He gives an interpretation of evidence and should be judged by the standard of his research and not by what we might like or dislike.

[JOHN----DOE]

Lovely to hear an articulate, rational scholar going into granular primary sources instead of pushing some wish-fulfilling ideology. Please keep it up. Real scholarship is endangered.

[martinm.]

Even as a half German and half Hungarian guy (whose mother tongue is not English) is a joy to hear professor Hutton's beautiful and sophisticated English.Last but not at least his lectures are highly interesting !!! 👍 Greetings from Hungary🇭🇺

[sbentler]

I could listen to Prof.Hutton endlessly. What a treasure! Even his asides are crammed with knowledge you just won’t find anywhere else.

[melissarey]

Ooooo! A new one. So excited! I enjoy Ronald Hutton's presentations on these topics so much more than others out there. Thank you, Gresham, for posting and Ronald Hutton for another excellent lecture.

[jasonhatfield]

10 minutes in, and I already feel the urge to put on some Jethro Tull (Songs From the Wood; "jack o' the green") and some PJ Harvey ("sheela na gig"). Thanks for the new Ron video.

[SirVashtastic]

Perfect lecture for the summer Solstice ☀️

[authormichellefranklin]

Love Prof. Hutton. What a treat his classes are! Please have him on again! <3

[benjaminwalker]

Superb presentation, well marshalled facts, arguing for a conclusion that is probably disagreeable to many members of the audience. Hutton is a great scholar, and we're lucky to have him.

[seande]

Thank you Gresham College, and thank you Prof.Hutton for all you bring us, but most of all just being ; You . Brilliant !

[jrojala]

This talk was so enjoyable! I adore Prof. Hutton’s work and I love his style.
Sincerest thanks for sharing it with us here. This midwestern millennial has the opportunity to benefit from talks I wouldn’t normally have access to simply because cool people share them online! It’s one of the few benefits I have noted as a person of a certain age… haha

[llassahllassah]

What I like the most here is that the introduction to the lecture makes a point to acknowledge that there are beliefs and traditions which were misattributed to a pagan past but are still nonetheless important to people right now, so the misattribution has had an impact on how we now see the world. I cannot wait for a talk on Edwardian paganism, which was delightful!

[cookiessprite]

Yes! I love the Prof's lectures. Thanks for giving us another one.

[davidchurch]

Have you ever noticed how, if someone else were speaking so slowly, it would be either frustratingly annoying, or soporifically boring, but Prof Hutton's inflections make it draw you in to a deeper interest and understanding, as we have longer to understand the information and take it in. It is a marvellous skill.

[giuseppersa]

Always exceptional to see our favourite Prof gracing us ❤😊

[megamanusa]

That was a great lecture! My tuppence observation is that it's interesting that although the names of Germanic deities are preserved in the days of the week, and in the festival of Easter, and of course we still have Roman months, this wasn't enough to protect the deities from being abandoned.

[HLBear]

Thanks to Ronald Hutton and Gresham. I enjoy all of his lectures!

[barbararowley]

A Professor Hutton lecture is always a highlight! Fascinating and absorbing as always. Thank you!

[thishandleistacken]

Every time I see this man I cant help but smile :) Thank you professor and thank you Gresham.

[Mirrorgirl]

Fantastic, fascinating. Professor Hutton, as always, had me hanging on every word.