History That’s Raw, Real, and Riveting
TalesOfTheMiddleAges dives into the gritty realities and untold stories of the medieval world. This isn’t a polished version of history but an unfiltered look at the battles, betrayals, and traditions that shaped an era.
From the chaos of sieges to the politics of royal courts, every piece is packed with details that bring the Middle Ages into sharp focus. Whether you’re here for obscure facts, forgotten figures, or a fresh perspective, this is the place for history without the gloss.
Featured Articles
During some research I was doing recently, I read a letter written by a woman in the 12th century, in which she instructed the schoolmaster looking after her young son...Read More
Imagine the job interview. You're a young, well-bred Tudor gentleman with decent prospects, and someone tells you there's a position opening up at court. Excellent pay, daily access to the...Read More
There's a small ruined chapel I used to drive past on a back road in southwest France, sitting on its own in a field a little outside a village. No...Read More
Imagine being asked to hand over a quarter of everything you own because a king you've never laid eyes on got himself captured on the way home from a war...Read More
When most people picture a medieval pope, they picture an old man in white, blessing crowds from a balcony. The reality, for several stretches of the Middle Ages, was closer...Read More
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Why Noble Children in the Middle Ages Were Sent Away From Home at the Shockingly Young Age of 7 Years Old
During some research I was doing recently, I read a letter written by a woman in the 12th century, in which she instructed the schoolmaster looking after her young son...
Read More
What Life Was Really Like as the Groom of the Stool, the Most Intimate Job at the Tudor Court
Imagine the job interview. You're a young, well-bred Tudor gentleman with decent prospects, and someone tells you there's a position opening up at court. Excellent pay, daily access to the...
Read More
How the Medieval World Disposed of Its Lepers With Living Funerals and Lazar Houses
There's a small ruined chapel I used to drive past on a back road in southwest France, sitting on its own in a field a little outside a village. No...
Read More
How Eleanor of Aquitaine Managed the Ransom That Bankrupted Medieval England and What Happened to Richard I
Imagine being asked to hand over a quarter of everything you own because a king you've never laid eyes on got himself captured on the way home from a war...
Read More
The Medieval Papacy’s Dirtiest Secrets: Murder, Mistresses, and the Men Who Made the Borgias Look Tame
When most people picture a medieval pope, they picture an old man in white, blessing crowds from a balcony. The reality, for several stretches of the Middle Ages, was closer...
Read More
7 Everyday Sayings That Came Straight Out of Medieval Taverns and Gambling Dens from Dice Games to Back-Room Brawls
Walk into any medieval tavern, and you'd find the air thick with woodsmoke, sour ale, and the slap of dice on a battered table. Men shouted, coins changed hands, knives...
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Kylie Lang: Chronicler of Medieval Realities
Hi, I’m Kylie Lang. I’ve been fascinated by the Middle Ages for as long as I can remember. Based in France and living on the grounds of an old 13th-century estate, I spend my days visiting medieval castles, wandering ancient villages, and researching the real stories behind history’s most infamous figures.
I’m passionate about making history accessible and captivating. My writing goes beyond dry facts—I focus on the drama, the battles, and the bizarre customs that made the Middle Ages unforgettable. Whether I’m unpacking the brutal realities of medieval warfare or shedding light on the strange beauty rituals of the time, I strive to make history relatable, engaging, and impossible to put down.
If you’ve ever wondered what life was really like in a medieval castle or debated whether Henry VIII deserves his infamous reputation, I’m here to dig into the details and share the messy, fascinating truth.