Join us for an illustrated talk decoding curious 15th‑century Aldermen portraits and what they reveal about medieval London.

Among the documents on display in our Spotlight on Medieval London display are two 15th‑century Alderman portraits. To the modern eye, they may look somewhat curious, as they appear unfinished, contain unfamiliar heraldry, and depict the aldermen wearing unusual and impractical headwear.

In the medieval City of London, aldermen were senior civic officials; wealthy and influential men who represented the City’s wards, oversaw law and order, and played a central role in urban government.

This talk explores the wider world of medieval aldermen and the London they inhabited.

About the Speaker

Tom Furber is an Engagement and Learning Officer at The London Archives. He is a historical magpie who enjoys nothing more (in his professional life at least) than delving into the vast collections of The London Archives to bring out its trinkets and treasures to share with our visitors.

Tom is also a doctoral candidate at Royal Holloway, University of London, and a fellow of the London Centre for Public History. His research focuses on inclusive engagement practice in archive settings.

Please note this talk takes place in person only.

More information about The London Archives:

The London Archives is a free public archive focusing on the history of London, from 1067 to the present day. We preserve and share millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books which tell the story of the city.

You can find us in central London in Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon Station - see our Getting to The London Archives webpage.

Description supplied by the event organiser.