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Bangor University's research into inscribed stones and stone sculpture in Wales c.AD400-1150 has impacted on the Welsh Government leading to the establishment of an `At Risk List' for early medieval stone monuments to aid better protection, changes in national records and changes in heritage management policies and practices. Publications in this field have also impacted on the cultural heritage of Wales through advice on monument interpretation to encourage wider audiences and tourism development, exhibitions and engagement with the media, benefitting audiences both in Wales and globally.
Direct cultural, historical, religious, creative and musical impact has been achieved through active participation of five distinct groups in a major practice-led research project (2009-2013): (i) 18 craftspeople and artists creating historically-informed artefacts; and (ii) clergy, (iii) singers, (iv) organists and (v) congregations participating in the enactment of medieval rituals (footfall over 2500). Impact over a longer period (2001-13) has been achieved through use of three reconstructed medieval organs in residencies (c.3-12 months) at cathedrals, churches and college chapels, with direct musical impact on early performance practice by choirs and organists. Wider indirect impact is ongoing through the main project websites.
This case study relates the impact of work on civic entertainments as important contributors to community cohesion and identity, to understandings of local heritage, and as generators of cultural tourism. Based on the research and outreach activities of Professor Pamela King, internationally acknowledged specialist on European civic processions and shows, medieval and modern, it outlines how she is engaged with civic communities in an advisory and informing capacity to bust myths and raise the level of public debate about the nature and potential of "medieval" festivals, as various agencies seek new or enhanced ways to generate income for the city and its institutions.
Professor Cooper's research on Shakespeare and Chaucer, and the links between them, has fed directly into the continuing professional development (CPD) she undertakes with secondary school teachers, raising their interest and changing their practice. The CPD is delivered through lectures and workshops supported through The Prince's Teaching Institute (PTI), an independent charity created by the Prince of Wales. Teachers have reported excellent outcomes as a result of Professor Cooper's research programme, most notably a renewed enthusiasm both for them and their students arising from their use of this rich course material in their teaching, and its introduction of new ways to engage students. Teachers also reported that as a result of undertaking Professor Cooper's courses the attainment of their students improved.
Decorative ironwork pervaded medieval England. In 1999 Jane Geddes published the first specialised study of the medium: Medieval Decorative Ironwork in England. Its findings generated impact when English Heritage decided to re-furnish Dover Castle in the fashion of its regal hey-day around 1180. All the iron elements in the furniture were based on the precise descriptions and dates available in Medieval Decorative Ironwork in England. Geddes helped train smiths and carpenters for the job. Visitor numbers and income increased when the project opened in 2009 and by 2010/11 had risen by 22 per cent and 48 per cent respectively. The launch of Dover Castle as an enhanced visitor attraction improved the tourist footfall in Dover town. In addition, two major TV programmes have expanded the cultural reach of this research.
This case study builds upon co-director Professor Howard Williams' expertise in archaeologies of memory and mortuary archaeology through the archaeological fieldwork of Project Eliseg (hereafter PE). This project has transformed academic and popular understandings of a unique and striking ancient monument by: (i) creating a network of strategically designed outreach activities engaging the public with archaeological fieldwork at early medieval stone monuments, (ii) disseminating the research to a range of audiences via traditional and new media, and (iii) instigated strategies for the heritage management and conservation of an internationally important heritage site.
Sites of medieval carved stones attract thousands of visitors per year to Scotland. Katherine Forsyth's research at Glasgow has led the redevelopment of some of the most important collections of stones open to the public, unlocking carvings never displayed before and transforming the visitor experience of these ancient cultural icons. Her research transformed Historic Scotland's current policy on the management of carved stones, which applies to around 1,800 monuments and has redesigned the visitor experience at Iona Abbey, which attracts 50,000 visitors per year.
This project has contributed to Welsh culture by increasing appreciation of the poetry of one of the finest exponents of the bardic tradition, by using that poetry to promote understanding of the literature and history of medieval Wales, and by collaborating with other organisations to further their promotion of Wales's cultural heritage. Impact has been achieved by innovative use of digital technology and by dissemination focusing on significant sites and artefacts featured in the poetry.
Eamon Duffy has made a major contribution to the rediscovery of the lived experience of traditional religion in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, enabling a re-assessment of the role of Catholicism during the English Reformation. His work has impacted on:
(i) Public discourse. Duffy's research is debated in circles well beyond higher education institutions, as is evidenced by the wide variety of publications in which his books are reviewed, the BBC's frequent use of his expertise in debate, and the numerous and well attended public talks he has given;
(ii) Cultural life. Duffy's work has influenced TV documentaries, museum exhibitions, RSC productions and other aspects of cultural life;
(iii) Education. Duffy's work has influenced the teaching of history both within the UK and internationally.
This case study is based on the pilot phase of the Corpus of Scottish Medieval Parish Churches project, which provides a detailed assessment of the medieval fabric of 105 of the c.1,136 parish churches of pre-Reformation foundation in Scotland. Carried out in 2008-09 with funding from AHRC, it focused on the dioceses of Dunkeld and Dunblane. The Corpus has been invaluable in broadening knowledge of the buildings, and hence informing the decision-making processes of a wide range of bodies and individuals involved in preserving Scotland's medieval architecture. These include, amongst others: the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland and Historic Scotland; national and local societies from the Royal Archaeological Institute to the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust; and professionals called to work on the buildings.