Gone Medieval The Paston Letters with Helen Castor
Aug 15, 2025
Helen Castor, a historian and author known for her insights into medieval England, dives deep into the lives of the Paston family. She reveals their romantic entanglements and fierce struggles during the Wars of the Roses through their private letters. Castor shares tales of a strong matriarch, Margaret, and her sons facing political strife and defending their home amidst a siege. The discussion highlights themes of love, ambition, and the resilience of this unique family against the backdrop of historical turmoil.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Private Voices From The Middle Ages
- The Paston Letters are the earliest large collection of private English correspondence offering an inside view of 15th-century private life.
- They reveal personal thoughts and everyday concerns that formal public records and chronicles omit.
Letters Masked For Safety
- The letters reflect writing cautiousness during civil unrest, with correspondents altering names or tone if letters might be intercepted.
- This shows everyday people adapted language and identity for safety amid the Wars of the Roses.
Social Mobility Through Law
- The Pastons rose rapidly from peasant origins to landed gentry largely through legal careers and strategic marriage.
- Their story illustrates social mobility opportunities created by events like the Black Death and legal advancement.
