New Books Network Helen J. Nicholson, "Women and the Crusades" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Jan 6, 2026
Helen J. Nicholson, a Professor of Medieval History and author of Women and the Crusades, delves into women's essential roles in the crusade movement. She highlights regional variations in women's political power and the barriers they faced in participating. Nicholson shares captivating stories of influential women, such as Queen Blanche and Matilda of Canossa, who shaped crusading politics. She also discusses women's roles in caregiving, diplomacy, and even defending their homes during their husbands' absences, proving that women were crucial to crusading efforts.
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Women Are Present In Primary Crusade Sources
- Medieval sources routinely mention women on crusade even when modern secondary literature ignores them.
- Helen Nicholson argues careful reading shows women were present in many supporting and public roles.
Legal Norms Differ From Women's Practical Power
- Women's political power varied widely across Europe depending on local law and practice.
- Nicholson shows legal norms often differed from lived practice, so many women exercised authority despite restrictions.
Practical And Moral Barriers Limited Participation
- Contemporaries debated whether women should join crusades, citing moral and practical concerns.
- Practical barriers like cost, pregnancy, and menstrual restrictions limited many women's participation.
