Tag: Courtly Romance

• Mythical Creatures: Medieval Unicorns in Europe

  

  Today we return to an old favourite series of mine, looking at the history of mythical creatures. In recent years, the unicorn has experienced a true revival, representing both LGBTQ+ communities and becoming a fan favourite of young children. But the unicorn was just as popular in medieval Europe, appearing countless times in artwork and…

  justhistoryposts

  July 17, 2025

  Mythical Creatures

  Chivalry, Christian History, Christianity, Courtly Romance, European History, history, Medieval Christianity, Medieval Europe, Medieval History, Mythical Creatures, mythology, Unicorn

• Victorian Romance: The Art of Cobweb Valentines

  

  Today is Valentine’s Day, a centuries-old holiday celebrating love, strangely on a day commemorating someone’s execution. From the late medieval period in Europe, when courtly love and chivalry were at their peak, it became popular to think of romantic love on this day. By the 18th century, the day had become a time for lovers…

  justhistoryposts

  February 14, 2023

  Seasonal

  British History, Courtly Romance, English History, European History, history, Love, Valentine, Valentine's Cards, Valentine’s Day, Victorian, Victorian Britain, Victorian England

• Medieval Dating Tips; or, How to Bag Yourself an Eligible Lord or Lady

  

  According to Andreas Capellanus, a late twelfth-century author, “Love is an inborn suffering proceeding from the sight and immoderate thought upon the beauty of the other sex”. This Valentine’s Day, whether you have a special someone or not, I’m sure that, like mine, your Facebook feed is probably full of engagements, gushing declarations of love,…

  justhistoryposts

  February 14, 2017

  Seasonal

  Chivalry, Courtly Romance, Dating, English History, history, Love, Marriage, Medieval Fashion, Medieval History, Valentine’s Day, Women