A display of rare medieval almanacs, known as ‘medieval smartphones’, will showcase their historical significance in Lambeth Palace Library starting on 14th February 2025. Entry is free, and various dates are set for public access, highlighting their role in medieval life.
A unique exhibition featuring rare medieval almanacs, dubbed ‘medieval smartphones’, will open next month in Lambeth Palace Library. These concertina-fold books, also known as girdlebooks, were designed to be portable and provided users with essential information for tracking time and organising their lives. The exhibition titled ‘Unfolding Time: The Medieval Pocket Calendar’ will showcase some of the fewer than 30 surviving examples of these intriguing objects for the first time.
Opening on 14th February 2025, the exhibition will be free to visit and operate from Monday to Friday, with extended hours on Thursdays and select Saturdays in March, April, and May. As a close-accessible location from Waterloo or Westminster tube stations, visits promise engaging, hands-on experiences supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, showcasing the craftsmanship and significance of these artifacts.
Medieval almanacs were compact, hand-held booklets that served as personal calendars and reference materials for tracking time and managing daily activities. Their design allowed for easy portability, making them practical for everyday use during the medieval period. The term ‘girdlebook’ reflects their ability to be hung from one’s belt. This upcoming exhibition aims to highlight the historical importance and intricate designs of these unique artefacts, which represent a fascinating aspect of medieval life.
The exhibition of medieval almanacs in London is a remarkable opportunity to explore historical objects that helped shape daily life in the Middle Ages. With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, visitors will gain insights into these scarce artefacts and appreciate their cultural significance. The event reaffirms the value of preserving history in accessible forms for the public.
Original Source: www.ianvisits.co.uk