Robert Bartlett: A Distinguished Career in Medieval History
Robert John Bartlett is a renowned English historian and medievalist—a scholar specializing in the Middle Ages. Throughout his career, he has bridged the gap between rigorous academic research and public history, bringing the complexities of the medieval world to both university lecture halls and global television audiences.
Currently serving as the Bishop Wardlaw Professor of Mediaeval History Emeritus at the University of St Andrews, Bartlett has dedicated his life to examining the cultural and political shifts that shaped early Europe.
Key Facts
- Born: November 27, 1950, in Streatham, England.
- Academic Role: Bishop Wardlaw Professor of Mediaeval History Emeritus at the University of St Andrews.
- Major Award: Winner of the Wolfson History Prize in 1993.
- Specializations: Medieval colonialism, the cult of saints, and England from the 11th to 14th centuries.
- Media Work: Writer and presenter for several BBC documentary series.
Academic Journey and Education
Bartlett's academic foundation began at Battersea Grammar School in London, which he attended from 1962 to 1969. He pursued higher education at some of the world's most prestigious institutions, studying at Peterhouse, Cambridge, and St John's College, Oxford. He also expanded his scholarly horizons in the United States as a Jane Eliza Procter Visiting Fellow at Princeton University.
Before settling at the University of St Andrews, Bartlett held research fellowships at the University of Michigan and the University of Göttingen. His professional trajectory also included positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Chicago.
Contributions to Medieval Scholarship
Bartlett is widely recognized for his expertise in medieval colonialism—the study of how medieval powers expanded their territories and imposed cultural changes on conquered populations. His most celebrated work, The Making of Europe: Conquest, Colonization and Cultural Change, 950-1350, earned him the prestigious Wolfson History Prize in 1993.
Beyond colonialism, his research delves into the cult of saints and the socio-political evolution of England between the 11th and 14th centuries. In 2007, his standing in the field was further highlighted when he delivered the Ford Lectures at the University of Oxford.
Public History and BBC Documentaries
Robert Bartlett has played a pivotal role in making medieval history accessible to the general public through his collaborations with the BBC. In 2008, he wrote and presented Inside The Medieval Mind, a four-part documentary series that explored the psychological and spiritual landscape of the era.
He continued his work in broadcasting with The Normans in 2010, a series detailing the expansive influence of the Normans across Britain, the Mediterranean, and the Holy Land. In 2014, he presented The Plantagenets, focusing on the influential royal dynasty that ruled England for over three centuries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Specializations | Medieval colonialism, cult of saints, 11th-14th century England |
| Key Publication | The Making of Europe: Conquest, Colonization and Cultural Change, 950-1350 |
| Major Award | Wolfson History Prize (1993) |
| Notable BBC Series | Inside The Medieval Mind, The Normans, The Plantagenets |
| Academic Affiliation | University of St Andrews (Emeritus Professor) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert Bartlett's primary area of historical expertise?
Robert Bartlett specializes in medieval history, with a particular focus on medieval colonialism, the cult of saints, and the history of England between the 11th and 14th centuries.
Which book won Robert Bartlett the Wolfson History Prize?
He won the Wolfson History Prize in 1993 for his work titled The Making of Europe: Conquest, Colonization and Cultural Change, 950-1350.
What BBC series has Robert Bartlett presented?
He has written and presented three major BBC series: Inside The Medieval Mind (2008), The Normans (2010), and The Plantagenets (2014).
Where did Robert Bartlett conduct his academic studies?
Bartlett studied at Peterhouse, Cambridge; St John's College, Oxford; and Princeton University, where he was a Jane Eliza Procter Visiting Fellow.
What is his current academic status?
He is the Bishop Wardlaw Professor of Mediaeval History Emeritus at the University of St Andrews.