Swords, Cinema, and Stitching: My Reflections on IMC Leeds 2026

If you follow me on my socials, you will know I was posting more than usual last week and was not in my usual Scottish locale. Every July, the University of Leeds transforms into a bustling, vibrant hub for medievalists from across the globe. My first adventure at the International Medieval Congress (IMC) in 2026 was nothing short of exhilarating. Wearing two hats, both as a presenter and an eager attendee, I found myself fully immersed in the brilliant, sometimes beautifully chaotic world of medieval studies.

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Here are my highlights, takeaways, and a few confessions from my week at Leeds.

Through a Dark Lens: Recasting the Middle Ages

This year, I had the pleasure of presenting my paper, "Through a Dark Lens: How Hollywood Recast the Middle Ages."

My research dives into how modern cinema shapes and often distorts our collective imagination of the medieval era. I wanted to look beyond simple inaccuracies and examine the technological motivations of the notorious grey filter. I wanted to raise the question, should scholars and educators condemn such portrayals as distortions, or embrace them as entry points to inspire new generations into the world of medieval studies. I also wanted to reflect on what it says about our modern society that we insist on our medieval ancestors being covered in grime and grey.

My favourite slide showing the obvious blue/grey hue following 2010 cinema. Screen grabs from various Robin Hood films.

I'm happy to report that the presentation seems to have been well-received, and the resulting Q&A was a fantastic reminder of why IMC is so special. The audience brought excellent questions about modern memory, medievalism, and film theory that have already given me plenty of food for thought for my next draft.

Highlighting Alternative Paths

As much as I loved sharing my work, the panels I attended as an audience member were equally inspiring. The most memorable, by far, was a panel titled "Mass Media and the Medieval," presented by Yale University Press.

From Left to Right: Thomas Smith, Peter Konieczny, and Steve Tibble

The discussion focused heavily on alternative career paths outside traditional academia and the growing field of public history. It featured a stellar lineup:

• Peter Konieczny, the co-founder and owner of Medievalists.net (a site many of us visit daily!)

• Historian and author Dr. Steve Tibble

• Historian and author Dr. Thomas Smith

Hearing from professionals who have successfully carved out highly impactful careers in public history, digital media, and trade publishing was incredibly refreshing. The panel was a vital, honest discussion about how we can make medieval history accessible, engaging, and relevant to the wider world. (I also got to meet Dan Jones in another session which was also very cool)

Stitching History and Swinging Swords

Of course, the IMC isn't just about lecture halls. Some of my favourite moments happened when I got to roll up my sleeves.

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I had the chance to participate in the La Mora tapestry project, a massive collaborative effort based on the iconography of the Bayeux Tapestry. Contributing a few of my own stitches to this historical recreation was a meditative, deeply satisfying experience. To balance out the quiet stitching, I also attended a longsword combat workshop. There is nothing quite like starting your morning holding a sword and learning historical European martial arts techniques! The team from KDF (Kunst des Fechtens) International and the Royal Armouries Museum provided an AMAZING workshop where we learned real moves and drills based on research into historical treatises.

Fantastic Finds

No trip to IMC is complete without visiting the book exhibition, but this year was extra special: I actually spotted a book on the shelves that I am a part of! Seeing my own work (though it is a small contribution) out in the wild at one of the world's largest medieval book fairs was an unforgettable milestone.

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That being said, my wallet took a major hit at the Crafts Fair. The sheer talent of the artisans on display this year was remarkable. From medieval-inspired stationery to beautifully crafted historical replicas, I ended up spending far more than I planned, though I regret absolutely nothing! Also there were knights, on horseback. Need I say more?

Final Thoughts

IMC Leeds 2026 was a wonderful reminder of why we do this work. It’s a space where we can debate heavy academic theories, celebrate each other's publications, learn how to swing a sword, and spend too much money on handmade goods, all in the span of a single afternoon. To everyone who came to my talk, chatted over coffee, or shared a laugh, thank you for making this year so memorable. Until next time!