Female physicians of the middle ages

“Hands of Saint Dominic” by Albrecht Dürer, 1506; ...

In her latest novel, Sarah Dunant explores the life of Italian aristocrat Isabella d’Este, the archetypal Renaissance woman

The age of chivalry isn’t dead–the Knights Hospitaller has defended its faith and helped the sick and the poor for more than 1,000 years, discovers Holly Kirkwood

Isabella d’Este, Marchioness of Mantua, bargained, cajoled and went behind her family’s back to get what she desired. Meet 16th-century Italy’s most formidable collector

Climber, educator, trailblazer. Few people may have heard the name of Mabel Barker , but her resolve to live life on her own terms pushed the boundaries of climbing, in the Lake District and beyond.

Shortly after the queen rose on 10 June 1688, she felt a familiar swell of pain. “Send for the king!” she called, while her ladies helped her back into bed. Maria (Mary) of Modena was in labour. Soon