How the Western Middle Ages Shaped Modern Perceptions of Disability

Hodie Mihi, Cras Tibi – Today Me, Tomorrow You

Medicine has, in many ways, always been part of the debate in defining what it is to be human. Is it unique amongst humans? Hardly. Numerous animals are shown to use particular elements of the natural world to heal and repair themselves. Some form symbiotic relationships with other species in order to do so. Medicine is – in some ways – a part not just of what it means to be human, but what it means to be living. Medicine has also always gone side-by-side with a much less easy to define topic – disability and chronic illness. So what can the study of disability in the past – moderated as it is through the archaeological record, the written record and the artistic record – tell us about disability in society today? My research suggests that some of the fundamental elements of modern attitudes towards disability are also found in the Middle Ages – it is the response and context which has changed, while the underling concepts have remained the same. As such, can studying disability in the past provide important insights into modern issues? In what ways do modern questions of disability rights and disability justice have their roots in the question of what society expects of the individual?

Accessibility at a Glance at the Paul Mellon Centre
✔ Hearing loop available (please contact [email protected])
✔ Level access to exhibition space. A portable ramp can be deployed to enable wheelchair access. Ring the bell on the right-hand railings outside the main door at number 16 if required. Please contact [email protected] if ramp is needed.
✔ Accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Image Caption: Arthurian Romances manuscript illustration, 1290-1300. Digital image courtesy of Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University (MS 229)

Code of Conduct

This code is designed to create a positive and welcoming environment at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. It applies to all events, meetings and visits, in-person and online. It also extends to the social medial and digital platforms we use for events and communication.

These are our guiding principles:

• We welcome debate and discussion, but this should always be considerate of others.
• Discriminatory or unlawful behaviour, harassment and defamatory comments will not be tolerated.
• We appreciate courtesy to our staff and other attendees – we value kindness, politeness and respect, and want to create spaces where people feel comfortable.
• We take reports of abuse very seriously.

Onsite: Individuals whose behaviour breaches this code will be asked to leave the building. The events manager or appointed host for the event or visit will take responsibility for making this decision.

Online: Abusive content posted online will be reported and removed.

Breaches of this code may result in the individual being blocked or barred from attending the Centre or participating in its activities, on site or online, in the future.

Any behaviour that breaches this code should be reported to a member of staff at an event or can be emailed to [email protected]

Our Code of Conduct is supported by the Centre’s Public Complaints Policy and Procedure.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Paul Mellon Centre, 16 Bedford Square, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App