Paul Webster

I work in medieval history, especially kingship and royal religious expression in England and the so-called Angevin 'Empire' during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. I am particularly interested in the personal religion of King John, a ruler generally viewed as an irreligious tyrant, but who in fact realized that outward manifestations of faith were an important part of kingship, and in the cult of St Thomas Becket in medieval England and Europe.

I also co-ordinate the Exploring the Past Pathway to Degrees in History, Archaeology and Religion, a widening access pathway supporting mature students returning to study and planning to progress to degrees in History (ancient, medieval and modern), Archaeology and Religious Studies.