An Evening with Janina Ramirez

Joan of Arc. Lady Godiva. Isabelle of Castile. 

Their names are well-known, and summaries of their achievements have been recited in classrooms for decades, but have they been misrepresented? Have their stories been twisted and weaponised?  

In this beautifully illustrated event, celebrated medievalist, broadcaster and Sunday Times bestselling author, Janina Ramirez makes her Storyhouse debut to take audiences on a thrilling journey into the lives of medieval women. Peeling back the layers of time, Janina explores how the identities of women have been co-opted by those intent on crafting national identities. Instead, she encourages audiences to question established narratives and search for the real women behind the legends.  

This is part of  a new series of events co-produced between Storyhouse and HistFest.  

About Janina Ramirez  

Professor Janina Ramirez is a lecturer in medieval history based at the University of Oxford. She has worked on a number of documentaries for the BBC, including the critically acclaimed ‘Raiders of the Lost Past’ series, ‘Saints & Sinners: Britain’s Millennium of Monasteries’, ‘Illuminations: The Private Lives of Medieval Kings’ and ‘Chivalry & Betrayal: The Hundred Years War’. She has published extensively, including monographs on The Private Lives of Saints, Julian of Norwich, Beowulf and the instant Sunday Times bestseller Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages. Her forthcoming book, Legenda: A New History of Nations Through the Medieval Women at the Heart of Them, will be released on 4 September 2025. 

About HistFest   

HistFest is a dynamic history events company that produces innovative digital and live content to global audiences – from festivals, lectures, film screenings and courses, to short films, podcasts and live performances.