Dr Rory MacLellan
@rorymaclellan.bsky.social
Historian of the Hospitallers, Templars, crusades, and Jews in medieval England.
rorymaclellan.com
rorymaclellan.com
Pinned
Publication day! My book on the Knights Hospitaller, 'Warrior Monks: Politics and Power in Medieval Britain' is now out. Available in all good and evil bookshops: www.amazon.co.uk/Warrior-Monk...
One of the key figures in the Department of Manuscripts' history. Can't imagine he'd be pleased to know that the BL today has a room named after his nemesis Panizzi but not after him.
The life of Frederic Madden, in his words, 200 years after the events described. Transcribed from his journal by students @ies-sas.bsky.social. Released daily in 2026.👇
madden1826.com
madden1826.com
Madden1826
Frederic Madden's Journal, 1826
madden1826.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:04 PM
One of the key figures in the Department of Manuscripts' history. Can't imagine he'd be pleased to know that the BL today has a room named after his nemesis Panizzi but not after him.
The tomb of Bernat Despuig (d. 1537), 12th master of the Knights of Montessa. Now in the Església del Templo in València.
January 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM
The tomb of Bernat Despuig (d. 1537), 12th master of the Knights of Montessa. Now in the Església del Templo in València.
Taxidermied head of the owner's pet dog in a box at the entrance to the archive.
I think we need a mega thread of everyone's craziest archive stories.
December 22, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Taxidermied head of the owner's pet dog in a box at the entrance to the archive.
In the old Department of Manuscripts archive there's a moving set of letters from the father of one of the men here, A. C. Stewart, recounting his death in battle in April 1918, just a few months after he wrote to his colleagues to say he was sure the war would be over soon.
December 14, 2025 at 10:16 AM
In the old Department of Manuscripts archive there's a moving set of letters from the father of one of the men here, A. C. Stewart, recounting his death in battle in April 1918, just a few months after he wrote to his colleagues to say he was sure the war would be over soon.
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
British Library staff asked for a decent pay. Instead they got ‘a few money-saving present ideas’, such as ‘consider not giving presents this holiday season’. They are on strike this week. I wrote about it for @lrb.co.uk. www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/de...
Anna Aslanyan | On the Picket Line
On Monday morning, more than a hundred people formed a picket line outside one of the entrances to the British Library...
www.lrb.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
British Library staff asked for a decent pay. Instead they got ‘a few money-saving present ideas’, such as ‘consider not giving presents this holiday season’. They are on strike this week. I wrote about it for @lrb.co.uk. www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/de...
There is an AI Christmas mural in Kingston filled with horrors to rival Bosch or Dr Moreau. The chicken-dog is my favourite.
November 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
There is an AI Christmas mural in Kingston filled with horrors to rival Bosch or Dr Moreau. The chicken-dog is my favourite.
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
Does Britain value culture any more? Ask the striking workers at the British Library
(edited transcript of a speech given on the picket line outside the British Library on Friday 7th November)
Zadie Smith’s script should be archived @britishlibrary.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
(edited transcript of a speech given on the picket line outside the British Library on Friday 7th November)
Zadie Smith’s script should be archived @britishlibrary.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
November 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Does Britain value culture any more? Ask the striking workers at the British Library
(edited transcript of a speech given on the picket line outside the British Library on Friday 7th November)
Zadie Smith’s script should be archived @britishlibrary.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
(edited transcript of a speech given on the picket line outside the British Library on Friday 7th November)
Zadie Smith’s script should be archived @britishlibrary.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
Check out the first episode of Talking Templars with Steve Tibble and Tony McMahon www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGhC... #medieval #medievalsky
Assassins versus Templars - Talking Templars, Episode 1
The Assassins and the Knights Templar have become two of the most iconic groups of fighters from the period of the Crusades. In recent times, they have been popularised through the video game and…
www.youtube.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Check out the first episode of Talking Templars with Steve Tibble and Tony McMahon www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGhC... #medieval #medievalsky
Wish I had a photo of the graffiti in my old PhD office of St Hippo of Augustine, a hippo in a mitre
November 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Wish I had a photo of the graffiti in my old PhD office of St Hippo of Augustine, a hippo in a mitre
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 NEXT WEEK🚨
Discover the hidden truths behind one of the most iconic images in Christian art! Join us as historian @drfaithtibble.bsky.social reveals the real story of the crown of thorns, its cultural significance, and how history shapes our understanding of art.
Discover the hidden truths behind one of the most iconic images in Christian art! Join us as historian @drfaithtibble.bsky.social reveals the real story of the crown of thorns, its cultural significance, and how history shapes our understanding of art.
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🚨 NEXT WEEK🚨
Discover the hidden truths behind one of the most iconic images in Christian art! Join us as historian @drfaithtibble.bsky.social reveals the real story of the crown of thorns, its cultural significance, and how history shapes our understanding of art.
Discover the hidden truths behind one of the most iconic images in Christian art! Join us as historian @drfaithtibble.bsky.social reveals the real story of the crown of thorns, its cultural significance, and how history shapes our understanding of art.
Medieval institutions were not nearly as powerful as people today imagine. The extremes discussed in this thread are much more modern threats, ones made possible by modern technology.
November 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Medieval institutions were not nearly as powerful as people today imagine. The extremes discussed in this thread are much more modern threats, ones made possible by modern technology.
The weirdest bit from my latest conference paper on Nick Griffin's band of Knights Templar cosplayers was the group's ruling on the correct pronunciation of 'Outremer', shifting from an 'Allo 'Allo reference to full on blut und boden.
October 31, 2025 at 12:57 PM
The weirdest bit from my latest conference paper on Nick Griffin's band of Knights Templar cosplayers was the group's ruling on the correct pronunciation of 'Outremer', shifting from an 'Allo 'Allo reference to full on blut und boden.
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
"You encounter a strange, cult-like group that lives in almost total isolation from the outside world. They jealously guard their arcane knowledge and practice some exceedingly cruel rituals."
Critically Acclaimed Horror Film of the 2010s or Your PhD Program?
1. You encounter a strange, cult-like group that lives in almost total isolation from the outside world. They jealously guard their arcane knowledg...
buff.ly
October 27, 2025 at 1:29 AM
"You encounter a strange, cult-like group that lives in almost total isolation from the outside world. They jealously guard their arcane knowledge and practice some exceedingly cruel rituals."
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 PATREON & APPLE! 🚨 Think you know the Knights Hospitaller? 🤔 They're more than just Crusades warriors! @rorymaclellan.bsky.social explains how these warrior monks evolved far beyond their original purpose, becoming a force of incredible influence.
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
October 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨 PATREON & APPLE! 🚨 Think you know the Knights Hospitaller? 🤔 They're more than just Crusades warriors! @rorymaclellan.bsky.social explains how these warrior monks evolved far beyond their original purpose, becoming a force of incredible influence.
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 PATREON & APPLE! 🚨 The Knights Hospitaller were more than just Crusader warriors—they were master politicians entangled in civil wars and assassination plots! 👑 Historian @rorymaclellan.bsky.social reveals their shocking political history
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
October 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨 PATREON & APPLE! 🚨 The Knights Hospitaller were more than just Crusader warriors—they were master politicians entangled in civil wars and assassination plots! 👑 Historian @rorymaclellan.bsky.social reveals their shocking political history
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
British Library workers are sick of poor pay, overwork, and feeling the fallout of a cyber-attack which left them vulnerable to identity theft and blackmail. Now, they are going on strike for a fortnight.
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/from...
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/from...
From National Treasure to National Scandal
British Library workers are sick of poor pay, overwork, and feeling the fallout of a cyber-attack which left them vulnerable to identity theft and blackmail. Now, they are going on strike for a fortni...
tribunemag.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 3:07 PM
British Library workers are sick of poor pay, overwork, and feeling the fallout of a cyber-attack which left them vulnerable to identity theft and blackmail. Now, they are going on strike for a fortnight.
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/from...
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/from...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 NEW for subscribers!
Forget the Templars myth—learn the real story of the enduring Knights Hospitaller with @rorymaclellan.bsky.social ⚔️ These warrior monks lasted almost 600 years!
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Forget the Templars myth—learn the real story of the enduring Knights Hospitaller with @rorymaclellan.bsky.social ⚔️ These warrior monks lasted almost 600 years!
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
October 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨 NEW for subscribers!
Forget the Templars myth—learn the real story of the enduring Knights Hospitaller with @rorymaclellan.bsky.social ⚔️ These warrior monks lasted almost 600 years!
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Forget the Templars myth—learn the real story of the enduring Knights Hospitaller with @rorymaclellan.bsky.social ⚔️ These warrior monks lasted almost 600 years!
Listen now 🎧 www.patreon.com/post...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 TOMORROW FOR SUBSCRIBERS🚨
The Knights Hospitaller were more than just crusaders! They were a military force, a financial powerhouse, and masters of political intrigue. 👑 @rorymaclellan.bsky.social exposes the real story.
Subscribe: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
The Knights Hospitaller were more than just crusaders! They were a military force, a financial powerhouse, and masters of political intrigue. 👑 @rorymaclellan.bsky.social exposes the real story.
Subscribe: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
October 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
🚨 TOMORROW FOR SUBSCRIBERS🚨
The Knights Hospitaller were more than just crusaders! They were a military force, a financial powerhouse, and masters of political intrigue. 👑 @rorymaclellan.bsky.social exposes the real story.
Subscribe: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
The Knights Hospitaller were more than just crusaders! They were a military force, a financial powerhouse, and masters of political intrigue. 👑 @rorymaclellan.bsky.social exposes the real story.
Subscribe: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨NEXT WEEK FOR SUBSCRIBERS🚨
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. Their story is wilder than you think
Get this early release at: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
#Medieval
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. Their story is wilder than you think
Get this early release at: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
#Medieval
October 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
🚨NEXT WEEK FOR SUBSCRIBERS🚨
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. Their story is wilder than you think
Get this early release at: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
#Medieval
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. Their story is wilder than you think
Get this early release at: www.patreon.com/historyrage
Or join on Apple subscriptions
#Medieval
Worked as the historical advisor on this and the rest of the St Wilfrid's project. Was great to see the CGI recreation of the village as it looked like when the Hospitallers were there
Had the pleasure of seeing this incredible digital reconstruction of medieval Barrow-upon-Trent at a heritage event this weekend. It's kinda mesmerising. Love this level of detail. Grab a cuppa and give it a watch!
#derbyshire #archaeology #medieval 🏺
Copyright 2023 Friends of St Wilfrid's.
#derbyshire #archaeology #medieval 🏺
Copyright 2023 Friends of St Wilfrid's.
Medieval Barrow upon Trent c1300 CE
YouTube video by albino igil
youtu.be
October 23, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Worked as the historical advisor on this and the rest of the St Wilfrid's project. Was great to see the CGI recreation of the village as it looked like when the Hospitallers were there
Charter of John Balliol 'heir of the kingdom of Scotland' granting manors in northern England to the warlike bishop of Durham Antony Bek, 15 November 1290. LFC Ch XXX 7. #medievalsky
October 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Charter of John Balliol 'heir of the kingdom of Scotland' granting manors in northern England to the warlike bishop of Durham Antony Bek, 15 November 1290. LFC Ch XXX 7. #medievalsky
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
My forthcoming book "The Crusader Storm" (scheduled for publication in June 2026) has been selected for a 25% pre-order discount on the Waterstones website/app.
If you're interested enter OCTOBER25 at the checkout
Offer ends 17 October
www.waterstones.com/book/the-cru...
If you're interested enter OCTOBER25 at the checkout
Offer ends 17 October
www.waterstones.com/book/the-cru...
The Crusader Storm by Nicholas Morton | Waterstones
Buy The Crusader Storm by Nicholas Morton from Waterstones today! Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over £25.
www.waterstones.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM
My forthcoming book "The Crusader Storm" (scheduled for publication in June 2026) has been selected for a 25% pre-order discount on the Waterstones website/app.
If you're interested enter OCTOBER25 at the checkout
Offer ends 17 October
www.waterstones.com/book/the-cru...
If you're interested enter OCTOBER25 at the checkout
Offer ends 17 October
www.waterstones.com/book/the-cru...
On 24th November I'll be giving a free talk in central London on the English Hospitallers in the countryside and all the feuds and fights they got into. #medievalsky
www.orderofmalta.co.uk/events/chapt...
www.orderofmalta.co.uk/events/chapt...
Chapter Room Talk: "Crusading on the Home Front: The English Hospitallers in the Countryside" — Grand Priory of England
The next in our series of Chapter Room Talks will be given by Dr Rory MacLellan on the topic “Crusading on the Home Front: The English Hospitallers in the Countryside”. Dr MacLellan is a Cataloguer an...
www.orderofmalta.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 12:50 PM
On 24th November I'll be giving a free talk in central London on the English Hospitallers in the countryside and all the feuds and fights they got into. #medievalsky
www.orderofmalta.co.uk/events/chapt...
www.orderofmalta.co.uk/events/chapt...
...are you sure, Google?
October 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
...are you sure, Google?
Had a great time speaking at the Museum of the Order of St John last night about the Templars and Hospitallers and then signing some copies of my book on the Hospitallers, 'Warrior Monks', afterwards.
October 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Had a great time speaking at the Museum of the Order of St John last night about the Templars and Hospitallers and then signing some copies of my book on the Hospitallers, 'Warrior Monks', afterwards.