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...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
Have you enjoyed this week’s episode? 🎧✨ Support the author, and me 📚❤️ by buying a copy of "Warrior Monks" by @rorymaclellan.bsky.social through the History Rage Bookshop!
📖 Buy the book: uk.bookshop.org/a/10...
🎧 Listen now : pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Knights #Hospitallers #Templars
📖 Buy the book: uk.bookshop.org/a/10...
🎧 Listen now : pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Knights #Hospitallers #Templars
January 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Have you enjoyed this week’s episode? 🎧✨ Support the author, and me 📚❤️ by buying a copy of "Warrior Monks" by @rorymaclellan.bsky.social through the History Rage Bookshop!
📖 Buy the book: uk.bookshop.org/a/10...
🎧 Listen now : pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Knights #Hospitallers #Templars
📖 Buy the book: uk.bookshop.org/a/10...
🎧 Listen now : pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Knights #Hospitallers #Templars
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
Listen to Robert Burns, "A Man's A Man For A' That"
#poetry #Scots #Scotland #BurnsNight
youtu.be/hudNoXsUj0o?...
#poetry #Scots #Scotland #BurnsNight
youtu.be/hudNoXsUj0o?...
A Man's A Man For A' That (Opening of Scottish Parliament) - Sheena Wellington
YouTube video by Bruce Davies
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Listen to Robert Burns, "A Man's A Man For A' That"
#poetry #Scots #Scotland #BurnsNight
youtu.be/hudNoXsUj0o?...
#poetry #Scots #Scotland #BurnsNight
youtu.be/hudNoXsUj0o?...
It was great speaking to @mattlewishistory.bsky.social about my book on the Knights Hospitaller in Britain and their part in everything from the earliest witch trials to the Wars of the Roses #medievalsky
shows.acast.com/gone-medieva...
shows.acast.com/gone-medieva...
The Hospitallers: Warrior Monks | Gone Medieval
shows.acast.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:29 PM
It was great speaking to @mattlewishistory.bsky.social about my book on the Knights Hospitaller in Britain and their part in everything from the earliest witch trials to the Wars of the Roses #medievalsky
shows.acast.com/gone-medieva...
shows.acast.com/gone-medieva...
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 NEW EPISODE🚨
Think you know medieval history? Think again! @rorymaclellan.bsky.social shines a light on the Knights Hospitaller, revealing how they outlasted the Templars and shaped politics for centuries.
🎧 Full episode 👉 pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Hospitallers #Medieval #Podcast
Think you know medieval history? Think again! @rorymaclellan.bsky.social shines a light on the Knights Hospitaller, revealing how they outlasted the Templars and shaped politics for centuries.
🎧 Full episode 👉 pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Hospitallers #Medieval #Podcast
January 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM
🚨 NEW EPISODE🚨
Think you know medieval history? Think again! @rorymaclellan.bsky.social shines a light on the Knights Hospitaller, revealing how they outlasted the Templars and shaped politics for centuries.
🎧 Full episode 👉 pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Hospitallers #Medieval #Podcast
Think you know medieval history? Think again! @rorymaclellan.bsky.social shines a light on the Knights Hospitaller, revealing how they outlasted the Templars and shaped politics for centuries.
🎧 Full episode 👉 pod.fo/e/37b7e4
#History #Hospitallers #Medieval #Podcast
Reposted by Dr Rory MacLellan
🚨 NEXT WEEK🚨
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. From military force to political powerbrokers, their story is wilder than you think.
#HistoryRage #KnightsHospitaller #MedievalHistory #Podcast
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. From military force to political powerbrokers, their story is wilder than you think.
#HistoryRage #KnightsHospitaller #MedievalHistory #Podcast
January 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM
🚨 NEXT WEEK🚨
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. From military force to political powerbrokers, their story is wilder than you think.
#HistoryRage #KnightsHospitaller #MedievalHistory #Podcast
Ready to ditch the Templars? ⚔️ @rorymaclellan.bsky.social argues the Knights Hospitaller were the true heroes of the medieval world. From military force to political powerbrokers, their story is wilder than you think.
#HistoryRage #KnightsHospitaller #MedievalHistory #Podcast
7 years since a new 'military order' took issue with my article on them. I think they missed my followup article talking about their hilarious novel which has electronic trebuchets, a green ghost sent by God to kill Pope Francis, and the author writing himself in as the heir to Charlemagne.
January 16, 2026 at 6:26 PM
7 years since a new 'military order' took issue with my article on them. I think they missed my followup article talking about their hilarious novel which has electronic trebuchets, a green ghost sent by God to kill Pope Francis, and the author writing himself in as the heir to Charlemagne.
The Iron Cross-like logo definitely feels like a crusader reference, probably to the Teutonic Knights, which is odd as the UK far-right hasn't engaged with them that much. Normally their past appropriation by the Nazis was a step too far.
New proposed Ukip logo compared to iron cross used by Nazi regime
New proposed Ukip logo compared to iron cross used by Nazi regime
Anti-racism campaign group Hope Not Hate warned that the logo was ‘echoing Nazi-style imagery’
A proposed new Ukip logo likened to the black military cross associated with the German empire and later the Nazis is being considered by electoral authorities.
A previous application by Ukip, which was once led by Nigel Farage, was rejected last November after the Electoral Commission deemed it as offensive. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:12 PM
The Iron Cross-like logo definitely feels like a crusader reference, probably to the Teutonic Knights, which is odd as the UK far-right hasn't engaged with them that much. Normally their past appropriation by the Nazis was a step too far.
Starring the Domesday Book's best names: Humphrey aurei testiculi (of the Golden-testicle) and Alfred Caddebelloc (Testicle-testicle)
the entire population of England in 1086 will return in... Avengers Domesday
January 13, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Starring the Domesday Book's best names: Humphrey aurei testiculi (of the Golden-testicle) and Alfred Caddebelloc (Testicle-testicle)
In the archives for my new postdoc on inclusive histories at Royal Holloway. Working on John and Magna Carta currently.
Found a charter of Stephen Langton that he rather passive aggressively dated as 'the second year after the end of the interdict' (which John caused by opposing Langton).
Found a charter of Stephen Langton that he rather passive aggressively dated as 'the second year after the end of the interdict' (which John caused by opposing Langton).
January 13, 2026 at 11:48 AM
In the archives for my new postdoc on inclusive histories at Royal Holloway. Working on John and Magna Carta currently.
Found a charter of Stephen Langton that he rather passive aggressively dated as 'the second year after the end of the interdict' (which John caused by opposing Langton).
Found a charter of Stephen Langton that he rather passive aggressively dated as 'the second year after the end of the interdict' (which John caused by opposing Langton).
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...