WINCHESTER is to host an international conference on gender in medieval times.

The complexities of gender and status will be explored during an inter-disciplinary summit at the University of Winchester from January 9 to 11.

Up to 100 scholars from more than ten countries are expected to attend the conference, hosted by the Centre for Gender Studies and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Academics will consider the impact gender had on authority, employment, servitude, sexuality and materiality.

Katherine Weikert, lecturer at the university, said: “I am proud that Winchester was chosen to host this. It reflects our reputation for excellence in medieval studies and our interest in gender studies.”

Barbara Yorke, Emeritus Professor in Early Medieval History at Winchester, will be the keynote speaker.

“With current issues such as the shortage of women holding public office, the differential pay of men and women and how far gendered childhoods affect adult aspirations, it is clear that issues of gender and status are as relevant today as they were 1,500 years ago,” she said.

The Gender and Medieval Studies Conference takes place at the King Alfred Campus on Sparkford Road.

For further information or to book your place, please visit www.winchester.ac.uk/events or email Katherine.Weikert@winchester.ac.uk