Medieval HistorianAbout
Meredith Guthrie
Medieval historian specialising in political culture, minority kingship, and public scholarship.
Research
Meredith’s research draws together intellectual, political, and ecclesiastical history to examine royal power and authority in late-medieval England. Her doctoral work at Lancaster University centres on the minority government of Richard II (r. 1377–1399), asking how the political community administered the realm on behalf of a child king while preserving the inalienable prerogatives of the royal office.
Her continuing research examines the protectorate government of Henry VI as a parallel case study, alongside current work on episcopal education, the custodial practices of Edward III, and Richard’s personal role in government during his minority years.
Public scholarship
Meredith is committed to making medieval history accessible beyond the academy. She was the Founding Coordinating Editor and Medieval Specialist of EPOCH History Magazine, a postgraduate-led publication connecting emerging historians with wider audiences. She also co-launched the War & Diplomacy Podcast Series through Lancaster’s Centre for War and Diplomacy.
Her public-facing work explores what medieval history reveals about modern institutions, governance, and the long life of ideas — through writing, lectures, podcast appearances, and editorial collaborations.
Education
Meredith holds a PhD and MA from Lancaster University. Her doctoral research examined the minority government of Richard II, the mechanisms of governance during the king’s youth, and the nature of shared power between Crown and political community in late-medieval England.