Broderick Haldane-Unwin

Research Topic

Captivity and liberation in the early medieval West, 400-1100

Supervisor: Julia Smith 

My doctoral research is centred on the taking of captives, the experience of captivity, and liberation from captivity in early medieval Europe. Using a range of sources and through a focus on the specific context of captive-taking events, I am exploring the mechanics of captive-taking and liberating practices across the period as well as the attitudes and beliefs underpinning them. Through this, I hope to provide insights into the social and economic significance of these activities and thus contribute to the lively scholarship of medieval unfreedom.

My wider research interests include the religious, economic and cultural history of western Europe in the early Middle Ages, with a particular emphasis on long-distance exchange and travel, cultural interaction and interchange, and the idea of trust.

Before coming to Oxford to pursue my DPhil in 2024, I completed both a BA (Hons) in History and an MPhil in Medieval History at the University of Cambridge (Emmanuel College).

My doctoral research is generously funded by the Wolfson Foundation.