Ben McRee

Ben McRee is a Professor of History with expertise in medieval and early modern European social and religious history. His research focuses on late-medieval England, particularly urban political culture and lay religious organizations like gilds. He teaches courses on medieval cities, the Black Death, and late-medieval spirituality.

Education:

• Ph.D., History, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1987
• M.A., History, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1981
• B.A., History, Pomona College, Claremont, 1979

Research Interests: McRee’s work explores the social dynamics of medieval urban communities, emphasizing gilds/fraternities in fifteenth-century England. He investigates how these organizations shaped civic order and religious practice, particularly in Norwich. His research highlights the interplay between religious devotion, political structures, and daily life in medieval Europe.

Publications Trends: His articles consistently examine medieval gilds through lenses of governance, ritual, and conflict resolution. Notable themes include the evolution of religious institutions during the Reformation, urban peacemaking practices, and the role of gender in medieval labor. Collaborations, such as with Trisha Dent, underscore interdisciplinary approaches to medieval social history.

Grants & Advising: McRee has advised at least one student (Trisha Dent). No specific grants are listed, but his sustained output suggests institutional or external support for his research.

Labs/Teams: No formal lab affiliations mentioned; research appears individually driven with occasional co-authors.