Brendan G C Smith

Brendan G C Smith is a Professor of Medieval History at the University of Bristol's Department of History (Historical Studies), specializing in the British Isles from the 12th to 15th centuries with particular expertise in Ireland. He maintains office G58 at 13 Woodland Rd and holds weekly consultation hours. His work focuses on making medieval sources accessible and includes collaborations with the university's Centre for Medieval Studies.

Research Focus

Professor Smith's research explores:

• The political economy of late medieval Ireland including exchequer systems and urban governance
• Socioeconomic impacts of the Black Death on Irish communities
• Ecclesiastical power structures in church-state relations
• Anglo-Irish aristocratic networks through the earldom of Kildare
• Medieval migration patterns and borderland dynamics

Publications Overview

His scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on Ireland's medieval political economy, colonial societies, and cross-cultural interactions. Recent works examine border formation processes and comparative survival strategies during crises. Publications frequently employ archival analysis to reconstruct administrative systems and economic networks.

Academic Projects

Key research initiatives include:

• Digital Humanities meets Medieval Financial Records (2020): Digitizing Irish Exchequer receipt rolls
• England and Ireland 1170-1485: Document guide for PRO records (2002-2004)
• Critical edition of Archbishop Nicholas Fleming's register (2002)

Teaching and Mentorship

He integrates research into undergraduate teaching on medieval England and supervises graduate work on Anglo-Irish relations. Bristol's maritime history provides contextual framework for exploring England-Ireland connections.