معرفی
Dr Rachael Harkes serves as a Research Associate in the Department of History (Historical Studies) at the University of Bristol, leading digital humanities research on the ERC-UKRI funded MOWLIT project (The Medieval March of Wales, 1282-1550). Her work centers on literary geography and borderland studies within medieval British contexts, with particular focus on the Welsh Marches region.
Her research explores decision-making processes in medieval society through innovative digital methodologies, examining how religious guilds functioned as both reflections of and catalysts for transcending traditional societal structures. Current projects analyze the Palmers' Guild records from Ludlow to investigate gendered membership patterns and socio-economic influences on debt repayment, while her forthcoming monograph argues for the centrality of religious fraternities in shaping late medieval English and Welsh community life beyond conventional political and religious boundaries.
Publication trends reveal strong interdisciplinary integration of historical analysis with geospatial mapping techniques, spanning property development in market towns, commemorative practices, and borderland identity formation. This work consistently bridges macro-historical frameworks with micro-level community studies.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Research Poster Prize, Harlaxton Medieval Symposium (2019)
- Richard III Society Postgraduate Bursary (2019)
- Van Mildert College Postgraduate Award (2018)
Dr Harkes actively contributes to academic community building through conference organization (including the 2025 Harlaxton Medieval Symposium), public lectures on 'Mapping the March', and school engagement initiatives. Her collaborative work within the MOWLIT project involves transnational teams developing digital infrastructure for literary-historical analysis across medieval border regions.
