“In the Churchway Paths to Glide”: Corpse Roads and Their Folklore

An image of a church and graveyard, for Stuart Dunn's seminar on corpse roads

The MERL Seminars: Land and Folk Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers […]

Wheat and Rush, Weave and Ritual

An image of two hands making a corn dolly, and two hands touching a large cinammon bun, for the MERL Seminar Wheat and Rush, Weave and Ritual with Catherine Morland and Amanda Couch

The MERL Seminars: Land and Folk Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers […]

Laughter comes when we get caught off guard: The Country Show photographic project

A photograph of a man in a black tank top with sunglasses and a flat cap, with his hands behind his head. In the foreground an open tap covers his crotch.

The MERL Seminars: Land and Folk Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers […]

Cobbett in Conversation: From Rural Rides to Nature Writing

Black and white photograph of a woman sitting on a horse for the MERL seminar on William Cobbett and Rural Rides.

The MERL Seminars: Land and Folk Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers […]

LADYBIRD IN FOCUS: WOMEN

Women - ladybird in focus exhibition. Image shows woman on left speaking to a man on the right.

Who is your favourite female character in Ladybird Books?    From the 1950s to the 1970s Ladybird Books were published on a huge range of subjects and, hidden within these volumes, distinct gender roles for women are portrayed and cemented. As a product of their time, Ladybird Books give an intriguing insight into post-World War Two […]

FOLKLORE AND THE MERL: ALL FOLK AND NO LORE?

Harvest jug

The MERL Seminars: Land and Folk Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers […]

THE MERL SEMINARS: LAND AND FOLK

Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers different perspectives on our complex relationships […]

FOLK: A MERL LATE

JOIN US FOR A FUN EVENING OF DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC, ACTIVITIES AND TALKS ON THE THEME OF FOLK Book in advance via Eventbrite or on the door (subject to availability) £0 – the cost of tickets for this event is covered by Being Human sponsorship Please note this event is suitable for ages 18+ only LIVE MUSIC […]

STEPPING OUT OF TIME: THE MERL ANNUAL LECTURE

At the MERL Annual Lecture this year, accordionist, singer and clog dancer Hannah James presents a world premiere response at to the museum’s collections and the traditions that have helped to shape them. Her performance will be in a specially commissioned pair of clogs made by craftsman Geraint Parfitt at St Fagan’s Museum. The piece […]

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2018: EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

Jill Betts looking at slides.

Join us for special guided tours of the MERL, introducing some Extraordinary Women who have contributed to the historic stories of the museum and the University of Reading collections Places are limited – booking is essential Tour 1: The Extraordinary Women gallery tours (1 hour) will run: Thurs 6 Sept – 10:30 & 14:30 Sun […]

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    The Museum is now fully open, following a major redevelopment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

    Free Admission

    The Museum of English Rural Life

    University of Reading

    Redlands Road

    Reading

    RG1 5EX

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