Opening the gates: increasing opportunities for the representation of gender and LGBTQI+ in castle histories

The project title is 'opening the gates: increasing opportunities for the representation of gender and LGBTQI+ in castle histories'. Ultimately, the project goal is to identify stories which could be used to increase inclusivity at castle sites. These stories include the study of gender and legacy via queens and consorts such as Isabella of France, Empress Matilda, Joan of Navarre and Anne of Bohemia; and the study of same-sex relationships via figures such as Piers Gaveston, Sir William Neville and John de Clanvowe. There are difficulties in recognising LGBTQI+ figures within medieval sources, due to the social context of the period. Therefore, I will analyse the construct of gender and how it affects reputation and legacy. I also will research identifiable groups who have an impact on exemplarity, emulation and identity. For example, the prostitutes of Brewhouse Yard and those involved in the Pink Lace festivals, an early iteration of Nottingham Pride, held at Nottingham Castle. Secondly, I will ask how heritage sites should communicate marginalised histories to the wider community. I will utilise the opportunities available at Nottingham Castle such as exhibition space, museum tours and learning workshops with local Schools, in order to apply my research into practice. I would like to develop the study of exemplarity and emulation within the project as I believe that these are key opportunities for representation. I define the study of exemplarity and emulation as the postivve and negative categorisation of role models and the effect they have on legacy. Museums and heritage sites exist as places of history and exemplarity, providing us with opportunities to either relate to its subjects or to learn from history's mistakes. I will question how the physical space of the castle, as a concept, can emulate and take on characteristics of the individuals it represents, and how contemporary visitors react to exhibitions within the space.