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Membership Benefits of Membership Click here for downloadable brochure pdf of Society brochure. A chance to join a leading medieval historical society which concentrates on one of the most turbulent centuries of British medieval history including the eventful life and times of Richard III, the last Plantagenet King, the Wars of the Roses which occupied much of the second half of the century as well as the politics and culture of that period. The society is a proactive one with many members undertaking research into the factors and events which shaped the fifteenth century. It also give new members a chance to participate in society activities as much or as little as they wish. Annual membership includes: Four issues of the Ricardian Bulletin, the Society's very active quarterly magazine which features not only news and views but also forthcoming Society events, correspondence, book and media reviews plus interesting historical articles on Richard, his life and times, as well as sustaining healthy ongoing debates about a number of historical events, all of which give members a chance to feel that they are not just members, but active members of the Society. One issue of The Ricardian, the Society's historical journal. The Journal publishes original articles on Ricardian and associated topics together with book reviews of recent historical publications. Material is contributed by both members and non-members. Access to the Society's Library with loans of books, papers, audio and video tapes, (overseas members - tapes and papers only). The Barton Library, named after Dr Saxon Barton, the Society's founder, is a comprehensive collection of books and papers about Richard III and his times, including a drama section, works of reference, recent and past articles, and fiction. Opportunities to join and participate in the activities of as many local Branches and Groups as desired, of which there are over thirty in the UK. There are also Branches in America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand as well as a Continental Group. Activities usually combine a programme of meetings and talks and, in the UK and Europe, visits to Ricardian sites. Opportunities to join UK and Overseas group visits to places associated with Richard III. There is typically an annual seven-day visit to the Continent, a UK summer visit of up to four days, as well as day outings. The organisers thoroughly research all the sites to maximise the participants' enjoyment of these visits. Opportunities to attend three regular annual events: in March, services in London to commemorate the death of Richard's wife, Anne; in August, a visit to Bosworth to mark the anniversary of the battle; and in December, a visit to Fotheringhay, Richard's birthplace, for a Christmas lunch and Carol service. Opportunities to attend study weekends. The weekends are for small groups and are designed to introduce members to aspects of the late medieval period. Opportunities to attend the Society’s triennial conferences. The conferences are usually held at UK universities and leading academics in the field of medieval history are invited to present papers. Past conferences have covered such themes as Yorkist History: Past, Present and Future (Magdalen College, Oxford) and Richard and the North of England (Durham University). Opportunity to attend the AGM, held in early October in London, and every third year in another UK city. This is the main venue for members to meet each other and network. In addition to the formal proceedings other attractions include a guest speaker, craft and book stalls. Opportunity to buy books published by The Richard III and Yorkist History Trust at reduced rates. The Society established this separate charitable trust to publish important academic works, as well as to make research grants, mainly to post-graduate students studying the Yorkist period. Publications have included The Crowland Chronicle, an important contemporary source for the reign of Richard III and Richard III: Loyalty, Lordship and Law, a series of papers originally given to a conference organised by the Society. In addition to the Trust's books, other publications and Ricardian items are available for purchase at advantageous prices. Access to the expertise of specialist members of the Society. Guidelines are available for those who wish to begin their own research and the Society has run a successful correspondence course in palaeography for many years. There are opportunities to participate in the Society's research projects. |