Dr Lars Kjaer

BA, MPhil, PhD (Cantab), Lecturer in Medieval History

Dr Lars Kjær obtained his BA in History and Social Anthropology from Aarhus University, Denmark, in 2007. That year he moved to Cambridge, where he completed an MPhil in medieval history. In 2008 he was awarded funding from the AHRC to undertake a PhD in history at Cambridge University, which he completed in 2012. His thesis is entitled ‘The Practice, Politics, and Ideals of Aristocratic Generosity in Thirteenth-Century England'.'

Forthcoming articles include studies of drunkenness and regicide in medieval Denmark, memories of the Viking age in Scandinavia, and the royal Christmas feast in England.

Modules Taught

  • The birth of western Christendom AD 300-1215
  • History and meanings

Research

Lars' research focuses on the challenges and possibilities in using approaches from social anthropology in studying the central middle ages. He has worked on the role of gift exchange and feasting in creating social bonds between aristocrats, and in their struggle to fashion a pious and honorable reputation. Future research projects include the reception of Western European ideas about royalty and courtliness in medieval Scandinavia.

Latest Research Papers

  • 'Gaver og Gæstebud: Avaritia og Liberalitas i Gesta Danorum', in Saxo og hans samtid, ed. Per Andersen and Thomas H. Holm (Århus Universitetsforlag, 2012)
  • 'Food, Drink and Ritualised Communication in the Household of Eleanor de Montfort, February to August 1265', in Journal of Medieval History 37:1

  • with A J Watson (eds.), Feasts and Gifts of Food in Medieval Europe: Ritualised Constructions of Hierarchy, Identity and Community, thematic volume of the Journal of Medieval History 37:1 (2011)
  • Matthew Paris and the Royal Christmas: Ritualised Communication in Text and Practice', Thirteenth Century England (forthcoming)

Articles

Awards

  • 2008-2011 Arts and Humanities Research Council Doctoral funding
  • 2010-2011 Prince Consort and Thirlwall Fund
  • 2008-2010 Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust
  • 2009 Elisabeth Munksgaard Prisen
  • 2009 Cambridge Political Economy Society Trust
  • 2007 Århus Universitets Humanistiske Fakultetsstipendium

 

Other members of the History faculty

Applications for 2013 - 2014

The College is not part of UCAS and your application can be made directly to the College in addition to your five UCAS choices. Your first step to applying to NCH is to complete and submit our application form online.

Our Admissions Advisers are happy to talk to you informally before you apply. This is not part of the selection process, so feel free to call for a chat or email any questions.