What does a stone slab at Yorkshire’s Fountains Abbey have in common with the modern-day university?  

This time on the English Heritage podcast, Michael Carter takes Amy on his journey of discovery, from an abbot’s strangely positioned headdress to the monastic origins of doctorates. Dr Tessa Whitehouse joins the conversation as we explore how the modern university evolved from elite religious institutions, through nonconformism, to allowing women to study.  

These institutions have always had huge political importance. But have they always been a place where students can enjoy both learning and freedom? Find out in this episode. 

Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.  

Join English Heritage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/  

Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout. * 

Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/  

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. 

*Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices