Starting with the wondrous work of smiths at Sutton Hoo in the early seventh century and concluding with one of the most beautiful yet enigmatic paintings in our history at the close of the fourteenth, this fascinating course with historian Mark Cottle offers a sweeping exploration of Britain’s medieval cultural landscape. Over these seven centuries, we trace the profound artistic, political and spiritual changes that shaped the visual and intellectual world of the Middle Ages.

Along the way, we will encounter masterpieces that have come to define the period: the splendour and intricate symbolism of the Lindisfarne Gospels; the narrative power and historical insight of the Bayeux Tapestry; and the dazzling richness of Romanesque and Gothic illuminated manuscripts, each revealing the skill and imagination of their creators. We will also consider the monumental achievement of the great medieval cathedrals, whose architecture, sculpture and stained glass embodied the aspirations of entire communities. To complete the picture, we will touch on the music of the era, offering a sense of the soundscape that accompanied these artistic developments.

Together, these elements create a vivid portrait of medieval Britain—its craftsmanship, its faith, and its enduring creativity.

Set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a graceful Georgian house combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity. Its elegant architecture and landscaped gardens create a calm, inspiring setting, while cosy bedrooms and freshly prepared home-cooked meals ensure a relaxing stay. Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room.

With its serene atmosphere and warm hospitality, Holbrook Manor is the perfect place to learn, connect, and unwind.

The course runs from dinner on the first day (16th March) until lunch on the last day (18th March)

Prices (per-person)

Residential (Single Occupancy - En-suite): £590
Residential (Shared Occupancy - En-suite): £470
Non-resident: £320

We operate a deposit scheme of £150 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date.
(We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date)

£150.00

Booking type:

Mark was born in the Scilly Isles, educated at Truro School in Cornwall and was a graduate of Birmingham University with a Masters Degree in late Medieval History.
Click here to find out more about Mark Cottle and his other available courses
Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
Click here for more details about Holbrook Manor
You can book either as a resident or as a non-resident student for this course.
RESIDENT (Single occupancy)
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
RESIDENT (Shared occupancy) [Double or Twin]*
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
*Rooms are for 2 people sharing only. Each guest staying must book one of these tickets.
NON-RESIDENT
Includes one place on the course plus lunch and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.

If, as a non-resident student, you wish to join the group for breakfast or dinner on any of the days then this can be arranged and charged separately. Simply send a request, no later than 2 weeks before the course start date, to info@neighbourhoodlearning.com
Holbrook Manor has 15 enchanting and spacious bedrooms in the manor along with 5 garden rooms with private terraces located within our stunning grounds.
All rooms are en-suite and come with towels included.
The garden rooms are located on the ground floor and suitable for those with access needs. They are also dog friendly.
Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will of course always try to accommodate requests where possible!
Check in is from 15:00 on the day of arrival
Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
DAY ONE
The course will have a first session from 20:00 - 21:00, after dinner on the first day.
DAY TWO
The second day will begin from 09:30 and run with lunch and refreshment breaks until 16:30. There will be another after-dinner session from 20:00 - 21:00.
DAY THREE
Our final day will run though from 09:30 until 13:00, at which point the course will finish with lunch.
A pen and paper might be handy if you wish to make notes and an open mind!