Welcome to the History of English Podcast, a podcast about the history of the English

language.

This is Episode 80, Nightlife.

In this episode, we're going to examine the evolution of the Medieval Night.

Our modern image of nights is shaped by novels and movies and television shows, and we tend

to think of shining armor, jousting contests, and chivalry.

But all of that was a relatively late development.

For most of its history, the reality of Nighthood was very different.

As Civil War and Anarchy raged in England, much of the torture and kidnapping and extortion

was carried out by nights.

In fact, for several centuries, nights had often acted as thugs and bullies.

They were the henchmen of powerful barons.

But a new type of Nighthood was gradually emerging around the current point in our story.

This new type of Nighthood was less focused on the brutality of warfare.

It was more aristocratic, more connected to the Church, and more focused on courtly life.

So this time we'll look at the evolution of nights, from brutal warriors on horseback

to Christian crusaders and noble landholders.

And along the way, we'll see how the institution of Nighthood shaped the English language.

But before we begin, let me remind you that the website for the podcast is historyofenglishpodcast.com.

And you can always reach me directly by email at kevinathistoryofenglishpodcast.com.

And I'm on Twitter at EnglishistPod.

And as always, you can sign up to support the podcast at patreon.com.

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