Historical Research Resources

Author's note: These links are sites I've personally found helpful in doing historical research or which I find especially engaging or interesting. This list is by no means exhaustive. Most of these are Medieval or general, because the work-in-progress I've got going now and the next one after that are set in Medieval Europe. As I research other eras, I'll probably add links to more resources (for example, I have some plans for one or more stories set in the Victorian era, but it will be a while before I get to those!).

WWW-VL History Central Catalogue
Meticulously organized, this site has thousands of alphabetized links to all manner of historical information of all kinds. Well worth visiting; you're sure to find a great deal that will be helpful.

The Labyrinth
One of the older and better Medieval studies sites on the web, they now offer information in an easy to use online database. Most impressive.

The Internet Medieval Sourcebook
The IMS is a great site for looking up bits and pieces and facts. Among its interesting features is a resource of saints' lives and an extensive index of selected historical sources going from ancient times onward. I've gotten more than one useful bit of information here.

Of Ages Past
An online magazine for historical fiction.

Medieval Names Archive
There are few things more distracting in a historical novel than a character with an anachronistic name. So how do you know which Medieval names are authentic and which aren't? Check out this site and see for yourself. Wonderful resource.

A Boke of Gode Cookery
What did Medieval folk eat? This site has an amazing assortment of information on that very topic. An entertaining site even if you're not doing hardcore Medieval research!

Costume History Resources
This is technically a theatrical costuming site, but it's amazingly helpful in determining correct costumes for various time periods.

Milieux: The Costume Site
This site deals somewhat more with the making and purchase of costumes in the modern era (such as for members of the Society for Creative Anachronism), but you can still learn a great deal about arms and armor and other costume history by visiting the many links.