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Posted: Friday 11 April 2008

Lewis Lyons Memorial Lecture: Professor Matthew Strickland

Playing By The Rules?

What influences our perception of an enemy?  Are we compelled to respond with compassion in conflict?  What is the true meaning of chivalrous behaviour and what impact might this have in a confrontation?  S5 and S6 History pupils were treated to an insightful exploration of these moral and historical issues on Friday 14 March in the Lewis Lyons Memorial Lecture delivered by Professor Matthew Strickland of the University of Glasgow and introduced by Claire Singerman of the History Department at Hutchesons'. 

Drawing on behaviour and concepts of warfare from the ninth century to the present day, Professor Strickland gave an intriguing and thought provoking investigation of “Love, War and the Nature of Chivalry in the Middle Ages” as well as conveying to pupils the impact of such ideals in contemporary life.

Beginning with a discussion of the conventions of chivalry within the context of courtly love, Professor Strickland developed the concept further to the values operating within a group of warriors in a medieval setting, as well as reflecting on the cultural divisions of behaviour resulting from the treatment of a defeated enemy.  Indicating present Western moral values in treating an enemy as fundamentally respect and mercy, Professor Strickland invited his audience to contemplate the vast difference between current ideals and conduct in war in the medieval Europe of the year 800.  Professor Strickland suggested that the necessity of a defence of homeland, religious elements of war as well as the cultural influence of attitudes of vengeance resulted in the ostensible ruthlessness in conflicts such as the Battle of Hastings of 1066. 

Following the collapse of Charlemagne’s Empire in the ninth and 10th centuries, the subsequent civil war caused those in power to further contemplate the treatment of opponents in war, introducing mercy and elemency as part of the chivalrous conduct of warfare.  In addition, Professor Strickland identified the growing dominance of siege tactics throughout battle as having contributed to the emergence of negotiated surrender and ransom in conflict.

Reflecting on the complex ideas of the late 12th century conflict between Muslims and Christians where brutality was challenged by a concept of a bond between warriors, Professor Strickland described to his audience the strongly held values of treating opponents with honour which had emerged throughout this period of history before exploring when such ideals of mercy became less significant within battle.  Professor Strickland identified the First World War as a time reflective of the paradox of values within warfare as individual combat challenged a perception of the need to give the enemy a fair opportunity. 

Concluding with the understanding that, in all conflicts throughout history, innocent and defenceless civilians suffer the most devastating consequences.  Professor Strickland invited students and staff to question whether chivalrous behaviour may still be relevant in modern conflict and ensured his vibrant exploration of medieval concepts remained significant and compelling for a contemporary audience.

Kirsten MacQuarrie [S5]
Photo by Jamie Turner [S6]

Photo: Dr Rona Gaffney, Head of History; Stuart Williams [S6]; Professor Matthew Strickland; Mrs Claire Singerman, History Department.

Tags: History

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