The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has awarded a Research Grant worth just under £500,000 to Dr Adrian Bell of the ICMA Centre and Professor Anne Curry of the University of Southampton to challenge assumptions about the emergence of professional soldiery between 1369 and 1453.

The project has an innovative methodological approach and will produce an on-line searchable resource for public use of immense value and interest to genealogists as well as social, political and military historians. The project which begins in October this year will employ two Research Assistants and will also offer one Doctoral Research Studentship. The whole team will also work on a monograph, conference papers, and articles. Dr Bell, Director of Teaching and Learning at the ICMA Centre is delighted with the award saying ?This is great news for both the ICMA Cente and the University of Reading , confirming our place as a premier university for research.? Dr Bell's previous research includes the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded project on Medieval Wool Contracts, which established that a sophisticated forwards market existed in thirteenth century England. For further information regarding this project please email a.r.bell@icmacentre.rdg.ac.uk or visit www.medievalsoldier.org.