;

Mary, also known as MRO or Dr. MRO, is a literary historian specialising in the Middle Ages, with a passion for uncovering the people, stories and creative traditions that history has too often overlooked.

Her academic background and years of research give her a fascinating perspective on medieval life, literature, manuscripts and art. Mary is particularly interested in the hidden figures and lesser-told stories woven into the medieval past to bring fresh perspectives to the people and cultures behind the history.

Outside of medieval studies, Mary is an avid knitter and crocheter and the founder of an independent yarn-dyeing initiative, Republic of Yarnia, that brings together her love of historical research and fibre arts. Her creative practice has deepened her appreciation for the crafts, materials and stories of the past.

On our tours, Mary brings this combination of scholarship, curiosity and creativity to life. Expect fascinating stories, unexpected details and a thoughtful look at the pre-modern world beyond the familiar headlines – revealing the people, artistry, and traditions that make the past so rich and human.

Studio portrait of a smiling woman with long wavy hair wearing a leather jacket.

You'll meet me on these tours:

Or book your own Private tour including a workshop or demonstration with me.

Meet more of our experts

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Woman wearing knitted cowl

Pauline Gallagher / Ireland

The Knitting Class Dublin
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Expert portrait

Aoibhe Ni / Ireland

Crochet Instructor
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Bio pic

TJ Frog / UK

Knitting Instructor
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Work by Malú

Malú Colorín / Wicklow, Ireland

Natural Dye Instructor
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Portrait image of Jess

Jessica James-Thompson / Scotland

Knitting Instructor
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Linda Shearer

Linda Shearer / Shetland

Knitting Instructor
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Studio interior

Radical Weavers / UK

Weaving Instructor
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Woman wearing shawl

Samira Hill – Eildon Hills Designs / Scottish Borders

Knitwear Designer and Knitting Instructor
VIEW PROFILE OF Samira Hill – Eildon Hills Designs
Woman at desk with fabric in the background.

Gillian Cooper – Textile Artist / Scotland

Textile Artist and Teacher - Quilting
VIEW PROFILE OF Gillian Cooper – Textile Artist
Spools of yarn from above

Lanar / Milan

Knitting Instructor and Yarn Specialists
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Hands knitting at table

Social Lab Italia / Milan

Knitting Instructor
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Woman with arm on mannequin and knitwear behind

Lola García Romaneli of Lola de Logaro / Spain

Knitting and Crochet Designer and Teacher
VIEW PROFILE OF Lola García Romaneli of Lola de Logaro
Woman holding needle felting painting

Emily A Thompson / Ireland

Emily A Thompson - Needlefelt Artist
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Woman knitting pink yarn with pink flowers and green bush in the background.

Anna Gallinat / Denmark

Knitting Author & Speaker
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Tomomi expertly using a sewing machine

Tomomi McElwee / Ireland

Quilting Instructor
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Deborah Gray / Oban, Scotland

Deborah Gray
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Expert portrait

Una McDonagh / Inisheer, Co. Galway

Knitting Instructor
VIEW PROFILE OF Una McDonagh

Anne O Maille / Galway, Ireland

Knitting Instructor
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Sandra Crafts of Ireland

Sandra Coote of Crafts of Ireland / Cavan, Ireland

Knitting Instructor
VIEW PROFILE OF Sandra Coote of Crafts of Ireland
Eribe Knitwear

ERIBÉ / Galashiels, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Knitting Instructor
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Di Gilpin / Fife, Scotland

Knitting Instructor
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Hazel Tindall / Shetland Islands

Knitting Instructor
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Elizabeth Johnston / Shetland Islands

Knitting Instructor
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Janette Budge / Shetland Islands

Knitting Instructor
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Portrait image of Aine Dunne

Áine Dunne / Co. Louth

Fine Art Tapestry Weaver
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Edel MacBride

Edel MacBride / Donegal and Derry

Knitting Instructor
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Expert weaver getting crafty

Liz Christy / Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

Weaving Instructor
VIEW PROFILE OF Liz Christy

Liz Spillane / Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Knitting Instructor/Textile Artist
VIEW PROFILE OF Liz Spillane
Smiling woman holding a skein of white yarn in a cozy wood-paneled room.

Jean Long / Ireland

Expert Hand Knitter
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Woman posing with knitting

Carol Feller – Knitwear Designer / Ireland and Spain

Knitwear Designer and Teacher
VIEW PROFILE OF Carol Feller – Knitwear Designer
Lisa Sisk

Lisa Sisk – This Is Knit / Co. Dublin

This Is Knit
VIEW PROFILE OF Lisa Sisk – This Is Knit

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