The forty-fourth Battle Conference of Anglo-Norman Studies again took place in the virtual sphere, and we owe a vote of thanks to the School of History at the University of East Anglia for allowing us to use their Zoom account. I would also like to record my gratitude for the enthusiasm with which the Battle community embraced the online platform. The format of substantial papers coupled with time to discuss them worked because those who attended embraced the opportunity to be involved fully in the conference. A notable success was the poster session for early career researchers, organized by Dr Leonie Hicks: all the participants were welcomed, and this contributed immensely to the good atmosphere which pervaded the three days of the conference.

I also want to record my personal thanks and the thanks of the Allen Brown Memorial Trust to Professor Lindy Grant, who has stepped down from the Trust after more than two decades of service, most recently as its Chair. We have all benefited enormously from her expertise and her good sense, and also from her abiding friendship. Dr Laura Cleaver has kindly agreed to become a Trustee.