Historical?

I've always avoided proper historical fiction because of the research involved and the fear of not getting attitudes correct.  After all, we can't just port back the sort of behaviours we see in our society.  That said, I saw a series of images whilst pootling the other night that really makes me want to try for something about 1400AD.

However, my get out clause in any of this is 'alternate histories'.  Yeah, it's a cop out, I know, but part of me wants to try it some day.  Maybe not tonight though.