Cavendish 3 Flight - Members Only

The good times for English farming came to an end in the later 1870s, and hit Oxfordshire particularly hard. Prices for corn and wool fell. In the wake of economic pain, came change

Sh 39c Victorian Rural Life: Variety and Conflict - Members Only

Religion was a force both for stability and change, conservatism and radicalism

Hawkwood Omnibus 6 EPs 16-18 - Members Only

The late 70s and 80s saw Hawkwood move his home from the Romagna to Tuscany, within the orbit of Florence; and despite fighting on a number of campaigns, the relationship with Florence deepened.

Hawkwood 18 Castagnaro - Members Only

In 1387 Hawkwood was approached by Giovanni Ubaldini, Padua's military commander, to come and fight against Verona. He agreed, and by March was in the field, facing his enemy by the River Adige near the village of Castagnaro.

Hawkwood 17 Civil War in Naples - Members Only

Christendom fights over the kingdom of Naples

Hawkwood 16 Homebody - Members Only

Making a new home in 14th Century Italy was not to prove easy for the Hawkwoods

Sh 39b: Victorian Rural Life: Household and Labourers - Members Only

Life in a closed parish may have had some advantages – stability, some perks in cheap and good quality houses. But life wasn’t easy for the vast majority ofRead More

Sh 39a Victorian Rural Life: Region and Elite - Members Only

The first of a trilogy in four parts about Victorian Rural life, from the perspective of the Swyncombe Parish. Here we talk about Swyncombe, its region – and theRead More

Victorian Rural Life: Introduction - Members Only

A Shedcast series from August, about the rural parish of Swyncombe and what it can tell us of Rural Victorian England

Hawkwood Omnibus 5 EPs 13-15 - Members Only

From 1375 it is possible to sense a change in Hawkwood’s priorities; does war need to be so important? What about diplomacy, strategy – or home?

Hawkwood 15 Marriage and Divorce - Members Only

A marriage feast, a divorce, a diplomat – and a possible meeting with a literary genius and torturer of school children. Oh – plus fightiness, of course

Hawkwood 14 Cesena - Members Only

Cesena was an atrocity by any standards - today's or those of 14th century Italy

Hawkwood 13 Eight Saints - Members Only

Libertas! Cried the citizens of Florence, and Libertas! Replied many of the Pope’s ‘loyal’ cities – Urbino, Gibbio, Orvieto and many more. Ruggerio Cane and the Florentine diplomats wereRead More

Hawkwood 12 In Service of the Pope - Members Only

Hawkwood’s reputation, already riding high from recent victories when he met the Visconti at Montechiari. But soon afterwards, a change in Gregory XI’s policy would turn the political situationRead More

Hawkwood Omnibus 4 EPs 10-12 - Members Only

Between 1368 and 1375, Hawkwood’s reputation and bargaining power was greatly enhanced. He was becoming a recognised player in Italian politics

JH11 Rising Star - Members Only

A matter of honour and professional pride? Or a contract negotiation? One of Hawkwood’s greatest victories appears not to ease relationships with the Visconti

Hawkwood 10 Cascina 2.0 - Members Only

A wedding, and a return to the scene of his greatest defeat as an independent captain – to Cascina. Would history repeat itself?

Hawkwood 9 Against the World - Members Only

1365-7 were confused years for Hawkwood without a consistent employer, and faced with the Papal anti mercenary league of Urban V – as well as picking up some payRead More

Hawkwood Omnibus 3 EPs 7-9 - Members Only

From 1364 Hawkwood’s status would grow, becoming an untitled head of the English mercenaries in Italy. But his employment was fractured and difficult.

Hawkwood 8 Cascina - Members Only

In 1364, Hawkwood received his full command,and took the Pisan armies out to face the opponents at Florence. The results would be …mixed. Good in parts. Could do better.

Hawkwood 7 Pisa - Members Only

In 1363, Sterz and Hawkwood’s efforts helped bring the Visconti to a reluctant and truculent peace. Ironically they’d just done themselves out of a job. But never mind – theRead More

Announcing the Members’ Mobile App - Members Only

Gentle listeners we have produced an app for you so you can find what you want and listen really easily, and listen to the History of England and HiTRead More

Hawkwood 6 The Vipers of Milan - Members Only

The Visconti of Milan had risen to power by defeating their local rivals. They constantly sought to use the fabulous wealth of the city to extend their patrimony, often confrontedRead More

Hawkwood Omnibus 2 EPs 4-6 - Members Only

The Pope did what many were forced to do with mercenaries – paid them to go away. Sterz took the White Company to northern Italy to fight for Montferrat, andRead More

Hawkwood 5 A Geographical Expression - Members Only

The Hawkwood into which Sterz led the White Company in 1361 was a patchwork of loyalties, families, political ambitions and trade wars – and it was rich beyond theRead More

Hawkwood 4 Go South, Young Man - Members Only

For 12,000 hardened warriors, Pont St Esprit was the perfect target – owned by the richest man in Christendom, the Pope, and vulnerable. So, a good place to pick upRead More

Anne and Elizabeth by Leah Garden - Members Only

A fascinating relationship – what influence did Anne Cleves have when she befriended the young Princess Elizabeth, and did her example shape England’s future? Transcript This article is by LeahRead More

Hawkwood 3 To War - Members Only

The way from hearth son to captain of war

Hawkwood Omnibus 1 EPs 1-3 - Members Only

John Hawkwood’s reputation, and the little we know about his upbringing and origins, and his introduction to was in the glory days of Edward III

Hawkwood 2 Sible Hedingham - Members Only

The life of a hearth son beckoned. But John Hawkwood was not content with the idea.