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
332 The Great Contract
Salisbury makes a last ditch attempt to resolve the problems of royal income. While the success of Robert Kerr at court signals the arrival of a new royal favouriteRead More
Transcript for Hawkwood 3
In the words of Samuel Taylor Coleridge There passed a weary time. Each throat Was parched, and glazed each eye. A weary time! a weary time! How glazed eachRead More
Hawkwood 2 Sible Hedingham - Members Only
The life of a hearth son beckoned. But John Hawkwood was not content with the idea.
331 Captain Pouch
Enclosure has a long history in England from the 15th – 19th century. In 1607 ordinary people resisting the destruction of their livelihoods found a leader – Captain Pouch Read More
Transcript for Hawkwood 2
Let me take you away, ladies and gentlemen to the powerhouse of trade and commerce in northern Europe – to the Marketplace in Ghent, Flanders. It is winter, the 26thRead More
Hawkwood 1 Man and Myth - Members Only
How a Condottiere's reputation has ebbed and flowed
330 John Bates’ Currants
Although the case for a Great Britain failed to win many hearts, the dual monarchy ended the history of the Reivers at last. But a seemingly small customs dispute aboutRead More
John Hawkwood
John Hawkwood story is remarkable. Born to a minor gentry family in Sible Hedington Essex, he became a child of the hundred years war. He became a soldier, whose skillsRead More
14th Century Italy with Mike Corradi - Members Only
What world awaited John Hawkwood in 14th century Italy?
Transcript for Hawkwood 1
Well, here we are at the start of another of my extended biographies, and since we are going boy girl boy girl, it’s the blokes turn – and I haveRead More
Maps of Italy in the time of Hawkwood
Four maps below, to help you navigate the life and times of John Hawkwood. Political Map of Renaissance Italy Detail Political map of northern Italy The Regions of Italy TheRead More
Selborne
A super quick video introduction the lovely Hampshire village of Selborne
329 Oaths and Libels
By the time parliament met again in 1606, James’ government was dominated by the men he laughingly referred to as his ‘Trinity of Knaves’. And the foremost of thoseRead More
Peasant Perceptions of Landscape with Stephen Mileson
It is difficult to hear the voice of ordinary people from long ago; but although they left little written record, yet their memory, attitudes and perceptions of the world aroundRead More
TTME English Comedy and the Pythons
A new epsiode on English humour – is it a thing? Luke and I try to develop a framework, and test it against Monty P. You can vote onRead More
328 Apology, Explosion, Satisfaction
There’s so much to talk about! James’ first, management-by-irritation of parliament of 1604 and the passive aggressive Apology and Satisfaction right back at him. And – the Gunpowder Treason andRead More
37b The English at Drink II - Members Only
The 18th century saw the start of a series of Gin crazes, and the famous English institution of the Pub appears in the 19th century. And we look atRead More
The Book of Trespass by Nick Hayes
Support the Right to Roam and make a better England
327 Under New Management
James quickly established his household with Scots taking a large share, with associated argy bargy. Queen Anne also established her court, which would become a cultural centre and popular destinationRead More
Transcript for 37b
So we ended last time on the verge of another moral panic, one of those great social events of English history – the Gin craze. Because in England the ‘strongRead More
37a The English at Drink I - Members Only
‘Ale doth comfort the heavy and troubled mind’. The story of the English and their drink to the 18th century; a story of nourishment, fellowship and resistance.
Transcript for 37a
I have been asked, over the years to talk about Beer. I don’t know what your memory is like, but I find that I remember some tiny irrelevant things thatRead More
326 King of Scots
By the time James VI came to England in 1603, he had 26 years experience of kingship, and had established his authority in Scotland, and was a self confident ruler,Read More
325 James and the Historians
History has treated James roughly – helped by a 17th century hatchet job. But over the last 50 years, there has been much more appreciation of the challenges he faced,Read More
The History of England Tour 2022 - Members Only
Gentle listeners – there is news! There will be a History of England Tour in 2022. I know, this long awaited Tour has crashed and burned at the hands ofRead More
HIT Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette is the 2006 film directed by Sophia Coppola. It took a highly stylised and sumptuous approach, with modern music – though nailing the cake thing. Reception was quiteRead More
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324a The 30 Years War with Zack Twamley
Zack is the author of for God and the Devil, and we discuss the highlights and numerous lowlights of the 30 years war Everyone loves a good historical novel –Read More
324 Europe XII Colonisation and War
The early 17th century saw the emergence of the Dutch Republic as a new colonial power, and the resurgence of France after her religious wars. But most of all theRead More
HiT The Duellists
The Duellists is Ridley Scott’s first feature film, in 1977. It describes a vicious feud of honour between two officers over the course of the Napoleonic wars
323 Europe XII Absolutely Nations
Hobbes argued that only an all powerful ruler could do what was required to protect the people and preserve property, and for that the loss of individual liberty was worth paying.Read More
Transcript for Margaret 13
Now in 1483, it is difficult to be sure about Margaret’s attitude to Richard, but as I have said despite early negotiations with Richard, and his desire to keep StanleyRead More
322 Europe XII Religion and Science
In the first of three episodes on Europe 1600-1650, we talk about religion, scientific revolution, and Witchcraft. And why Galileo was a weaker No 8 than Dean Richards. For thoseRead More
Egleton Church, Rutland
The Aged M and I took a minute to check out a local Rutland church at Egleton, noted for its birdwatching on Empingham reservoir these days. It’s a small churchRead More
Margaret Omnibus 7 EPs 19-21 - Members Only
After her son become king, Margaret’s life was transformed and she was able to become the great magnate and princess she felt was her due – as great lord, benefactressRead More
Margaret 21 Death of a Princess - Members Only
By 1502 Margaret surely had nothing more to trouble her – her son’s legitimacy assures, heirs in place, status firmly established. But the wheel of Fortune had a fewRead More
HiT Zulu
The 1964 Epic Zulu, first major role for Michael Caine was super popular – I saw it in my youth for sure. So how well has it worn? Is itRead More
Margaret 20 A Pious Legacy - Members Only
Margaret’s personal life and charitable activities were dominated by three priorities – piety, social and moral responsibility, and family, in common with many powerful women of the time. OneRead More
321a The Bagpipes of Freedom by Mike Corradi
A tale of an unlikely British hero in 1945 from Mike Corradi of A History of Italy podcast Check out Mike’s History of Italy podcast, A weekly podcast in 15/20 minute episodes onRead More
Transcript for Margaret 21
Ok, last time we spoke of the political life of Margaret, I believe we celebrated the Betrothal by proxy of Prince Arthur to Katherine of Aragon, a particularly significant marriage;Read More
Transcript for Margaret 20
One of the things I suspect people associate with Margaret is a very deep and possibly rather austere piety. There are a couple of things which create this impression bothRead More