I’ve loved and lived with the story of the history of the English for as long as I can remember. This is my retelling of that story, in a regular, chronological podcast; we go from the cataclysmic end of Roman Britain, and at some point will get all the way through to the present day. The History of England is available on iTunes and a podcatcher near you.
390 Leagues and Covenants
The Solemn League and Covenant will bring a Scottish army to Parliament – and an ocean of trouble
389 Newsheets and Newbury
In July 1643 all looked set fair for the royalist cause after a string of victories
Margaret Cavendish with Prof Margaret Oakes
Prof Oakes talks to me about Margaret Cavendish – poet, natural philosopher, duchess and 17th century celebrity
388 Runaway Down
July 1643 would see two critical contests at Bath and in Yorkshire. And the death of The Patriot
387 Sinews of War
Early 1643 was not a good idea for peace. By April, both the Scots and English parliament had tired of Charles’ negotiating style and started talking to each otherRead More
AAG1641-1642 The Descent to War
The deaths of Bedfod and Strafford started the countdown to a violent to the issues at stake
386 The Fighting Spreads
Despite multiplying armies, the search for peace goes on
385 The Battle for London
The King and people of London face off at Turnham Green
384 The Breaking Storm
Charles’ situation in August looked dire. But at Shrewsbury, soldiers came to his call, arms reached him from Henrietta Maria, and in October he had an army, and set ofRead More
383 Choosing Sides
How people made choices for king or parliament, and whether they cared
382 War of Words
Both sides lay out their stalls. And Henry Parker lays out some underlying foundations of English political thought
British Reactions to the French Revolution by Grey History
British reactions to the French Revolution through the eyes of Burke and Paine
381 Six Days
Six days in January 1642 which changed the course of English history
380 Irish Revolt
A revolt and massacres in Ireland, and the struggle over the Grand Remonstrance.
379 The King’s Party
The Royal fightback begins. A party to control parliament for the king
378 Protestations
In a time of national danger and an explosion of print and debate, the Protestation Oath of 1641 was a remarkable act of nation building
377 After Strafford
Charles looks for friends in Scotland
AAG 1638-1641 The Search for Peace
Will Charles be willing to pay the price to restore his authority?
Three Ravens and Yorkshire
Martin and Eleanor from The Three Ravens Podcast explore the history and folklore of Yorkshire.
376 Letters of Blood
The dramatic story of the trial and judgement of the Earl of Strafford
375 Divisions
Charles’ response to the Scottish Declaration was severe; but it also caused a division in the Junto, and among MPs. Meanwhile, as poublic religious debate exploded, divisions also grew betweenRead More
374 Paradise Lost
After hard negotiation, by February 1641 a workable compromise was in sight
Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Angevin Empire
How the Duchess of Aquitaine’s choices created a western Empire
373 Dreaming of a Golden Age
A new settlement would be formed between King, parliament and people
372 Go On Vigorously
Strafford would have no backing down. Bring the rebels to heel!
371 Parliament Recalled
At last, the 11 year wait is over. Parliament is back.
370 Reduce to Obedience
‘I expect not anything can reduce that people to obedience but force only’ Charles wrote in 1638. The following year that would be put to the test. in the First Bishops War (Bishops not included).
369 Daur ye say Mass in my lug?
Charles was determined to bring Scottish and English churches into harmony. There’ll be trouble.
Place Names – a Shedcast
English place names are a direct window in into the lives of our ancestors – an insight into the origins or remarkable features of ancient settlements. Here’s a brief survey of how to decode some of them.
At A Gallop 1629-1638 The Personal Rule
11 years of peace, prosperity – and tyranny?
368 A Prince’s Punishments
In 1633 Thomas Wentworth arrived in Ireland – and despite great administrative efficiency, managed to separately outrage each of the components of Irish Society Meanwhile in London, William Prynne and John Lillburne stood form against tyranny.
367 New England
The colonists that traveled to New England were very different to the Chesapeake, and the society they established also very different. For the indigenous peoples, the shock would be every bit as severe.
366 The Chesapeake
Colonisation of the Chesapeake would be driven by its climate and its most successful crop – tobacco, defining the social structure of the colonists and the society they would form, and the impact they would have on the indigenous peoples.
365 The Hub of Empire
‘By what right?’ In this episode we think about how the early English colonisers viewed their Westward Enterprise, and legitimised their activities. And then turn to the region Eric Williams described as ‘The Hub of Empire’. The Caribbean.
364 Before the English Came
The 1630’s saw an acceleration of English colonisation in the Americas. What cultures and peoples will they meet when they get there? A horribly brief survey of cultures north of the Rio Grande before the English came.
363 Laud Unleashed
With Parliament banished, there was little restraint on Laud and Charles to implement the reforms they felt were needed to improve the quality of religious observations and the spiritual wealth of all English. Not everyone would approve their efforts.
362 Free Men not Villeins
In 1637 Charles sought an example to squash opposition to Ship Money, and chose a minor country squire. John Hampden refused to back down.
Henry Stuart
Henry Stuart’s death as eldest so and heir of James I & VI Henry gives us one of those great ‘what if?’ moments in history, like the death of ArthurRead More
361 Charles in Charge
Charles had done the right thing of we wanted to avoid parliaments – reducing costs by making peace. But, how was he to raise money to clear that £2m debt? Well, two words came in to play – many, and various.
360 Charles Abroad
Relationships with the other kingdoms was definitely the royal preserve. But policy options might vary, from favouring the desires of his protestant subjects, to the Spanish faction on the privy Council. But his clout was always hampered by the poor state of the Royal Navy
359 Charles is At Home
Charles was determined to run his court completely differently to his father. Controlled, regulated, ordered; an example of a warm, loving and enlightened household that would prove an example of the majesty and stability of his reign.
Den of Thieves by Cloak and Dagger
Edward I’s Jewel house was a thick walled, impregnable fortress to keep the king’s treasure safe. But some of his less salubrious and loyal subjects had an idea that maybeRead More
358 New Counsels
Was it an ‘Eleven years tyranny’ or ‘Halcyon Days’ that followed 1629? Either way, foreign ambassadors were not hopeful of England’s future. But Charles first priority was to reduce the Vipers of parliament to submission.
AAG 1625-1629 New Ways, Old Ways
New wine? Or old wine in new bottles?
357 Vipers
Dramatic events in 1628 – a horrible murder, and one of the great set pieces of the English Revolution. Mayhem! Treason! Murder!
356 Petition of Right
As so often, war demands money, and in England, money meant parliament. So the outcome of ‘The Favourites’ War’, Buckingham’s attempt to relieve La Rochelle in 1627, would be critical.
355 The Hearts of our People
The battle of Lutter in 1626 convinced Charles of the tearing need to intervene in the Thirty Years War in defence of hos sister Elizabeth’s rights and in the cause of Protestantism. But the cupboard was bare – how to raise money? Without calling that pesky parliament!
354 Parlement a sa Mode
The 1626 parliament was opened by William Laud – not a good sign for the resolutely Calvinist parliament. Despite a remarkably positive response to the call for subsidies – their linkage to resolutions of grievances did not go down well with Charles
353 Lawyers Vs Clerics
As the 1626 parliament opens, full of hope once more, we take a while to introduce William Laud, and discuss the idea that a theme of the English civil wars is an ideological struggle between lawyers and Arminian clerics
352 A Beard UnSinged
The reconvened parliament in Oxford went poor, and after a month Charles closed it down, and concentrated instead on the Spanish war. Surely, the recapturing the glory of Drake & Hawkins would relight Parliament’s fire for war!
351 Bred in Parliaments
For Charles I, April to June 1625 was his like the honeymoon period given to new football managers – enthusiastic full of hope – and depressingly brief. The honeymoon period with his newly arrived wife Henrietta Maria, was similarly brief.
350 Charles’ Inheritance
In March 1625 Charles came into his inheritance on the death of his father. Was it a poison chalice or the holy grail? What sort of man accepted the chalice and duty and would place his hands on the tillers of the Three Kingdoms?
At A Gallop 1615-1625 King of Britain
From the Ulster plantations to the Kinghts Adventurers
349 The Country House
The Elizabeth and Jacobean age was a time of social mores and the way England was ruled – and the great medieval household withered away. To leave something smaller, more symmetrical – and of extraordinary beauty. And then there’s also Little Moreton Hall, a gentry interpretation of the Great Rebuilding.
348 The Great Rebuilding
Somewhere in the 16th and 17th centuries, ordinary people started building differently – private buildings, public buildings. They used brick, glass, decoration and portraiture; and it wasn’t just the aristocracy; Yeomen, merchants, towns, husbandmen. The historian W G Hoskins gave it a name – the Great Rebuilding
347 The English Revolution
Well this is exciting! The English Revolution. A title which is controversial, and a historiography which is bigger than the eponymous crocodile.
Ladybird Histories and Lawrence Peach
David Perkins of King’s School Canterbury joins me to talk about Ladybird, its histories, and the life of Lawrence du Garde Peach, their main author.
346 Theatre III: The Crystal Mirror
Playwrights and the Sirenicals of Jacobean England, the experience of going to see the plays and the Crystal Mirror of renaissance drama.
345 Theatre II: Playwrights
The University Wits was a term invented by Saintsbury for a group of 6 Elizabethan playwrights. They were not consciously a coherent group but part of a vibrant society of playwrights, actors and writers who made English theatre shine.
344 Theatre I: The New Playhouse
The first of three celebratory episodes about English Renaissance Theatre! Talking about dramatic tradition and the new playhouses that begin to appear in London – and the horrifiedRead More
343 As He Lived in Peace
While The Buck and Baby Charles warmed themselves on the unfamiliar fires of popularity in their search for war, James was fading. At Theobalds in March 1625 his reign finallyRead More
342 Spanish Mismatch
The identity of Mr Wiat’s mysterious traveler is revealed, and London goes potty. Buckingham is confirmed as the Prince’s favourite as well as the king’s – and there’s troubleRead More
Rights and Commons with the OSS
England and Wales have extensive networks of rights of way over private land, and some remaining common land – private land over which the public have rights. Where did theyRead More
341 Knights Adventurer
In March 1623 Simon Digby noticed two suspicious looking blokes with dodgy beards hanging around outside his uncle’s house in Madrid. He rushed over to find out what they wereRead More
340 Ancient Birthright
In 1621 James tried to tread a narrow path to peace in Europe – through the instrument of a Marriage between the England and Spanish royal families. To have aRead More
339 A Scandal in Bohemia
As Buckingham acquires wealth and influence, the English court is rocked by an event in far-off Bohemia that will result in devastation throughout Europe. Also there is news ofRead More
338 Book of Books
We follow James north to Scotland, a visit with consequences. And on the way south, hear about the culture wars – and the Book of Sports. Then we celebrate, aRead More
337 The Favourite Favourite
James VI & I had enjoyed favourites before – Esme Stuart, Robert Kerr for example. But George Villiers was to prove his favourite And we introduce the finelyRead More
336 The Jacobean Plantations of Ireland
The Jacobean plan for Ulster owed much not only to previous failed Tudor plantation schemes, but to James’s highland experience and his desire to build a unified, secure BritishRead More
At A Gallop 1605-1615 Font of all Virtue
The end of the honeymoon, court scandal and the death of a prince
335 This Sin of Blood
News of the Thomas Overbury scandal spread through England to become a national event. How would the scandal affect the image of the court? Much depended on how theRead More
334 Murder!
In 1615, Ralph Winwood interviewed Gervase Elwes, Lieutenant of the Tower about the suspicious death of Thomas Overbury. Gervase spilled his guts. The Image on the left is Westminster Hall,Read More
333 Addled
With Robert Kerr as the royal favourite there were all sorts of intrigues going on at court – and an outrageous love affair. All the while, James’ parliament ofRead More
Kilmartin Glen by Michelle of Imagine Alba
Kilmartin 5,000 years, with cairns, standing stones, carved rock, stone circles, forts and castles. It has one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland.Read More
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
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
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
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
At A Gallop – Dawn of Stuart England to 1605
A gallop few a few themes of European histoy and a new dynasty for the English, Welsh and Irish
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
321 Fin de Siecle
The final years of Elizabeth’s reign inevitably have the sense of the end of an era; she retreated to her chambers, court was no longer the attraction it hadRead More
320 Justice and the State
Crime in England saw a sharp growth between the 1580s and 1640s; and the hand of justice lay heavy. But at the same time was forged a system of localRead More
319 Dearth and Discord
The last 15-20 years of Elizabeth’s reign have been described as the Golden Age. It’s a description that might have seemed incomprehensible to many of the people that lived throughRead More
318a The Pre-History of the BBC by Paul Kerensa
Paul Kerensa of the British Broadcasting Century podcast gives an engaging and brisk march through the early years of British Broadcasting The British Broadcasting Century Podcast can be foundRead More
318 The Nine Years’ War
In Ulster near the end of the 16th century, it appeared that Elizabeth could reply at least on one of her favoured Irish subjects – Hugh O’Neill, Baron of DungannonRead More
317 Well Worth a Mass
Henry IV of France, regarded as one of France’s greatest leaders, looks for way to bring peace and unity to his divided country, while England and Spain trade blows. AndRead More
316 The Valois Extinguished
The defeat of the Armada feels in retrospect like a watershed in Elizabeth’s reign; many of her closest advisers and companions died, and for the remainder of her reign EnglandRead More
315b The Tilbury Speech in Film with Sean Lang
Elizabeth has been a favourite subject for film makers; but the way her famous Tilbury Speech has been represented has been affected by the period in which the filmRead More
315a The Trafalgar Way by Adam Preston
After the battle of Trafalgar, the news needed to be brought to London as fast as possible. This is the story of the messenger’s journey Trafalgar Squared If you likedRead More
315 God Breathed
As the Armada sailed serenely up the Channel, the English tried desperately to make some impression before it reached Flanders. But Medina Sidonia had worries of his own… Transcript Ok, soRead More
314 Drake goes Bowling
The Great Armada was do to sail in 1587; but Elizabeth had other ideas. By in May 1588 the Duke of Medina Sidonia led his fleet of 130 shipsRead More
313 England is Ours
From a desk in a small suite of rooms in El Escorial Philip II ran a vast colonial empire. With France torn by civil war, war against the DutchRead More
312 My Heart is my Own
By the mid 1580’s Mary was at her wits’ end – feeling betrayed by her son, 18 years of incarceration, beset by a unsympathetic jailer. She would listen toRead More
310a Christopher Marlowe by Philip Rowe
Playwright and Wunderkind Christopher Marlowe and his short life, ended as mysteriously as it was lived. Philip Rowe of the History of European Theatre podcasts is here to tellRead More
311 Fears of State
In a time of existential and moral threat, the English state developed a network of informants and spies at home and abroad. While Catholics tried to steer a path throughRead More
310 The English College
By the 1580s, the confessional lines between Protestant and Catholic were increasingly strongly drawn; repressive legislation increased, and the English College was established to renew the stock of priestsRead More
309 Godly, Godlier and Godliest
Elizabeth set her face against further reform, against pressures from within the church and without; in her view, hers was a Godly church. How far did her church resistRead More
308 Fool’s Gold
A host of Elizabeth explorers explored the world in the late Elizabethan reign. Did they achieve anything, or were there efforts a false start?
308a Roanoke by Joel Kindrick
In 1585, a colony was established at Roanoke, sponsored by Walter Raleigh. Find out what happens from historian and Birkenstock wearer Joel Kindrick.
307b What makes Nelson Special by Adam Preston
Nelson was an extraordinary mix – described by N A M Rodgers as ‘Vulnerable and weak as a man, Nelson was also a leader of unequalled ardour, courage, generosity and professionalRead More
307a Renaissance Warfare by Ben Jacobs
Ben Jacobs talks about how the demands and costs of Renaissance warfare changed the nature of Europe for ever Wittenberg to Westphalia Podcast Ben Jacobs is the hostRead More
307 All Around the World
For a couple of years in the mid 1570s Elizabeth nixed proposed exploration projects for fear of Spain. At the same time she was discussing a secret voyage with a selectRead More
306 A Devil and No Man
Together the Elizabethan explorers, and authors like John Dee and Richard Hakluyt built excitement about the possibilities of global exploration. Francis Drake gave it expression. The Spanish MainRead More
305 The Frog Prince
From 1578 to 1582 the courts of France, Spain and England buzzed with the possibility of the latest office romance – between the Queen of England and Duke of Anjou.Read More
304 Seeds of Irish Nationhood
By the 1580s, the English atrocities and the rebellion of James Fitzmaurice and the Earl of Desmond, Catholicism and its association with resistance ot English rule was clearly established. Events atRead More
303 Shane the Proud
The later Tudors faced a choice in their policy towards Ireland – would they resign themselves to the old ways, ruling through the Old English with minimal control; or wouldRead More
302 England’s Garland
This beautiful technical drawing of Revenge was left by Matthew Baker; unlike the equally beautiful Anthony Roll of 1545, it is technically accurate, created by one of England’s greatest shipwrights.Read More
301 Black Tudors
Black Africans began to make their way in increasing numbers to England – firstly mainly via trading countries like Spain and Portugal, but increasingly direct. What sort of lives didRead More
300 Trade and Exploration
Elizabeth’s reign famously saw England enter the search for new markets with which to trade and explore. In this episode, we focus on trade with West Africa, and John Hawkins’ infamousRead More
299 West Africa
A horribly brief introduction to the West African kingdoms with which the Portuguese started to trade and a smidge of their backstory, before the English began to arrive inRead More
298 A Curate’s Egg
What started as a curate’s egg of an episode, ends up with an introduction to a new player, Francis Walsingham, and the story of the St Bartholomew’s Day massacreRead More
297 Servant of Crime
Through the 1560s, the progress of the reformation gave both the Protestant Godly and Catholics much leeway and wriggle room. A series of events in the late 1560’s and earlyRead More
296 Rising of the North
The saga of the life and times of Mary Queen of Scots continues, but in 1568 something stirs in the north of England… Transcript Last time, I left you withRead More
295 Marvellous Good Order
In Scotland Mary’s grasp on her kingdom begins to wobble. In 1566, Elizabeth’s parliament also gives her serious grief, drawing an increasingly waspish response. Read More
294 Alarms and Excursions
Did Elizabeth have a foreign ‘policy’? If so what principles drove it – dynasty, parsimony, protestantism? This week Elizabeth intervenes in Scotland and France. Transcript This week,Read More
293 Sex and Marriage
Dudley was for long considered the front runner for any possible marriage; but there was a long list of suitors. And Elizabeth was under pressure from the badgersRead More
292 The Queen’s Marriage
What were the issues around marriage for Elizabeth and her subjects? Because as the continuing barney between the two of them would prove, it really mattered to both parties. Read More
291 Queen and Court
How did Elizabethan government work, and what was Elizabeth’s court like? Transcript This week I thought we should have a bit of context, why don’t we? Over the nextRead More
290 The Religious Settlement
Elizabeth’s England was awash with expectation – from Mary’s bishops demanding that no change be made to Mary’s church, to a wave of Protestant Marian exiles returning with visions ofRead More
289 Elizabeth Regina
A game of 2 halves this week; the major themes of Elizabeth’s reign and then the Funeral of Mary and Elizabeth’s coronation . Ooh, and the appointment of Cecil asRead More
288 Elizabeth I and the Historians
Transcript Hello everyone and welcome to the History of England Episode 288 Elizabeth I and the Historians. We left Elizabeth passing through Temple Bar, with professions of loveRead More
287 Enter Good Queen Bess
Transcript Let me take you to London on a January morning in 1559. It’s cold, and there had been a light dusting of snow, and in January London 1559 letRead More
286 Sex and the Reformation of Manners
What concerned society about sexual behaviour and why ? How did they intervene in the way people lived their lives; what did you have to do to be whipped at fourRead More
285 Reformation of Manners
How far did parish life change in the 16th century, and how far was the Reformation responsible? What did 16th century folk enjoy themselves, and how did that change over the century? Read More
284 Popular Culture in the Ritual Year
The Lord of Misrule, the Boy Bishop. dancing the Morris and May games. A little about the celebrations of the ritual year, and how things changed. Transcript Last timeRead More
283 Little Commonwealth
The patriarchy, love and marriage, gender roles and huswifery, the daily grind and a bit about food and clothing. It’s a smorgasbord. Transcript We have a few times talkedRead More
282 Parish and Protest
The parish was the essential and ever present canvas on which most lives were painted in early modern England. We discuss how it changes, it’s harmonies and the context of protestRead More
281 Winners and Losers
The population growth and inflation of the 16th century had different impacts depending on your situation. And the difference was land. Plus we talk about the regions and landscapes ofRead More
280 The Land was Never So Full
The start of a suite of 7 episodes about social and economic issues charts the changes in population and how the society it affected described itself. Transcript Now then, as promised,Read More
279 Who Wished All for the Best
1558 was a fateful year for England which would have a fundamental impact on its future. Find out why. Transcript Last time we heard about how a fortuitous doomedRead More
278 The King’s Honour
The return of the King meant demands for the English to enter a war they did not want, and in which none of their interests were really at stake. Transcript The DukeRead More
277 A Firm Hand
The story of the Marian persecution. And of a Queen’s need to have her Prince at her side to help with the alarms and excursions of protestant rebels. TranscriptRead More
276 The Reformation of England
The plan was that 1555 saw the transformation of England – the birth of an heir for Mary and Philip, the launch of a new Reformation Anglicae to re-invigorate Roman CatholicismRead More
275 The Time of Trial
Once Pole had returned and parliament had re-enacted the heresy legislation after the brief Edwardian holiday, the Marian church could at last exercise the full force of the law against protestants. JohnRead More
274 Not to Destroy but to Build
Catherine Willoughby leaves England to become one of the Marian Exiles. When Pole told parliament that he came to build he meant what he said, and would deliver, in part.Read More
273 Pope II – The Return
In 1554, 300 schoolboys of London played out the divisions of their parents on the fields of Finsbury. It was an instructive backdrop to the return of Papal authority inRead More
272 The Spanish Marriage
In July 1554 Philip finally landed in England, and all went very well; Mary and Philip were married, and were kind to each other, there was a great pageant ofRead More
271 Most Faithful Subject
Once Wyatt had been dealt with, Gardiner, Renard,Mary – all could see a greater target in their sights. The surely the Lady Elizabeth had been involved, and here was the chanceRead More
270 Wyatt’s Doom
Mary faced the biggest challenge to her reign in 1554 as the London Trained Bands, the White Coats, joined Wyatt’s army of Kent. She responded like a Tudor appealing toRead More
269 Scorn and Ill Will
In 1553, Mary’s real religious policy become clear. More worrying for many was the announcement of her choice of husband Philip of Spain. Some blokes met in a pub to figureRead More
268a Thomas Cranmer with Diarmaid MacCulloch
Cranmer’s reputation has run from dishonest, ambitious politician to gentle, moderate Anglican. Prof. Diarmaid MacCulloch shed light on the life and motivations of the man central to the English Reformation. Read More
268 This Hand Offendeth
After Mary rode into London in August 1553, Thomas Cranmer must have known he would be in the firing line – and yet at first nothing happened. And it wasRead More
267 Girt with a Sword
Mary was well aware that it was critical for her to establish her right and authority as equal to that of any king; and she consciously pursued that aim. WhichRead More
266 Mary – Bloody or Otherwise
After her brave and audacious rebellion, Mary became Queen in 1553. Historians have not been kind to Mary for many centuries. What have they been saying? What are they sayingRead More
Gold, Praise and Glory
Same Hume introduces English trade and exploration in the Tudor era – the trade companies that spring up after 1550 and the discovery ventures that follow. With a bit ofRead More
Joseph Lancaster
Joseph Lancaster is little known today, but in the first half of the 19th century his name was everywhere. He was described as ‘the poor child’s friend’ as he made educationRead More
Elizabeth Chadwick and Eleanor of Aquitaine
Author Elizabeth Chadwick gives her insights into the life and times of Eleanor of Aquitaine. To find out more about Elizabeth’s three Eleanor novels, visit her website https://elizabethchadwick.com/eleanor-of-aquitaine/
Elizabeth Chadwick and William Marshal
Elizabeth Chadwick is the author of many fine historical novels, and her most recent is on William’s life in the Holy Land. Elizabeth was kind enough to share herRead More
265a Nicola Tallis and the Crown of Blood
I chat with historian Nicola Tallis about the life, times and death of Lady Jane Grey. And also there are prizes and things.
265 Live Still to Die
After Mary’s victory, Jane Grey was imprisoned comfortably in the Tower, and spent her time studying – and had a reasonable expectation of long, if a little dull, life. Until in 1554Read More
264g Rebel Queen 8 The Duke
The game played out, the Mary entered London and the Duke was to die. But Northumberland had one more surprise to spring To find out more about our programme, andRead More
264f Rebel Queen 7 Regina
Whether Jane and Guildford understood the commotion in the city outside the Tower we do not know, but it was the duty of her father, the Duke of Suffolk, to breakRead More
264e Rebel Queen 6 The Fleet
Around the 14th July a ship called the Greyhound sailed into Orwell Haven. Its captain was in gaol in Lowestoft, its crew had smashed open the cash box. Meeting withRead More
264d Rebel Queen 5 Resistance
Northumberland made good speed towards East Anglia and Mary, and his army swelled with troops and artillery. But in London, the mood was ugly, and Mary was having some success too.Read More
264c Rebel Queen 4 War
Mary’s letter of 10th July brought home an uncomfortable truth that Northumberland had expected to avoid – that Jane must fight for her crown. If an army could be found ToRead More
264b Rebel Queen 3 Rivals
Mary had a decision to make – submit, fight or flee. She took the decision with her household – and they raised the rafters with their cheers. To findRead More
264a Rebel Queen 2 Proclamation
On the morning of 9th July 1553 the 16 year old Jane was walking in the Grey manor at Chelsea in blissful ignorance. Then the Duke of Northumberland’s daughter, Mary Sidney,Read More
264 Rebel Queen 1 The Gathering
The life of Lady Jane Grey to 1553, and the fate of Edward VI is settled as the vultures gather. The first in our series on the succession crisis of 1553.Read More
263 The Devise
Edward VI’s ‘Devise for the Succession’ would plunge England into turmoil. Was it his own work, or was it the work of a manipulative and power hungry Northumberland? Here’s what happened.Read More
262 Northumberland
John Dudley, as Duke of Northumberland for a while dominated the King’s Council – and was a man with the imagination to change the rules. And the Edwardian Reformation continued,Read More
261a Professor MacCulloch talks Cromwell
Diarmaid MacCulloch brings wonderful scholarship, wit and humanity with a delightfully fresh biography of Thomas Cromwell, shot through with new insights. And I got to meet him! Here is what we talkedRead More
261 The Trouble with Mary
In 1550 Edward’s views on reformation began to harden – and brought him into conflict with his sister. Under pressure from King and Council, Mary decided that she must fleeRead More
260 A Double Coup
Somerset came away from the Commotion Time with a wobbly reputation. Could he survive politically ? Transcript Let me take you to London. The year is 1548, about aRead More
259 The Time of Camps
1549 was a year of upheaval which led to rebellions which offer a fascinating window into English society. It also saw the publication of the Book of Common Prayer,Read More
258 Protector Somerset
Somerset was an effective soldier, and as uncle to the king he seemed like an ideal choice as Protector. Would he prove an effective political? Good Duke, Bad Duke or justRead More
257 His Blood Crieth out against Thee
Within week, Edward Seymour was safely ensconced on the seat of power. But brother Thomas was not impressed, and would involve three women – Catherine Parr, Princess Elizabeth and JaneRead More
256 The Boy King
Poor Edward’s reign tends to be ignored, sandwiched as it is. This week we pay it proper respect – what has history had to say of the lad, what were theRead More
255 Europe XI The Spanish Century
By 1600, the Spain and her Empire was acknowledged as the richest and most powerful state in Europe. the hardworking Phillip II worked into the night deep in his massive palaceRead More
254 Europe X Chaos and Threat
Our survey of 16th century Europe moves on to the growth of the Ottoman Empire under Suleyman, and the chaos of the French religious wars. Religious division in Europe Here isRead More
253 Europe IX Confessionalism Unleashed
How the rise of Calvinism, the Catholic Reformation and the peace of Augsberg combined with attitudes towards heresy to divide Europe along harsher, confessional lines. The Hapsburg Empire under Charles VRead More
The History of the Vikings by Noah Tetzner
The History of Vikings features in depth discussions with world-class scholars from Oxford, Harvard, and Yale University, and dives into Norse Mythology and Viking history. From myths and raids, toRead More
252 Henry VIII – Judgement Day and results
Posted on 5th August: Results now in! It was very close as the table below shows. But int he end, the History of England listeners declared that while Henry VIIIRead More
251a Henry VIII Abroad by Zack Twambley
Zack returns! Yay! Zack, of the ‘When Diplomacy Fails’ Podcast, survey’s Henry VIII’s foreign policy and weighs it up – is the word policy too complimentary? To find out moreRead More
251 The End of Days
In 1546, Gardiner and the religious conservatives moved their sights from Cranmer, to the new darling of the evangelical cause – the Queen. Getting evidence from Anne Askew was the keyRead More
250 Catherine and Anne
In 1545 the struggle between conservative and evangelical, between mumpsimus and sumpsimus grew more intense as Catherine Parr’s household shed an evangelical light over the court. And into this situation cameRead More
248 To Arms!
In 1544 Henry traveled to France and hauled himself into the saddle for his last chance to emulate Henry V. A little like his predecessor, he was also investing in a royal Read More
249 Knaves I Cannot Rule
It’s time for a naval encounter, marked by the sinking of the Mary Rose, and then we set the scene for the cut-throat politics of the last years with Richard Rich,Read More
247 Queen Catherine the Third
The arrival of Catherine Parr (and family) and preparations for war in France. And rather a lot of digressions. Transcript Last week I mentioned that after his despair at CatherineRead More
246 A Rough Wooing
In 1542, Henry’s sought war with France; but before that, he must make sure his northern borders were safe. So began the Rough Wooing, as Henry sought to bring a Pro-EnglishRead More
245 The Prebendaries Plot
In 1543 religious conservatives were in the ascendant, dominated the aristocratic Privy Council and a wave of prosecutions for heresy followed. When some of Archbishop Cranmer’s own parishioners of Kent soughtRead More
244 No More Time to Dance
Catherine had made a decent start of being queen. And it was really in no body’s interest to reveal her old life. But dangers and memories were all around –Read More
243 A Jewel for Womanhood
In 1540 a new member at court, Catherine Howard, caught the eye of a king struggling with his marriage to Anne. By July Anne was gone and Catherine had embarkedRead More
242 Anne and Thomas
Anne arrived in England to be greeted by 6 burly disguised middle aged men. 1540 was a year neither Anne of Cleves nor Thomas Cromwell were to remember – with affectionRead More
241 The Illness of King Henry
Henry’s attitude to illness, and possible medical explanations for his character and events of his realm. And a negotiation starts for a new wife. A royal marriage proposal: Amelia andRead More
240 Henry VIII in Ireland and Wales
The 1530’s saw radical changes in both Ireland and Wales, following Cromwell’s same policy as applied to the northern borders. The outcomes though, were to be very different. IRead More
239 Henry VIII and his Realm
Henry wanted a different relationship with his nobility – a service, court based nobility. Royal power meanwhile must be extended and enhanced. Today we look at Tudor lordship and royal power inRead More
238 The Fight Back
In 1539, Henry became convinced that religious reform was going too far. Cromwell and Cranmer failed to see the signs and during the 1539 the act of Six Articles shocked evangelists.Read More
237 Dissolution and Destruction
At the start of 1538, the end of monasticism was widely predicted, and by 1540 the larger monasteries were all gone. Along with an assault on the veneration of relicsRead More
236 The Burning of Derfel Gadarn
In 1537 and 1538 the doctrinal debate intensified with the Evangelical cause appeared to advance step by step. Cromwell discredited the monastic movement by attacking the veneration of relics. The execution of JohnRead More
235 Pilgrimage of Grace II
By December 1536 there were 50,000 rebels camped around Pontefract Castle while inside their leader Robert Aske composed a petition of 24 articles, to re-instate traditional religion and the Pope.Read More
234 Pilgrimage of Grace I
It is not true to say that Henry died a Catholic without the Pope. The 1530’s were a time of increasing doctrinal confusion which together with the attack on monasticismRead More
233 Obedience
With Anne’s death the traditionalists breathed a heavy sign of relief. now all the bad stuff would stop – evangelical reform would be reversed, Mary would be re-instated. They had aRead More
232 Evangelicals
From the mid 1520s, the church authorities began to face a more serious challenge from evangelicals like Thomas Bilney and Hugh Latimer. And in 1526 and 1534, Tyndale’s New Testament in EnglishRead More
231a English Music and the Reformation by Heather Teysko
Heather Teysko of the Renaissance English history podcast gives a wonderful and musical introduction to the English choral tradition at the time of the Reformation. Hello HistoryRead More
Scandal of Christendom results and prizes
The Scandal of Christendom is all over! Find out who won what on the podcast, or read on. But thank you to all of you for taking part. Read More
231 The Scandal of Christendom Debate
Some of the arguments about Anne Boleyn’s life and career, to help you make you make your choice and vote on the History of England Facebook page. And while you are hereRead More
230a The Fall of Anne Boleyn by Claire Ridgway
The fall of Queen Anne Boleyn and who was responsible has, as Claire Ridgway remarks, always divided historians and probably always will. Here Claire discusses some of the theories –Read More
230 The Execution of Anne Boleyn
On May Day 1536 at Greenwich, Anne and Henry could put their worries aside. Everything was well with the world as they watched the joust. Then Henry left suddenly and wasRead More
229a The Progress of the Tudor Court by Natalie Grueninger
Every year Henry took his court on a progress through the English countryside. Find out why and what he did from Natalie Grueninger and check out her website On theRead More
229 The Reign of Queen Anne Boleyn
We discuss what we know about Anne as Queen consort, and chart the progress of the break with a thousand years of tradition in the declaration of royal supremacy. GoRead More
228 Mistress Anne Boleyn, Scandal of Christendom
The start of 4 weeks of fun, debate, voting and prizes as we consider the life of Anne Boleyn and decide whether Catherine was being fair in describing Anne as theRead More
227 The Reformation Parliament
After Wolsey’s fall was a period of stalemate; but between 1529 and 1532, Henry’s thoughts crystalised, Anne became to be openly at his side – and a new weapon joined theRead More
226 The Great Wether
In 1529 the campaign for the King’s great matter, his divorce came to a climax. Wolsey persuaded the Pope to allow a court to be held in England under Cardinals CampeggioRead More
225a Reformation by Otto and Luke
Otto and Luke follow up the episode 224 with their own perspective on the Reformation. It’s a father and son bonding session, ‘hey son let’s have a great time and shootRead More
225 Matters Great and Personal
The king’s Great Matter as it was to be called, outraged and divided Christendom, and has been dividing us ever since. What motivated it? Who was responsible? The debate startsRead More
224 Deadly Poison
In 1520 the Pope threatened an obscure Augustinian monk with excommunication. Why ? What happened next? And how did the English react?
223 Venality or vitality?
The traditional story of the English Reformation has been of a rotten, moribund, venal church, just waiting to be toppled by reformers, the pyre ignited by Luther’s teachings. But wasRead More
222 From Hapsburg to Valois
The diplomacy of the early 1520s culminated at Pavia, with the ruin of French hopes – and also English as Hapsburg for a while reigned supreme. Domestic politics saw WolseyRead More
221 The Finest Buck
Henry had shown a hint of the man he would become in 1510 by the execution of Empson and Dudley. In 1521, the Duke of Buckingham was in his sights,Read More
220a An Oasis Discovered
Here’s my story of the church St Bartholomew the Grand and its founder. There are pictures and the text at St Bartholomew the Great
220 Disguisings
It is in the reign of Henry VIII that we first hear of the ‘masque’ – entertainment that drew from Mummers, Mystery plays, and ‘disguisings’. We talk about Anne andRead More
219 Cloth of Gold
Enter Thomas Boleyn, courtier, and the realities of being a courtier. And the field of the cloth of Gold; Henry and Wolsey’s mission to uphold the treaty of universal peace.Read More
218a Witchcraft in Tudor England by Sam Hume
The 16th and 17th centuries saw a surge in worry about witchcraft through most of Europe. Sam gives us a survey of how fear of witchcraft affected England. Sam also hasRead More
218 Universal Peace
Wolsey had tried war with France, they’d tried war by proxy, they’d tried peace. In 1518 the most remarkable of their plans – the Treaty of Universal peace where 20Read More
217 The Cardinal’s Hat
Being made a Cardinal in 1515 gave Wolsey the perfect opportunity to give the vainglorious side of his nature full reign. He made full use of it. We have three topicsRead More
216 Love and Marriage
The story of a love affair – probably. In 1514 Henry married off his 18 year old sister to the gouty, siphilitic, toothless 50+ year old Louis and sent herRead More
215 Hero of War
In 1513 there were two English victories. One of them would have a profound effect on English history. The other one was mainly a mad dash in pursuit of aRead More
214 The Road to War
The path of Renaissance diplomacy was both torturous and without scruple; as Henry finds out as he thirsts for glory. Renaissance Italy There’s a bit of a geography lesson this time –Read More
213 Background to War
Historians have identified the 16th and 17th centuries as a time of revolutionary change in Europe, driven by military technology. We talk a bit about that, and about the personalitiesRead More
211a The Shakespeare Controversy
Released as a bonus Shedcast a few weeks ago, here’s Eddy McLain’s take on the Shakespeare controversy. For a number of centuries, people celebrated William Shakespeare and his works and talents.Read More
212 Pleasure and Liberty
Henry VIII was released by this accession to the courtly, chivalric life of the hunt, and masque, and tournaments. In this he was encouraged by by Council – while his father’s ‘peaceRead More
211 Heaven Smiles Earth Rejoices
The accession of Henry VIII was greeted with a huge sigh of relief and great enthusiasm. His court was to change immediately, and politics for ever. Although the Book ofRead More
210 Bloody Beast
How Henry has been assessed by historians through the ages, and the controversies of his reign. And assessments of the man himself. The famous Holbein mural was designed to greetRead More
209 Exploration
Through the 15th century, Portugal explored the African coast in search of the Indies and the fabulous wealth of the trading networks with the East – such as those ofRead More
208 I Heart Henry
What happened when Henry was gone. And the report card – was Henry an incompetent tyrant, a fun loving saviour of England’s future – or something in between? Should weRead More
207 The Underworld
While the young prince Henry built a group of aristocratic companions and longed desperately for the joust, his father drove his hatchet men Dudley and Empson ever further into the darkRead More
206 Descent to the Underworld
Henry had found two hatchet men to replace Reginald Bray – Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley. They spread their tentacles and contacts through London and England, and used the Council LearnedRead More
205 Do Not Let Me Perish
In the early 1500’s Henry VII saw many of his closest confidentes and supporters die. Catherine of Aragon was to be one of those who suffered as a result. He alsoRead More
204 Governing the Early Tudor State
Henry made changes to the English court, administration and legal system. But many of his actions would be seen as setting a path to tyranny and avarice later in theRead More
203 The Spanish Princess
After negotiations that would win prizes, it was finally time for Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth’s pride and joy Prince Arthur to marry the Spanish Princess, Catherine of Aragon. CatherineRead More
202 Scotland, Cornwall and Warbeck
The travels of Perkin Warbeck take him to Scotland, marriage and war; which leads to taxes, which leads to rebellion. T’was ever thus. Whether Perkin was an imposter and pretenderRead More
201 Poyning’s Law
Ireland in 1495 was almost 3 societies living side by side. We take a trip to Ireland, hear about the Great Earl, and the law that became known as Poyning’sRead More
200 Printin and Perkin
The appearance of a new pretender – Perkin Warbeck in Ireland was to distort Henry VII’s domestic and foreign policy for the rest of the 1490’s. Some Dramatis Personae CharlesRead More
199 The New Men
Henry VII’s ambitions were to rule in the French style – to better control and increase his income. He gathered around him bureaucrats – new men he could trust and whoRead More
198 Mothers and Wives
In 1485 and 1486 Henry established the foundations of his reign through parliament, and established his household. The relationship between his wife and his mother would always be a matter of someRead More
197 The Story of Henry VII
When he won the throne of England, Henry had spent most of his life under guard, and was an adventurer. His efforts were therefore bent towards establishing the legitimacy ofRead More
196 England at the Dawn of the Tudor Age
England in 1485 was at once a deeply traditional medieval society – and yet poised at the edge of change – economic, social, religious and political Read More
195 The History of Europe Part VIII
15th Century European kingdoms were wracked by internal division as well as international war. By the end of the century, many nations had achieved unity and some degree of internalRead More
194 The Wars of the Roses
When to declare the Wars of the Roses all finished and done? There are as many choices as there are for start dates. 1485 and the Battle of Bosworth has beenRead More
193 The Blood of Innocents
In 1483, the gates of the Tower of London closed on two innocent and defenceless boys; one, Edward, 12, captured and the other Richard, 10, given up by his mother.Read More
192 Bosworth
At last in 1485 Richard got to meet his challenger in person at the Battle of Bosworth – a meeting he needed every bit as much as Henry Tudor. 192Read More
191 The Reign of Richard III
Unfortunately for Richard he was never able to simply concentrate of governing the realm; the hangover of his accession, the presence of Henry Tudor abroad – these things constantly tookRead More
190 Good King Richard?
Part of the story to counter the propaganda of the Tudors is the view that Richard promised to be an exceptionally good ruler. The brevity of Richard's reign make an assessment difficultRead More
The Great Richard III Debate and Competition
The Result is in – the History of England listeners have spoken! And if you care to listen – here’s both the result read by the History of England’s chiefRead More
189 The Most Untrue Creature
Richard sought to start the reconciliation of the factions in the realm. But despite his triumphant progress through the Kingdom to York, trouble was brewing – including from the most unlikelyRead More
188 Richard III – Knave, Fool or Saviour?
The time has for the Richard III podcast episode and vote. 3 of the no doubt many possible interpretations of the events of 1483 - did Richard plan to usurp theRead More
187a Jane Shore by James Boulton
Jane Shore lives among the list of the most famous mistresses – along with the likes of Roseamund Clifford, Alice Perrers. Like Alice, Jane lives and loved at the veryRead More
187 Edward V
The reign of Edward V is one of the great controversies of English history. This episode is as uncontroversial – just what happened. Then in 2 weeks time – weRead More
186 The King is Alive!
It was critical that the heir to the throne, the young Edward, was tutored and governed to be brought up to be a successful king – and so Rivers wasRead More
185 Edward the King
The 1470's were a marked contrast to the 1460's; a decade of complete calm, of control and authority. How did Edward do it? 185 Edward the King EdwardRead More
184 Edward’s Foreign Glory
Edward IV fancied himself as a latter day Edward III, and with his love of the Garter tradition on the one hand and his determination to gain revenge for FrenchRead More
183 The Brothers York
In the 1470s family rovalries came to a head in the York dynasty
182 Games and Beasts
A chance to go into some byways, away from politics and talk about how medieval folk enjoyed themselves; the games they played in medieval days, from Football to Stoolball, from chess toRead More
181a Arthur by David McLain
A third guest episode by David McLain. This time about Arthur, King of the Britons… 181a Arthur by David McLain
181 The 15th C Rural Economy
We know that the Magnates and peerage made some cutbacks and prettified fewer of their residences – but what of the Gentry, who by and large would have 1 or 2Read More
180 Lives and Loves of the Gentry
How England’s gentry lived, theoir growing importance, their hopes and fears
179 The New Farmers
A sea change in economic conditions will start a long term change in the structure of English society
178 The 15th C Economy I
Economic changes that will define the following Tudor age
177 High Noon at Tewkesbury
Here it is at last – the great showdown. This time only York or Lancaster will survive
176 The Readeption
Edward IV returns, in force and with fire and sword
175 An Unholy Alliance
In 1470 the spin of the wheel of fortune was dizzying. Warwick had won, lost, won…where it ended nobody knew. But the most extraordinary thing of all was an alliance toRead More
174 Warwick’s Rubicon
In 1468, Warwick had a decision to make – as he himself said, 'It is a matter of being either Master or Varlet'. 174 Warwick's Rubicon George Neville, Archbishop ofRead More
173 Rivers Rising
There was a new faction at court – the Woodvilles, and they were there en masse. Were they really so bad? Had Edward boobed? And what did Warwick thinkRead More
172 A Royal Marriage
The first three years of Edward's reign were spent dealing stamping on the fires of the Lancastrian resistance. But then, he found time for something much more controversial than dis-embowelling,Read More
171 Two Rulers
In the aftermath of Towton, Edward started his work to restore a broad based regime – crushing the recalcitrant, welcoming the turncoats, re-establishing royal justice. He also had a party. MargaretRead More
170 This Fair White Rose
In 1461 the Queen failed to seize London,and retreated to the north. Warwick and Edward walked through London's empty gates and then chased north for the largest, and bloodiest battleRead More
169 King without Rule
After the victory at Northampton and the Act of Accord, it looked as though all Richard of York had to do was wait or the crown to be his. ButRead More
168 With Horns and Trumpets
Warwick swashed and buckled his way up and down the channel until the Yorkists were ready to invade England again. But on his return from Ireland with horns and trumpetsRead More
167b Hundred Years’ War – Formigny and Castillon by Carl Rylett
I found it rather difficult to cover the critical events and battles around Formigny and Casttillon in quite the same depth as I covered Agincourt, Crecy and Poitiers. Obviously, IRead More
167a The Fall of Constantinople by Paul Vincent
The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is one of the most momentous events in world history. Sure, the power of the Roman Empire had long since faded; but here atRead More
167 The Triumph of Lancaster
In 1459 the trigger point was finally reached; after a year of phony war, both sides preparing for war, the call for a great council in 1459 proving the triggerRead More
166 The Reign of Queen Margaret
In 1455 it briefly looked as though York had won; but in fact it solved nothing – the king remained the centre of power, and the king was weak. ByRead More
165 Bloodshed
In 1455, the quality and nature of the arguments and disputes about the king's fitness to reign and the need to reform the way England was governed changed very significantly.Read More
164 Madness
In 1452 and 1453 Henry enjoyed a brief spell where he was on top of his job after the events at Dartford. But fate had something in mind. 164 MadnessRead More
163 The Cousins’ War
How did previous generations view the Wars of the Roses? What are the interpretations of the Wars of the Roses now? This, and an introduction to some key families, areRead More
162 The Return of York
It's still 1450. Because it was something of an eventful year. Richard of York, sat in Ireland, was worried – his name had been bandied about by Jack Cade andRead More
161 Captain of Kent
1450 was an eventful year. The fall of Suffolk, and now Kent was once again in flames, just as it had been in 1381. This time the leader that emergedRead More
160 The Fall of Suffolk and Normandy
B y 1445, William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk was clearly Henry's most trusted adviser. He faced a difficult task – to steer a bankrupt nation into the harborRead More
159 From Arras to Tours
Through the late 1430's and early 1440's the situation in Normandy got no better, until a failed expedition convinced Henry and Suffolk that peace was required at any price. AndRead More
158 Catastrophe at Arras
In December 1431, Henry VIth became the only king of England crowned king of France in France. Which sounds great. But in fact it was a sign of English weaknessRead More
157 Joan of Arc
In 1428, the English were still sweeping all before them. Then came a figure so famous, that she was selected by Bill and Ted for their history project – andRead More
156 Reivers
There's really often little practical difference between what we call politics and some of what we call crime. Essentially it the history of the struggle for power by a bunchRead More
155 Henry VIth – The Wonder Years
While Bedford and talented commanders like Salisbury were alive, the cause of the English in France was far from dead. But in 1423, buoyed by the arrival of the Scots,Read More
154 Henry VIth – A Weak King
An introduction to a new reign – Henry VIth, a name to make grown men tremble – and to the political leaders that dominated it. 154 Henry VIth – ARead More
153a Wycliffe, Hus and Bohemia
This week a guest episode on Wycliffe, Hus and their influence on the history of Bohemia. With many thanks to Pete Collman from the Bohemican Podcast, and Travis Dow ofRead More
153 The Medieval Working Woman
Only 4% of women remained unmarried in the middle ages, and therefore for both men and women working life was a matter of team work. In towns in particular, womenRead More
152 The Death of a Conquering Hero
Henry's talents ran as much to managing his back yard as it did to war; this week how Henry organised his kingdom for war, and the last days of hisRead More
151 The Bridge at Montereau
In 1420, Henry faced an uphill battle again; his negotiations had failed with both Dauphinists and Burgundians, and instead they'd patched it up. So he faced an alliance – Dauphinist,Read More
150a Grace Dieu and Henry Vth’s Proto-Royal Navy by Brandon Huebner
Henry Vth was the first monarch since Richard the Lion Heart to pay much attention to the English fleet. The experience of putting maybe as many as 1,500 ships ontoRead More
150 Conquering Hero
By 1417, Henry had sorted out his support in England, and was able to launch a war of conquest in Normandy. After butchery at Caen, castles and towns fell, andRead More
149 Sex, Childbirth and Children
Medieval understanding of physiology had an impact on attitudes to sex, just as much as did the teachings of the church. Though who knows how much it had an impactRead More
148 Women and 1066, and Marriage
As far as women were concerned, was 1066 generally a Good Thing, a Bad Thing – or just a Thing? That’s the main item of debate this week, along withRead More
147a The Pitfalls of being a Medieval Queen by Melisende
Being a medieval queen could be a hazardous business – find why, and how, by Melisende of Outremer, and visit Melisende's blog, www.womenofhistory.blogspot.com. 147a The Pitfalls of being a MedievalRead More
147 Women and Anglo Saxon England
Unaccustomed as I am to social and economic history…here is the first of a bit of a thread over the next few weeks and months about some social stuff, andRead More
146 The Agincourt Campaign – Part III: The Battle
And so at last to one of England's most famous battles. Outnumbered and trapped, Henry and his English and Welsh faced the cream of the French warrior class. The DukeRead More
145 The Agincourt Campaign Part II
Henry probably now intended to be King of France or Duke of Normandy as a minimum. So what he planned was a war of conquest, not just the traditional chevaucee.Read More
144 The Agincourt Campaign – Part I
There is little doubt that Henry Vth always intended to fight in France – unless they completely rolled over. Which was unlikely; the French were perfectly ready to fight andRead More
143 The Champion of Christ
In 1413, Henry's friend John Oldcastle very probably celebrated the arrival of his prince on the English throne – now at last, surely, the Lollards would have their chance toRead More
142 Greatest Man – or Monster?
Henry Vth is a man who has a reasonable claim to be the greatest of English kings. But what did contemporaries think of him? Successful he was no doubt –Read More
141d Christopher Colombus by David McLain
No excuses really – nothing to do with English History at all. But hey, we enjoyed David's Shakespeare episode, so here's a chance for more! Columbus
141c The Romans in Britain Pt 2 by Richard Norton
And here we are with the second installment of the Romans in Britain, taking us to the fall of the western Empire. 141c The Romans in Britain Pt2 by RichardRead More
141b The Romans in Britain Pt 1 by Richard Norton
For some reason, don't know why, my interest in English and British history starts with the Anglo Saxons. Not before. Don't ask me why – no idea. I love AncientRead More
141a An Alternative View of Heresy by David Ford
This is a personal view by David Ford (though spoken by me), prompted by the episode on Heresy. David talks about some of the impacts the church had in theRead More
141 De Heretico Comburendo
With John Wycliffe and the Lollards in the 14th century, heresy finally came to England. Up to this point, rural England had been notable for avoiding the religious turmoils thatRead More
140 Fathers and Sons
In his final years, Henry faced a new challenge – from his ambitious son Henry. Ill and tired, For a while he loses control to the young bucks, the newRead More
139 The Fall of Glyn Dwr
The younger Henry enters our story full time as he leads to fight to Glyn Dwr. And for the alternative Prince of Wales after the failure of the French invasionRead More
138 Glyn Dwr and the Showdown
In 1405, yet more rebellion in England, this time from the north led by an Archbishop; and the crowning glory of Glyn Dwr's diplomacy led to the arrival of theRead More
137 The Battle of Shrewsbury
The battle of Shrewsbury of 1403 is one of those battles that deserves to be more remembered than it is – along with Lincoln in 1217 for example. The issueRead More
136 Glyn Dwr Ascendant
In 1402 and 1403 Glyn Dwr's power and influence grew and he scored some dramatic successes that made the world look up and take notice. As Glyn Dwr looked forRead More
135 Glyn Dwr Rising
As he looked around after dust of the Epiphany Rising had settled, Henry began to realise that he had problems that would make his life difficult; a mega fall inRead More
134 Golden Child Made King
The reputation of Henry IVth has changed through history – where he's remembered at all! So we look at that – we are left with those that think Henry wasRead More
133 The History of Europe Part VII
This week we finish off our survey of Europe, bringing us up to date with Byzantium, and the threat from the East. But we’ll also bring you up to dateRead More
132 The History of Europe Part VI
The growth of Aragon and its mediterranean empire, consolidation and political change in Northern Italy, fragmentation in Germany; Jan Hus, heresy and the Council of Constance. 132 A History ofRead More
131 The History of Europe Part V: Economic change and technology
Ths episode is the first of 3 to bring us up to date with the history of Europe to the time of Henry IVth. This week it's all about theRead More
130 Usurpation
In 1399 Bolingbroke and Richard were locked in a struggle – who would rule England and how. 130 Usurpation The traditional picture of Bolingbroke is a much laterRead More
129 Dominion
At last in 1397 Richard would have felt that he had put his past humiliation from the Appellants behind him. But he was no happier or secure. He gathered hisRead More
128 The Narcisist
In 1397, Richard finally saw the chance to try to get his revenge on the Appellants – Gloucester, Arundel and Warwick. So the parliament of September 1397 was momentus. 128Read More
127a Britain, Jamaica and the 70s by Roifield Brown
A bit of a change of pace for our guest episode this week – here’s Roifield Brown, author of the ‘How Jamaica conquered the world’ podcast, with an episode aboutRead More
127 The Model of Chivalry
Henry Bolingbroke, Earl of Derby, son of the most powerful magnate in England, was a golden child blessed with every advantage. While Richard tried to get his royal feet underRead More
126 An Uneasy Calm
Between the Appellants crisis of 1388 and 1397, Richard ruled with increasingly confidence. He was hardly the most impressive English king but he appeared to have cast off the wildnessRead More
125 Accusatio
By 1387, it was becoming clear that the Wonderful Parliament of 1385 had not solved the problem. Pressure had been building, and Gloucester, Warwick and Arundel were far from satisfiedRead More
124 The Character of a King
From the end of the Peasant's Revolt in 1381, England continues to be managed by the Council, but the young Richard began to have more and more influence. And despiteRead More
123 Wycliffe and the Lollards
With the arrival of the 1380s, a reaction was in train in Oxford. The new Chancellor, William Barton was an old friend of Wycliffe – but friend he was noRead More
122 John Wycliffe – and a University Education
Wycliffe's writings were to prove controversial and proved an interesting early echo of the Reformation. They heavily influenced the view of Jan Hus and the movement in Bohemia. And hisRead More
121 Counter Revolution
After Richard had broken the revolt in London at Smithfield it was time to tackle the chaos outside London. The Counter Revolution took something between 1,500-7,000 judicial executions, and did nothingRead More
120 … Who was then the Gentleman?
In June 1381 the revolt came to London. Before long, London was in flames, and the qualities of the young king Richard, and his advisers, were tested to the limitRead More
119 When Adam delved and Eve Span…
On a hill outside Blackheath, just to the south of London, a hedge priest called John Ball is preaching to a massive crowd of peasants. When Adam delved and EveRead More
118 Introducing Richard II
Richard arrived with the expectation of a nation on his shoulders – the son of the illustrious hero Edward the Black Prince. So what was Richard like, and how hasRead More
117a The Poet and the Mistress by Carrie Palmer
This week, a guest episode by Carrie Palmer – on Chaucer and Katherine Swynford Sadly, after this there is something of a gap to come – works has happened. SoRead More
117 The Medieval Year
The rhythm of the year would have been far more important to most medieval people that the goings on at Westminster and the court of the king. The stream ofRead More
116 The Good Parliament and a Bad Death
There were now unusual expecations for the parliament of 1376. But in fact a revolt from the Commons was brewing, dismayed by the failures of the war. The Good ParliamentRead More
115 The Rotten Apple
From 1371 to 1375 the army went from bad to worse. An English fleet was destroyed at La Rochelle and Poitou and the Saintonge fell to the French. The greatRead More
114 The Worm in the Apple
On the face of it, the 1360's were a continuation and celebration of the great victories of the 40's and 50's. In 1364, Charles of Blois was defeated and killedRead More
113 Fashion and Clothing in the 14th Century
Fashion finally comes to town in the 14th Century. At the start of the century people are wearing what they've been wearing for centuries. By the end of it thereRead More
112 On the Crest of a Wave
After the victory at Poitiers and capture of the French King, the English seemed to hold all the cards, and the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360 for a while maintainedRead More
111 Poitiers
1356 saw one of the greatest exchange of arms of the war. Early in the year, the Duke of Lancaster attacked into Normandy and with lightening marches ran rings roundRead More
110a Shakespeare by David McLain
I agree that it's a bit out of phase but you don't look a gift horse in the mouth. David McClain here gives us all a fascinating hour on someRead More
110 Fire and Sword
In 1354 – 1355 Edward and his court wavered between optimism that a negotiated settlement was within their grasp – and determination to continue to prosecute the war. The TreatyRead More
109 The War between the Wars
The period between 1347 and 1353 was one of low level war and violence; punctuated by more or less effective truces. But even the truces don't stop the low levelRead More
108 What has the Black Death ever done for you?
The theory runs that the Black Death transformed medieval society. With a dramatic shortage of labour, the English peasant was able to demand whatever wages and terms they wanted –Read More
107 The Death of Joan
In 1348 a 14 year old royal princess, Joan, set out from Portsmouth to marry Pedro of Castile. Her route went by Bordeaux, and with the massive trousseau she carriedRead More
106 Calais and Neville’s Cross
By the end of the march across Normandy in 1346, Edward had accepted that he was not going to be able to hold French territory. But he had a clearRead More
105 Crecy
In 1346 Edward invaded finally launched the invasion he had hoped to lead in 1345. The target was Normandy a devastating raid through northern France, a glorious victory in battleRead More
104 Lancaster and the Battle of Auberoche
Edward had little intention of keeping the truce for long. After a brief period of reconstruction, he repudiated the truce a year early. And so enters one of the mostRead More
103 The war in Brittany
1341 saw a serious political crisis – Edward returned home determined to put his English administration, parliament and particularly Archbishop in their places. In fact it's Edward who is forcedRead More
102 Highs and Lows
In 1340 against all the odds – of numbers and quality – Edward defeated Philip VIth's Great Army of the Sea at Sluys. The impact on morale, English and FrenchRead More
101 King of France and England
Edward faced a weary time, a weary time. His allies demanded money, he had none to give them. So they refused to fight, while the French closed in on GasconyRead More
100 Theatres of War
This week, a bit of a scene setter; Edward and the development of consent from the commons in his parliaments, the theatres of the 100 years war ahead – andRead More
99a Stephen Guerra The Avignon Papacy
The Story of the early 14th Century papacy and their exile in Avignon – a guest episode from Stephen Guerra 99a Stephen Guerra Avignon Papacy
99 Year One of a Hundred
Edward had traditionally received much of the blame before the start of the Hundred Years War. But in fact there were many reasons why France and England ended up goingRead More
98 The Disinherited
In the early 1330's, Edward was a hero searching for a way to undo the humiliations visited on him by Mortimer and by the French. And Edward Balliol, son ofRead More
97 Above all Princes of his Age
In 1330 a group of Edward's friends gathered together at the foot of the rock on which Nottingham castle stands. They had learnt of a secret passage that led toRead More
96a Sharyn Eastaugh The Templar Knights
null The Templar Knights are endlessly fascinating; a glamorous and powerful order of warrior monks, with all kinds of mystique. In a guest episode, Sharyn Eastaugh gives a potted history.Read More
96 A history of Medieval Europe – Part IV
With the defeat of the Hohenstaufen, surely the Papacy had finally won it's battle for supremacy? Actually not. A new challenge rode into town in the form of Phillip IVthRead More
95 The History of Medieval Europe – Part III
Frederick II renewed the argument that had been going on since the time of Otto the Great – Emperor or Pope? This time there would be a solution one wayRead More
94a The Mysterious Death of Edward II
Time to vote? Did Edward die in 1327? Now, traditionally, Edward II is supposed to have died after an unfortunate meeting with a red hot poker. Which had always beenRead More
94 The Reign of Isabella and Mortimer
After Edward II's abdication in January 1327, England was ruled on behalf of the new King Edward III by Queen Isabella. But while Isabella probably wanted a life of respect,Read More
93 The Wages of Tyranny
With the fall of Lancaster, the Despencers were off the leash, and able to vent the full force of their avarice on England. Their power and Edward's inability to controlRead More
92a The Cult of Thomas of Lancaster
Medieval man loved their saints. Remember the Anglo Saxons? Saints popping up all over the place. The Martyrdom of Thomas Beckett I suppose is reasonable, but cult of Simon deRead More
92 The Fall of Lancaster
Lancaster and Edward have been picking at each other for years. In 1322, things finally came to a head, and rebellion was out in the open. Lancaster must have hadRead More
91 The New Favourites
In the 1310's, Robert Bruce's ambitions grew – not simply content with throwing the English out of Scotland, or burning the north of England – he now wanted to establishRead More
90 How to hold a parliament
The modus tenendi parliamentum is a very unusual document from around this time. It describes how parliaments should be held, but also includes a number of very interesting claims aboutRead More
89 The Great Famine
For a long time we have been having a ball, economy wise – the medieval warm period, towns springing up all over the place, prices gently rising, population growing. SoRead More
88 Politics, Scandal, Intrigue and Turmoil
The period between 1308 and 1311 was dominated by the attempts of the barons to resolve the issues left unsolved from Edward I's reign; and by the scandal and disruptionRead More
87 Scandal was brought upon the Kingdom
This week, and introduction to Edward II, quite probably the most reviled king in English history. So this week he have a bit of a survey of how history hasRead More
86 Handing over
In 1305 two Scottish lords had a fall out next to the altar of a church in Dumfries. One them, Robert Bruce, resolved the argument by sticking a knife inRead More
85 Crime and Punishment
A digression this week – the state of the crime and punishment in 14th century, and the story of the theft of the crown jewels in 1303. We also getRead More
84 War, Tournaments and Victory
We spend a bit of time in this episode having a bit of a catchup up – about arms, armour and armies, and about warfare for real and for pretend.Read More
83 Crisis
From 1297, things became harder for Edward. The relentless pressure of external wars led to increased taxation. This continuous pressure on the magnates, church and people eventually led to aRead More
82 The Sucker Punch
Since the Treaty of Paris in 1259, England and France had been friends, united by a monarchy with close ties and relationships. So when in 1293 a dispute blew upRead More
81 The Great Cause
Through a stunning piece of bad luck, Alexander III left no heirs. And now there was no clear successor to his throne of Scotland. For the search for the rightRead More
80 In which we Dawdle
When Edward I arrived back in 1289 from Gascony, he was in many ways at the height of his awesomeness. A chivalric monarch, a leading statesman in Christendom, and atRead More
79 Conqueror and Statesman
The second Anglo Welsh war was very different in character to the first. Here was a genuinely national uprising against rule by the English. Here was a war with noRead More
78 The Crisis in Wales
In 1270, you would have been more likely to pick Alexander, king of Scotland or Llewellyn of Wales as the leader most likely to breach the peace. Edward looked moreRead More
77 Reconstruction
The country Edward came back to in 1274 wasn't in particularly good nick. Crime was on the rise, with a general disaffection with the regime as the benzedrine of deRead More
76 The Personal Rule of Henry III Part 2
The last 5 years of Henry's rule were pretty uneventful. The Statute of Marlborough confirmed the changes of the Provisions of Westminster, but royal power remained based on the pre-ProvisionsRead More
75 Nemesis
In April 1265 Gilbert de Clare had left court in something of a huff. De Montfort was well aware that if he lost de Clare, his whole hold on powerRead More
74 The Wheel of Fortune
In 1264 when De Montfort set out from London he would have been conscious that this was a last throw; after losses to the Royalists in the midlands his onlyRead More
73 Return of the Jedi
In 1262, it looked for all the world as though the royal party was back in control and the whole struggle for reform was over. But that was before youRead More
72 The Empire Strikes Back
Things looked pretty good for the reformers in 1259; but at the heart of the reform movement were fault lines that weakened them, and made them vulnerable. The differing aimsRead More
71 Enter the Leopard
We sort of get back to the political narrative this week, but only sort of. We discuss the young prince, Edward, who will be one of England's most famous kingsRead More
70 Lords, Knights and Gentry
The 13th Century sees the start of changes that will come to full fruit in the 14th Century – the development of the role of the knight in the shires,Read More
69 Merchants and trivial stuff about Magnates
Wool was the wealth of England, the great trade that brought wealth and prosperity to England. The people who really made the money were the big ticket Italian Merchants. ThisRead More
68 13 C Life – Peasants fighting back…and Towns
Being a Peasant was no doubt a pretty hard existence. But they were not without their methods of fighting back, and protecting their rights. This week also we look atRead More
67 13th Century Life – the Peasantry
Over the 13th century, economic growth continued. For the Peasantry, this gave some opportunities; more chance to sell their produce and get involved in a wider range of money makingRead More
66 The Road to Revolution
In 1258, the resentments all came together and the pot boiled over. The pope Alexander did his vassal no favours what so ever by pushing so hard that Henry hadRead More
65 Why was Henry III so unpopular?
It seems strange. Henry III was a likable enough chap, who did his best to keep a harmonious court, and gave England an extended period of peace. And yet it'sRead More
64 The Personal Reign of Henry III – Part 1
Henry III brushed off his great officers of state and the period of 1234 to 1258 is a period of personal rule. Henry finds himself a wife, a new personalRead More
63 The Last Great Justiciar
From 1227 to 1234 we are sort of in betweeners – the minority has ended, but Henry's government in still dominated by the old guard, people like Hubert de Burgh.Read More
62 The Minority Abroad
Harmony with Scotland, the career of Llewellyn the Great, the loss of Poitou. During the minority of Henry, English prestige and power was at something of a low point –Read More
61a Bannockburn by Zack Twamley
Bannockburn was a landmark defeat for the English, which signalled a long term change to the strategy Edward I had started. Zack talks about the events that led up toRead More
61 The Minority of Henry III
The years between 1219 and 1227 saw the gradual resumption of royal power. It also saw a power struggle between Peter des Roches, the Bishop of Winchester, and Hubert deRead More
60 William the Regent
A man was needed to guide England through a civil war and minority. So who do you think they picked? The answer was of course William the Marshal who was nowRead More
59 Magna Carta and the Death of a Tyrant
Bouvines wasn't the cause of the Baronial revolt, but it probably was John's last chance to avoid it. In 1215 at Runymede Magna Carta was signed. It's extremely unlikely thatRead More
58 Tyranny and Defeat
From 1213 to 1214, John seemed to have got his problems more under control, and had built an alliance that looked to be capable of taking on Philip. There wasRead More
57 The Excommunicate
John took a detailed interest in administration, and made effective changes to the way things worked. Partly his interest was motivated by the need to raise money – as inflationRead More
56 The History of Medieval Europe, Part 2
The Holy Roman Empire to the death of Barbarossa, the briefest of histories of Norway, Denmark and Spain, and the 4th Crusade. It's action packed. 56 The History of MedievalRead More
55 The History of Medieval Europe, Part I
From Charles Martel and the battle of Tours in 732, through Charlemagne and Otto the Great, the first installment concentrates on France, Germany and Italy and takes us to theRead More
54 Fighting Back – A Bit
John immediately launched attempts to get his lands back – and ran into the Barons. He does run up a pretty good Navy though. And we hear of Roland theRead More
53 Torn Apart – Loss of an Empire
After the defection of William des Roches the military situation was poor for John but not irretrievable. Unfortunately, John failed to provide the leadership needed. He distrusted his barons; heRead More
52a Eleanor of Aquitaine by Melisende
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of the great names of the Middle Ages. Her life spanned almost all of the Angevin Empire, and her court at Poitiers became famous asRead More
52 John Softsword
As a younger man, John had been given the nickname Lackland because unlike his brothers he didn't have his own appanage. At the Treaty of Le Goulet in May 1200Read More
51 The Fouler Presence of John?
In 1199, Richard the Lion Heart died after being shot by a cook outside the castle of Chalus in the Limousin. The Empire was split between supporters of Arthur andRead More
50 Defence of the Empire
The war between Richard and Phillip went on from 1194-1198 in fits and starts ; usually there was no more than 3 months of fighting before a truce came along.Read More
49a Arrival of the House of Wessex video
My daughter and I thought we’d have a go at doing a video about the early period of the kingdom of Wessex. Someone at one point suggested I upload aRead More
48 Richard and The Third Crusade
Was the Third Crusade a success or a failure? While it failed to achieve its objective, it was the most successful after the First Crusade. It rescued Outremer from anRead More
49 Travel Chaos
Richard set off from Outremer right at the end of the sailing season – October. He knew the Duke of Austria, the Holy Roman Emperor, Count of Toulouse and KingRead More
47 The Fall of Jerusalem
For 50 or so years after the capture of Jerusalem, Outremer was a part of the political and military dance between Christian and Muslim states. Then in 1144, signs ofRead More
46 Richard and the Road to Outremer
Richard set off from Sicily probably intending to go straight to the Holy Land. But a chance storm enforced a landing at Cyprus, where the locals were not friendly. WhichRead More
45 Packing the Bags
Richard came into the lands of his father and was crowned at Westminster in 1189. For the next 6 months he was packing his bags, cleaning the fridge and gettingRead More
44 Introducing the Lion Heart
To most contemporaries, Richard I was a hero. Since then his reputation has suffered badly, until even Winston Churchill describes him as the worst of our Richards – which givenRead More
43a Aelfthryth by Melisende of Outremer
Ælfthryth was a controversial figure. Wife of King Edgar, mother of Æthelred the Unready – and possibly murderer of her step son, Edward? Melisende of Outremer looks at the lifeRead More
43 The Greatest of all Monarchs
In 1173-4 Henry was faced by a revolt by his wife, children and many of his leading barons. 1183 to his death in 1189 were years where Henry was increasingly besetRead More
42 English Justice and The Irish Invasion
Henry's far sighted reform of justice; and Richard Strongbow and Norman invasion of Ireland So here are two completely unconnected subjects then! Henry is responsible for reforms to the processRead More
41 Murder in the Cathedral
After Thomas recanted from his signature of the Constitutions of Clarendon, things got really nasty. Before long, Thomas was in exile, and Henry couldn't care less. But by 1167 theRead More
40 Bishop Trouble
The 1160's. A time of consolidation of the Angevin Empire, still ruled by a dynamic, young and aggressive Henry. But mainly remembered for the start of the struggle between churchRead More
39 The Ruling of the Angevin Empire
Bear in mind at all times that Henry, while being a Good King, was a tyrant. Still, he was a tyrant who ran a mean administrative system for the time.Read More
38 Born of the Devil – the Angevins
Geniuses, devils, spoilt brats, villains, heroes; war, sex, violence, bravery, treachery, peace, reform… the Angevins that founded the Plantagenet dynasty have it all, in spades. Not so much history, asRead More
37 12th Century Life – Village, Town and Trade
12th Century England was envied for it's fertility and yes it's climate. Any during the 12th century, the population of England and its towns and villages expand. But by andRead More
36 Magnates and Churchmen
After joining Henry II's household, William's rise was steady – but with the arrival of Richard the Lion Heart it really took off. By the time of his death heRead More
35 12th Century Life – A Knight’s Tale
Medieval England thought of it's people in 3 estates – those who fight (nobles), those who pray (churchmen) and those who work (peasants). This week in the history of EnglandRead More
34 Anarchy III – Resolution
Stephen and Matilda fought themselves to a standstill, until the Empress tires of the struggle, and essentially leaves the stage around 1149. Many of her key supporters die – MilesRead More
33 Anarchy II – Matilda’s Big Chance
1141 was a turbulent year in England's history. The Civil war had reached an early deadlock, dramatically broken by the capture of the king at the Battle of Lincoln, andRead More
32 When Christ and his Saints Slept
‘…they said openly that christ and his saints slept’. This stunning phrase gives us an image of devastation hat led to the period being called ‘The Anarchy’. In this episode,Read More
31a Anglo Saxon Questions – Church Conversion and Economy
Chris and Matt sent some interesting questions that take us back to Anglo Saxon England. So here's a free, supplementary episode. We talk about: How much did daily life reallyRead More
31 Henry I – Normandy and the Succession
Henry was a Norman king like any other – Normandy was in his blood. For 30 years, he controlled the diplomatic game to keep Normandy in the Empire. The oneRead More
30 Henry I – Barons, Warfare and Wales
The fight with Robert gave Henry a great chance to replace the old conquest families with his own men, and particularly in the Welsh Marches. And this week we alsoRead More
29 England in the reign of Henry I
After the initial struggle for succession and baronial revolt, England itself was pretty peaceful during Henry’s reign. The church & state debate needed fixing. And Normandy was a constant battle,Read More
28 The Lion of Justice
The youngest of William the Conqueror’s sons, Henry, wasted no time shedding tears for his brother Rufus. He got himself crowned, anointed and blessed. The next 6 years were toRead More
27 Hateful to his People and Odious to God
Rufus fell out big time with Anselm, his Archbishop of Canterbury. Unusually for Medieval Man he was impious and irreverent. Meanwhile, the Welsh struggled for independence against Norman tyranny, and makeRead More
26 William Rufus, Normandy and the First Crusade
William Rufus was a flamboyant, red faced, pudgy and irreverant bloke, but none the less his father's favourite son. So Dad tipped him the wink and he left the deathRead More
25 Death of a Conqueror
The last years of William the Conqueror’s reign were mainly the meat and drink of the Norman King – beating off other feudal lords, keeping your nobles down, trying notRead More
24a The Anglo Saxon view of the outside world
The Anglo Saxons seem a very insular bunch – what was their view of the outside world, how much interaction did they have? A good deal more than we mightRead More
24 Revolt of the Earls
It took William the Conqueror a few more years until he felt safe from the English. But when the Revolt of the Earls collapsed in 1075, English revolution was overRead More
23 William the Conqueror and the subjugation of England
After 1066 William the Conqueror set about ruling his new kingdom. The impression we get is that England rolls over rather easily – where was the heroic struggle we mightRead More
22a Questions about Marriage, Law, Trade and Language
Here's a supplementary episode to answer some questions sent in – they were hard but fun, so keep the questions coming! Sadly, my brother was over so we did itRead More
22 1066 and Goodbye to all That
1066 was a year that changed a lot of things – though not as much as you might think. 3 experienced war leaders fought for control of England – andRead More
21 The Normans – a race unbridled
The Normans made a massive impact on Europe, not just England. They went on to establish a kingdom in Southern Italy, and lead the Crusades and the resulting state ofRead More
20 Anglo Saxon England in the 11th Century
Anglo Saxon England has been seen by some commentators as a bit of a basket case by 1066 – out of date and ready to be conquered. But actually EnglandRead More
19 Edward the Confessor
Edward enjoyed one year of independence in 1051-2, before the return of Godwin forced him into humiliating submission. But after Godwin’s death the following year, the rest of his reignRead More
18 The End of the Danish Dynasty, Edward the Confessor and the Rise of the Great men
Cnut’s dynasty survived him by only 7 years, and in 1042 the house of Cerdic returned in the form of Edward the Confessor. Edward is an enigma – weak manRead More
17 Cnut the Conqueror
Cnut was pretty much the complete king. Conqueror of the English, ruler of a Scandinavian empire that spanned 4 countries. And a man who knewRead More
16 Edmund Ironside and Cnut
In 1012, Aethelred looked down and out. But Svein died, and Edmund Ironside appeared on the scene. Suddenly, Aethelred was a real king and all action, and Cnut was forcedRead More
15 Aethelred, Svein Forkbeard and years of misery
The Danish threat is notched up a few levels, and Aethelred the Unready and the English state is brought to it knees. The Vikings are too fast, skillful and mobile,Read More
14 Aetheled the Unready and the Rising Tide
Aethelred’s mother gets her son onto the throne at last. But it’s not long before the disadvantages of kingship become clear, as the Danes begin to return with increasing force.Read More
13 Another and last Golden Age
Edgar the Peaceable’s reign was a golden age of peace, prosperity and monastic reform. Unfortunately, once he’d gone his wife stuck a knife into her stepson, and the trouble startsRead More
12 The last King in Jorvik
Edmund the Magnificent and Eadred finally defeat Eric Bloodaxe, the last king of Jorvik. But there are some social clouds on the horizon in the History of England. TheRead More
11 His Years were full of Glory
Athelstan was a dynamic and effective ruler, in war, law, and diplomacy. As a war leader he established at least nominal overlordship of all Britain; his marriage alliances included theRead More
10 English Reconquest
The story of a brother and a sister – Æthelflæd and Edward, and their bid to reclaim the lands of the Danelaw, the north and east of England being settledRead More
9 Pillar of the Western People
In 892, the vikings returned – and found a very different, much better prepared Wessex waiting for them. Until in 899, Alfred died to be succeeded by his Son, Edward,Read More
8 Reconstruction and Defence
Alfred had earned Wessex and period of respite, between 878 and 892. In this time, Alfred laid the foundations not just for the defense against renewed invasions, but for theRead More
7 Alfred and the Fight for Survival
Between 871 and 878, Wessex came close to extinction, as the Great Heathen Army, the Great Summer Army, and Guthrum the Dane came to conquer. The Campaigns In 870 theRead More
6 The Great Heathen Army
Everything changed for Anglo Saxon England in 866; the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok came for conquest, not just treasure and slaves. The Arrival in East Anglia, 866 In 866, aRead More
5 The Noble Wolf
Æthelwolf hasn’t always had the best press. None the less he laid the basis of an effective and well organised state centred on the traditional heartlands of Wessex, and one betterRead More
5a Pirates from the North
The Vikings visited fire, destruction – and trade – on a bemused and terrified 8th C Europe. Who were they, where did they come from, where did they go andRead More
4 Greater Wessex
The death of Offa & his son led to the bloodletting normal when the succession was a bun fight. But this time round, it would have longer term consequences for theRead More
3 The Mercian Supremacy
Offa becomes king, extends his authority over all England south of the Humber, and hob nobs with Charlemagne
2 The Rise of Mercia
From the 650s, a power begins to emerge in the west midlands – the border people, Mercians
1.8 Revival
Towns had simply disappeared along with the post Roman economy by 500. But slowly by 600 there’s tiny shoots of recovery discernible – so we talk about towns. And weRead More
1.7 Conversion
At the start of the 7th century England was a basically pagan country; by the end of it it was officially at least Christian. While no doubt many pagans stillRead More
1.6 The Life and Times of Penda Part II
Through much of the 7th Century, Penda increased the power and influence of the Mercians. He built his kingdom as a traditional warrior, tribal leader – defeating the Northumbrians, and EastRead More
1.5 The Life and Times of Penda, Pt I
7th Century England was inherently unstable, populated by a patchwork of communities, petty kingdoms successful and less so. Into this pagan mix also comes the lure of Christianity again. Meanwhile, in centralRead More
1.4 Founding Kingdoms
It’s difficult to know how much to believe of the stories relayed in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle about the formation of the early kingdoms – do they simply reflect the historyRead More
1.3 Building a New World
What kind of society had arrived in Roman Britain? How how did societies and communities form and become the kingdoms before the days of the Heptarchy?
1.2 Adventus Saxonum
The traditional story of the arrival of the Anglo Saxons is one of death and destruction, and the catastrophic and complete replacement of a British population by a new GermanicRead More
1.1 Change and Calamity
This is the story of late antique Britain. How in the 3rd to 5th centuries, Britain went through two waves of economic dislocation and transformation, that changed the face ofRead More
1 The Anglo Saxons: Chronicles and Arguments
Before we start, an episode is about the people who kept a written record of the Anglo Saxon age, and what later generations thought about the Anglo Saxons. Check outRead More