The object of Harry's ire - James III
HiT Papillon
When I was at school we constantly discussed the book; we were fascinated by it, including where they kept their money (really? Ewe). So what about the film? How did theRead More
Marshal 5 Tancarville - Members Only
Around 1160, William left home to the sound of his family’s tears, and travelled to Tancarville to learn the skills of courtesie.
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
Eleanor 11 Power - Members Only
Queen of England: Power or pawn?
Marshal 4 Fathers and Sons - Members Only
The story of John Marshal, William’s father with a big of wandering around in the genesis of the legendary King Arthur, king of the Britons.
Eleanor 10 Queen 2 - Members Only
Escape to Poitiers - and the search for a protector
Transcript for Marshal 4
When the Truce of Wallingford between Stephen and Henry of Anjou and the following the treaty of Winchester were sealed in 1153, the idea probably was there would maybe beRead More
Transcript for Eleanor 11
The question about Eleanor’s role in England is a vexed one – apart from the child production one obviously, the evidence of which was there for all to see. It’sRead More
Transcript for Eleanor 10
After narrowly avoiding Theobald, Eleanor might have thought she was safe – after all she’d escaped from the country of Blois and was into Touraine, which was part of theRead More
Marshal Omnibus 1 EPs 1-3 - Members Only
We set the scene – William’s background and lineage, and the Anarchy – until William himself appears strapped to a trebuchet at Newbury. As you do
Marshal 3 Hammer and Anvil - Members Only
During the Anarchy, John Marshal makes hay - and William joins our story at last
HiT Mary Queen of Scots
We discuss the intricate and fascinating story of Mary Queen of Scots and the new 2018 movie – along with the 1971 movie too. A chance to see how the ourRead More
Eleanor 9 Hunted - Members Only
Escape meant avoiding the wolves that blocked the path to Aquitaine
Eleanor Omnibus 2 EPs 6-9 - Members Only
We take in the full extent of Eleanor’s time as Queen of France – through her struggle for his sister, the dramatic 2nd Crusade and her final dash for freedom
Transcript for Marshal 3
The Siege of a Winchester is a great story, and one that the histoire absolutely loved of course, because they were able to put John Marshal right in the middleRead More
Transcript for Eleanor 9
In the summer of 1151 two years after leaving Outremer, Louis and Eleanor, king and Queen of the French admitted their mortal enemy to the Court. The 39 year oldRead 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/
HiT The Witch
The first of an occasional series where we look at the representation of folk tales and beliefs of the past, and how accurately film has presented them. We are joined inRead More
Eleanor 8 Outremer - Members Only
The story of Eleanor and the Second Crusade
Marshal 2 Lineage - Members Only
Setting the scene before William - John the Marshal; and the Anarchy
Transcript for Eleanor 8
Now, Eleanor and Louis could have chosen two broad routes to the holy land essentially – it was always something of a moot point. Did you head down to theRead More
Marshal 1 Reputations - Members Only
Is the Marshal we know man or myth?
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
Eleanor 7 Sisters - Members Only
Eleanor's little sister scandalises the Church
Transcript for Eleanor 7
Although 1141 was shaping up badly enough what with Excommunication and interdict, let’s not simply assume it’s the fault of our young lovers; after all, it could be that theRead More
HiT The Lion in Winter
Such a classic – Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole giving it large, plus the world’s most appalling article of clothing (see if you can spot which). Was it accurate? WasRead More
Eleanor 6 Queen (1) - Members Only
Elanor sticks out her elbows and creates some room for herself at court
Transcript for Eleanor 6
I need to start with an apology. In last week’s episode I made the most horrendous bloomer, describing Eleanor’s wedding dress as being red. Rubbish. Eleanor was of course marriedRead More
Eleanor Omnibus 1 (Episodes 1-5) - Members Only
The omnibus edition for all those insomniacs out there!
Eleanor 5 Bride - Members Only
Marriage to a young prince of 17 - Louis of France
Eleanor 4 Heiress - Members Only
in 1137, Eleanor's father Duke William X set off for Santiago on pilgrimage
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.
HiT The Battle of Algiers
Made in 1966 by Italian neo-realist director Gillo Pontecorvo, the film is based the actions of rebels and French government during the Algerian War of 1954–62. So realistic was it,Read More
Transcript for Eleanor 4
I was about to tell you all about William X and his pilgrimage, but before I do that please allow me to talk a little more about culture. Just toRead More
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
Transcript for HoS 31
Let me take you then to a place called Hermiston Moor, in 1406. You will see a group of horsemen approaching the castle of Tantallon. Tantallon was occupied by theRead More
HoS 31 Jameses 1 and II - Members Only
The murder of Douglas at the Black Dinner speaks of violent times- but the foundations of the renaissance monarchy were laid
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
HiT Lady Jane
Lady Jane was the first leading role for a very young Helena Bonham Carter, and a film debut for the renowned theatre director Trevor Nunn. Plus its an amazing story. So,Read More
Eleanor 3 Education - Members Only
As a child growing up in the Ducal household, Eleanor would have been presented to the noble families she would know for the rest of her life Transcript I’ve blathered on aboutRead 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
Was Edward VI’s Devise for the Succession lawful?
Mr Justice Tyrwhit argues that Montagu was right, and Edward did not have the power to make Jane Queen
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
Books for Eleanor of Aquitaine
Here is a very short booklist for Eleanor enthusiasts who would like to go to the horse’s mouth Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France, Queen of England. Ralph Turner,Read More