The History of England

This my retelling of the story of England, which is a regular, chronological podcast, starting from the end of Roman Britain. I’m a bloke in a shed, but I make sure this is good, properly prepared history, and then fill it with my enthusiasm. You’ll find the great events and people for sure – but also some of the byways, of how people lived, their language, and the forces that shaped their lives and destinies.(Note iTunes only displays a list of 300 episodes. There are rather more, which all other podcatchers DO list).

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Episodes

December 18, 2022

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 Hosted on Acast. See a...

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December 4, 2022

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

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November 27, 2022

Will and Patrick of the Cloak and Dagger podcast explore assassinations and crime of the past. in this episode, we go to Edward I's Jewel house - 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 maybe it ...

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November 20, 2022

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 6, 2022

Dramatic events in 1628 - a dramatic murder, and one of the great set pieces of the English Revolution. Mayhem! Treason! Murder! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 22, 2022

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 16, 2022

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.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 9, 2022

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast...

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September 25, 2022

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

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September 11, 2022

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 28, 2022

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

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August 21, 2022

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 often depressingly brief. The honeymoon period with his newly arrived wife Henrietta Maria, was similarly brief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

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August 14, 2022

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?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

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July 31, 2022

English Revolution Poll Results and HiT Cromwell

The Results of the poll - and Prize winners announced! Then HiT review of Cromwell the 970 film starring Richard Harris and Alec Guiness. Massive in scale and ambition, in its attempt to present Oliver as a democratic hero of the people. Does it manage it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

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July 24, 2022

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 Rebuil...

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July 9, 2022

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 G...

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July 3, 2022

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. We talk about as many theories as we can - and there's a poll and Prize draw, sponsored by Halls Hammered Coins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

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June 26, 2022

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 12, 2022

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 5, 2022

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

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May 28, 2022

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 horrified reaction of the establishment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 15, 2022

The Battle for Canada by Greg Kobel

In 1775 American Rebels occupied Montreal, as the first step to plucking the ripe fruit of British North America and adding it to the portfolio of the nascent United States. They expected to be welcomed with open arms.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 8, 2022

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 finally came to an end, and Buckingham took to his bed with grief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

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April 24, 2022

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 trouble in story for Lionel Cranfield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 17, 2022

Rights and Commons with the Open Spaces Society

Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society & I talk about the extensive networks of rights of way over private land in England and Wales, and some remaining common land - private land over which the public have rights. Where did they come from, how have they survived, and how do we preserve and ex...

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April 3, 2022

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 were doing. Find out who they were. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 27, 2022

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 a chance, parliament needed to play its role.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 20, 2022

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 of a History of England App for members! To access the app go to https://app.thehistoryofengland.co.uk Hosted on Acast. Se...

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March 6, 2022

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, a little late one of the greatest achievements of James Reign. One bible to bind them all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

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February 20, 2022

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 finely 'compacted legs' of the future Duke of Buckingham to you today. And also some proper history work on royal finances you'll be relieve...

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February 6, 2022

336 The 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 British state across all his three kingdoms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 23, 2022

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 the font of all justice, the king, would deal with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 9, 2022

In 1615, Ralph Winwood interviewed Gervase Elwes, Lieutenant of the Tower about the suspicious death of Thomas Overbury. Gervase spilled his guts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 19, 2021

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 of 1614 was every bit as addled as the court Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 5, 2021

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 favourite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 28, 2021

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 21, 2021

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 about currants would grow into a sore that would last til the civil war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

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November 14, 2021

14th Century Italy with Mike Corradi

To get us all read for the series on John Hawkwood, Mike Corradi of a History of Italy podcast joins us for a general introduction to the century Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 31, 2021

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 those by some way was Robert Cecil, a chip off the old block. Cecil took full advantage of the Gunpowder plot with a massive subsidy - and Ja...

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October 24, 2021

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 around them are etched in the landscape. Stephen Mileson helps bring those voices back to life.  Hosted on Acast. See ac...

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October 17, 2021

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 and Plot! Hear all about it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 3, 2021

327 Under New Management

James quickly established his household with Scots taking a large share, with associated argy bargy. Queen Anne a;so established her court, which would become a cultural centre and popular destination for noblewomen and luminaries such as Ben Johnson and Inigo Jones Hosted on Acast. See aca...

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September 18, 2021

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, and author with a clear sense of what monarchy was about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 11, 2021

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, and his skill in meeting them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 29, 2021

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 22, 2021

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 al the period is scarred by the destruction of the 30 Years War Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 15, 2021

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. I'm not going to lie to you - the 17th C does rather support the theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

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August 7, 2021

322Europe XII Religion & 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 18, 2021

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 had been, dearth stalked the land. But her reign had seen such changes as would deeply influence England's future. Hosted on Acast. See a...

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July 4, 2021

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 local and royal governance that was deeply participatory, was trusted by most and delivered social stability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

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June 27, 2021

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 through it; but it did see the completion of Europe's first comprehensive state system of poor relief. Hosted on A...

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June 6, 2021

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 Dungannon and Earl of Tyrone. But O'Neill was becoming increasingly disenchanted with English rule. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

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May 30, 2021

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. And the story of Grainne Ni Mhaille, aka Grace O'Malley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 23, 2021

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 England would be at war. Much of that war was fought on land, contrary to the normal story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

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April 25, 2021

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... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 11, 2021

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 ships down the Tagus towards the open sea - and the Enterprise of England was on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 4, 2021

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 Dutch improving, thoughts turned to the Enterprise of England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 28, 2021

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 to anything to escape - and then came Gilbert Gifford and Anthony Babbington Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 7, 2021

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 through the demands for loyalty from both Queen and Pope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 28, 2021

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 priests able to support the Catholic population in England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

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February 21, 2021

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 resist Puritanism and embed itself in the life of ordinary people? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 7, 2021

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?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 17, 2021

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 select group of Councillors - not west or north this time - but southwards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

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January 10, 2021

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 27, 2020

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. Was this classic Elizabethan distraction or an affair of the heart? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 13, 2020

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 at Smerwick convinced the English that the foreign threat through Ireland w Hosted on Acast. Se...

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November 29, 2020

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 would they turn to outright conquest? In the 1560's Shane O'Neill demonstrated the weakness of Tudor power Hosted ...

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November 15, 2020

302 England's Garland

There are many myths about the Elizabethan Navy, the idea of a world-beating tool that created an international Empire. It wasn't quite, and it didn't, at all. None the less Elizabethan's reign and innovations did change England from naval also-ran to Premier league. Hosted on Acast. Se...

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November 1, 2020

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 did they make in England? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 18, 2020

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' infamous voyages of the 1560s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 4, 2020

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 in the 16th century.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 20, 2020

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 massacre in Paris in 1572. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 6, 2020

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 early 1570s would begin to end that. One of those was the Papal bull, Regnans in Excelsis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

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August 23, 2020

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... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 9, 2020

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 26, 2020

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 7, 2020

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 badgers of the House of Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 28, 2020

292 The Queens 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 14, 2020

291 Queen and Court

How did Elizabethan government work, and what was Elizabeth's court like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 1, 2020

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 of Geneva. How to avoid a religious warlike that soon to engulf France? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

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May 11, 2020

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 as the Queen's Secretary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 26, 2020

288 Elizabeth I and the Historians

Elizabeth's reputation has been broadly positive except for Catholic historians, established by the man pictured, William Camden (1551-1623) though sometimes rather cold and unsympathetic. More recently the debate has questioned her level of control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

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April 12, 2020

287 Enter Good Queen Bess

In January 1559, Elizabeth finally entered London, and on the day of her coronation, she processed through London. Elizabeth's personality turned the event into a more than just a spectacle - it became a conversation.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 28, 2019

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 four corners of the churchyard? And what impact did the Reformation have. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

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December 15, 2019

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 20, 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 13, 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 5, 2019

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 protest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 22, 2019

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 of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 7, 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 24, 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 11, 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 28, 2019

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 14, 2019

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 Catholicism in England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 30, 2019

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. John Rogers was the first to go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more ...

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June 16, 2019

274 Not to Destroy but to Build

When Pole told parliament that he came to build he meant what he said., and would deliver, in part. And join us on Flick Chat https://flickchat.page.link/qUFi2Ss2o8j3fX3k6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 2, 2019

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 in the form of Cardinal Reginald Pole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 19, 2019

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 of welcome in London. Join us on Flick Chat https://www.flickapp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 5, 2019

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 chance to remove a thorn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 21, 2019

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 to her people at the Guildhall.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 7, 2019

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 figure out how they could stop that happening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 17, 2019

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 was his own defiance that caused the queen to take action. This is story of Cranmer's defiance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

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March 10, 2019

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. Which did not stop people worrying about her choice of husband. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 3, 2019

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 saying now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 16, 2018

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 1554 Thomas Wyatt and her father Henry Grey, raised rebellion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

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December 9, 2018

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 8, 2018

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 break the news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 7, 2018

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 with Sir Henry Jermingham may well have changed the course of history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 6, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 5, 2018

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 4, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 3, 2018

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, came to call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 2, 2018

264 Rebel Queen 1 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 25, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 18, 2018

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, step by step, to transform religious practice.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...

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November 4, 2018

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 flee the country for the safety of the firmly Catholic Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 30, 2018

260 A Double Coup

Somerset came away from the Commotion Time with a wobbly reputation. Could he survive politically ? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 14, 2018

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, Cranmer's masterpiece which would form the bedrock of the English church for centuries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

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October 7, 2018

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 just Duke? Over the next few episodes, we'll find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 16, 2018

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 Jane Grey in his attempt to gain power and influence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 9, 2018

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 the controversies of his reign and the players that trod its boards? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 2, 2018

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 palace of El Escorial to keep the wheels turning. But by his death in 1598, the seeds of her fall were already apparent. H...

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August 19, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 12, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 22, 2018

252 Henry VIII - Judgement Day

Alternative views of the Big Man presented in this week's megasode and your chance to vote and be entered into the prize draw for coins kindly donated by Halls Hammered Coins. Thank you Simon.Here's the link to the episode on the website  https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/2018/07/19/2...

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June 24, 2018

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 key - and they would stop at nothing to get it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 3, 2018

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 came a noblewoman from Lincolnshire, Anne Askew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

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May 27, 2018

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, Thomas Wriothesley and William Paget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 20, 2018

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 navy; and this time, it's an investment that would last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

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April 29, 2018

247 Queen Catherine the Third

The arrival of Catherine Parr (and family) and preparations for war in France. And rather a lot of digressions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 22, 2018

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-English part to power in Scotland, and then bully her into a marriage alliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

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April 15, 2018

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 sought to discredit him Gardiner saw an opportunity to bring him down. Hosted on Aca...

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April 1, 2018

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 - as were temptations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 25, 2018

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 embarked on her new career as queen of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 18, 2018

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 affection in one case, or at all in another. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 11, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 25, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 11, 2018

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 in the north of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 4, 2018

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 21, 2018

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 relics and saints, the traditional practice of religion was deeply affected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

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January 14, 2018

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 7, 2018

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. No royal army of any size stood between them and London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

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December 17, 2017

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 monasticism brought forth a bellow of distress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 10, 2017

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 a shock coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 3, 2017

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 English transformed the situation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 29, 2017

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 http://bit.ly/THoEFBpage before 19th November. 4 Prizes to be won! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 22, 2017

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 was seen arguing with Henry Norris. Find out what happened next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 15, 2017

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 8, 2017

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 the Scandal of Christendom. This week a summary of the life of Anne to 1532. You can find out more here http://bit.ly/ABDebate Hosted on ...

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October 1, 2017

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 the king - the exocet that was Thomas Cromwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 23, 2017

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 Campeggio and Wolsey. On its success or failure would rest Wolsey's own future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

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September 17, 2017

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 starts here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 10, 2017

224 Deadly Poison

In 1520 the Pope threatened an obscure Augustinian monk with excommunication. Why ? What happened next? And how did the English react? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 3, 2017

223 Venal or Vital?

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 was the late medieval church really in such a rotten state? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...

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August 20, 2017

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 Wolsey discredited for the first time, and the Boleyns arrive at court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

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August 13, 2017

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, as Europe's Universal Peace sank beneath the waves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 30, 2017

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 and Mary Boleyn's education - and Shakespeare and the word 'bump' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 23, 2017

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 2, 2017

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 20 states guaranteed the peace of Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 25, 2017

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 11, 2017

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 her to France., She came back a year later married to someone else entirely Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 28, 2017

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 a bunch of cavalry eager to escape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 21, 2017

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 14, 2017

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 personalities Henry VIII was up against. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 30, 2017

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 'peace party' got on with the business of ruling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 16, 2017

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 of the Courtier would not appear until 1528, it could have been written for the Tudor court to explain how to win the favour of the P...

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April 2, 2017

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 26, 2017

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 of Mansa Musa from Timbuktu. Until the great expeditions of Columbus and Da Gama led to the opening of contact with the Americas and Asi...

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March 19, 2017

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 we listen to Francis Bacon or to Henry himself? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 5, 2017

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 dark world of extortion and oppression. But in 1509, Henry fell ill again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

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February 26, 2017

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 Learned to drive their master's policy to extort every possible fee 'to the king's advantage'. And did pretty well fo...

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February 19, 2017

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 also built the rather magnificent palace at Sheen, renaming it Richmond; not knowing that in a few years, it would be the place of his death. ...

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February 5, 2017

204 Governing the Early Tudor State

Henry made changes to the English court, administration and legal system. He increased the health of royal finances, and tried to make the justice system work better, based around the JP. But many of his actions would be seen as setting a path to tyranny and avarice later in the reign Hosted on ...

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January 22, 2017

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 8, 2017

202 Scotland, Cornwell 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 25, 2016

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's law. Plus, Perkin arrives - will Ireland welcome him as it did Lambert? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 11, 2016

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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November 27, 2016

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 who depended on him rather than the nobility of the court. We also start the story of printing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

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November 13, 2016

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 some debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 30, 2016

197 The Story of Henry VII

The personality of Henry VII, the story he created of himself, and how history has treated his reputation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 16, 2016

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 25, 2016

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, Rome was no more, Christendom was increasingly disunited and new monarchies were on the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 18, 2016

194 The Wars of the Roses

1485 was not the end of the Wars of the Roses; the fear of dynastic strife lasts well into Henry VIII's reign. But we draw a close at the battle of Stoke, and ask what the Wars changed - if anything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 4, 2016

193 The Blood of Innocents

In 1483, the gates of the Tower of London closed on two innocent and defenceless boys; one, Edward, captured and the other Richard, given up by his mother. As far as we know, neither of were seen outside the walls again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 28, 2016

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 21, 2016

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 took his attention away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 14, 2016

190 Good King Richard

Some argue that in a short time Richard showed that he good have been one of England's best rulers - is there any justification for the idea of Good King Richard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 31, 2016

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 unlikely quarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 24, 2016

188 Richard III - Knave, Fool or Saviour?

3 interpretations of the events of 1483 to help your all important vote - did Richard plan to usurp the throne; fall into it by mistake; or step into the breach to save the kingdom? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 9, 2016

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 - we have the big debate and prizes, at THoE Facebook Page. It all starts with the death of Edward IV on 9th April 1483. Hosted on Acast. See ...

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July 3, 2016

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 was given the job, in Ludlow on the Welsh borders, and there was time. Then in 1483 the king fell ill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

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June 26, 2016

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 19, 2016

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 French support for Lancaster, a European adventure looked on the cards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 12, 2016

183 The Brothers York

They had a complicated relationship - Edward, Clarence and Richard; Clarence and Richard had often been left together with Cecily and Margaret while Edward was with his father. In the 1470s, things came to a head. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 5, 2016

182 Games and Beasts

An odd episode, where we talk about games they played in medieval days; and then completely unconnected, some of domesticated animals and where they came from. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 22, 2016

181 The 15th Century 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 2 manors? And the peasantry and their yardland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 14, 2016

180 Lives and Loves of the Gentry

Through the 15th century the Gentry become firmly established as the real rulers of the localities; and an enterprising part of England's economy. So it seems worth finding out a bit more about them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 8, 2016

179 The New Farmers

After a period of grace, the 15th Century posed serious challenges for Magnates and the rural economy - prices fell, wages rose, Magnates had to cancel parties. But every cloud has its silvery lining; and trouble for some was opportunity for others - the new Farmers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

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April 24, 2016

178 The 15th C Economy I

A rest from politics. The population of England remained stagnant or falling throughout 15th century. But that didn't meant there was no opportunity for towns or for commerce. You just had to look for it a bit harder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 17, 2016

177 High Noon at Tewkesbury

Edward's troubles were not over with the victory at Barnet. He still faced two more invasions - the Queen and Prince, and Fauconberg in the South East. It was the final showdown between Lancaster and York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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April 10, 2016

176 The Readeption

In 1470, Henry VIth was released by Warwick from the Tower, and re-established as the rightful king of England. The Usurper Edward IV was banished forever. Sadly for the Lancastrians, Edward IV was determined to reclaim the throne when he landed at Ravenspur in 1471. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

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April 2, 2016

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 to be made, with the help of Warwick's 14 year old daughter, Anne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 20, 2016

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 12, 2016

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 think - what would he do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 20, 2016

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, and he found it under an oak tree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 7, 2016

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. Margaret meanwhile traveled to build support for another return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

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January 31, 2016

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 battle of English soil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 17, 2016

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. But in the north and west, the Lancastrian opposition was growing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 10, 2016

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 trumpets blowing, Richard of York had a shock for his allies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 12, 2015

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 trigger point. By the end of 1459 the fortune of one of the two sides would lie in ruins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

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December 4, 2015

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. By 1457, he had lost his status as Protector, and the Queen was effectively the new ruler of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

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November 27, 2015

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. At St Albans, blood was spilled. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 31, 2015

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 17, 2015

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, are what this week is all about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 29, 2015

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 and his rebels. See what happens... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 11, 2015

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 emerged was one Jack Cade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 16, 2015

160 The Fall of Suffolk and Normandy

By 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 harbor of peace. Avoiding the ship of France trying to sink her on the way in. Would they make it? Hosted on Acast. See acast....

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August 9, 2015

159 From Arras to Tours

Through the late 1430's and early 1440's the situation in Normandy got no better, Alice Chaucer until a failed expedition convinced Henry and Suffolk that peace was required at any price. And the result was the Treaty of Tour and a royal marriage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

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August 2, 2015

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 weakness than English strength. And at Arras things got substantially worse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more ...

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July 16, 2015

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 - and what greater recognition can there be than that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 5, 2015

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 bunch of aristocratic families. And a smidgen of life on the Borders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

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July 4, 2015

155 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, the French launched a fresh campaign into Normandy, and quickly took the mighty town of Verneuil Hosted on Aca...

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June 27, 2015

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 13, 2015

153 Medieval Working Women

Only 4% of women remained unmarried in the middle ages, and therefore for Harvestingboth men and women working life was a matter of team work. In towns in particular, women might find their opportunities for specialised work more limited than men, but not impossible - women like Margery Kempe showed...

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May 31, 2015

152 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 his life. Plus a guest bonus from Kevin Stroud and 'The History of English'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...

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May 24, 2015

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, Armagnac, Orleanist, Burgundian - Scot - against the English. And then came a meeting on a bridge that changed ever...

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May 16, 2015

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, and by June 1418 the final and biggest prize stood before Henry - Rouen, second city of France. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

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May 9, 2015

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 impact on everyday life. And something about how childbirth fitted into community life, and rearing the outcome. Hosted ...

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April 19, 2015

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 with a bit about marriage, and a toe-curling piece about how to get out of an unwanted marriage contract by proving your partner failed to live up to thei...

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April 11, 2015

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, and indeed with a bit of a focus on women. Due to popular demand. We start of this thread with a look at the status and role of women in Anglo Sax...

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April 2, 2015

146 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 28, 2015

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. It's likely that he planned to start with Harfleur, take it quickly and then advance to the capital of Normandy - Rouen - before winter. B...

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March 14, 2015

144 The Agincourt Campaigns 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 and on the surface at least united in the face of the English threat, and looking forward to giving them a beating. This week, H...

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March 7, 2015

143 Champion of Christ

Last week we wondered about Henry - Monster or Hero...? This week you could look at it either way, as Henry faces the Lollards and his old pal, Sir John Oldcastle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 1, 2015

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 - but in his rigid piety and ruthlessness was he also a monster? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

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November 9, 2014

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 that sprung up from time to time through the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

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November 2, 2014

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 new generation, the men of his son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 18, 2014

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 invasion the light went out of his rebellion. It wasn't all over yet - Harlech and Abersytwyth still stood - but without external help things looked...

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October 11, 2014

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 the French on the shores to wipe the English out in Wales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 4, 2014

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 issue at Shrewsbury was who would rule England - Henry IVth or the Mortimers and Percies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

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September 13, 2014

136 Glyn Dwr Ascendant

In 1402 and 1403 Glyn Dwr's power and influence grew. As Glyn Dwr looked for foreign allies, Henry was forced to look north, and look closely at the loyalty of those around this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 6, 2014

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 in royal revenue, a restricted group of magnates to call on. Plus, things were stirring in the West... Hosted on Acast....

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August 23, 2014

134 The 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 was inadequate, and those that he did the best job possible in the circumstances. And then we deal with the first challenge of Henry's reign - the Ep...

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August 15, 2014

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 date with Scandinanvia, Russia and France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 10, 2014

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 26, 2014

131 The History of Europe Part V

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 the Economic development of Europe, and about some of the technological change that impacts on it Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

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July 6, 2014

In 1399 Bolingbroke and Richard were locked in a struggle - who would rule England and how. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 29, 2014

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 his private army of Cheshire Archers around him and looked out at the world outside the court with mistrustful eyes. Hosted...

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June 21, 2014

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 7, 2014

127 A 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 under the throne, Bolingbroke left the wife to bring up the children and headed out to fulfil the image of the perfect medieval k...

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June 1, 2014

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 wildness of his early days, and accepted the need to rule together with his leading magnates. Hosted on...

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May 24, 2014

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 satisfied - and felt far from safe. The showdown came at the Merciless Parliament of 1388. Hosted on A...

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May 4, 2014

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 despite his youth and lack of sole control, what he does manages to raise concern rather than to re-assure. As the war with France goes from...

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April 22, 2014

123 Wycliffe and the Lollards

Wycliffe's views finally began to attract the enmity of the church; and the crown, in the form of Richard, was no longer prepared to protect him - though unexcited about suppression. By 1384, open discussion at Oxford University of Wycliffe's ideas were a thing of the past, and Wycliffe was dead - b...

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April 19, 2014

122 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 his ability to develop and present those views owed a lot to Oxford University, and its desire to protect intellectua...

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April 12, 2014

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 nothing to solve the breaches in a divided society. Also this week, a look at the state of the nation of...

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March 29, 2014

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 advisors, were tested to the limit as they were made prisoners in their own castle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 22, 2014

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 pesants. When Adam delved and Eve span, he asked, who was then the Gentleman? What a great question. So why are there thousands of peasants sitting on a hill outside London?...

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March 16, 2014

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 has history treated him? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 16, 2014

117 The Medieval Year

The rythmn 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 of Christian festivals, the odd old survival from days pagan, the demands of the natural world - these were the things that really mattered. ...

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February 9, 2014

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 Parliament set a number of precedents but John of Gaunt did not allow it to stand for long. And by June 1377 both the King and his son the ...

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February 2, 2014

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 great counter attack by Gaunt in 1373 was a disaster. And in 1374 the end of English rule in Gascony looked on the cards. The truce of Bruges in 1375...

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January 18, 2014

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 killed at Auray. In 1364 John II died, to be replaced by Charles Vth, and in 1367 the Black Prince won a brilliant victory at Najera. But in fact...

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January 11, 2014

113 Fashion 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 there are a wide variety of styles people may choose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 31, 2013

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 maintained this illusion. Edward basked in his glories, and made sure he had provided for his thre eldest sons - Edward, Lionel and John. ...

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December 1, 2013

111 Poitiers 1356

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 round the French King. Then in the south the Black Prince attacked into the Poitou, seeking to link up with Lancaster on a march towards Pa...

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November 17, 2013

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 Treaty of Guines looked to have given Edward more than he could have hoped for - Aquitaine, Anjou and Calais in return for peace...

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November 9, 2013

109 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 level local violence that saw a creeping chaos in areas of France. Meanwhile at home, Edward's parliaments of 1351-3 introduced a range of legi...

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November 3, 2013

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 - liberating hte English from serfdom. Is this true? And what other impacts did the Black Death have on the medieval min...

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October 19, 2013

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 carried - enough to fill an entire ship - she would have expected a comfortable journey. But Joan never arrived. Hosted ...

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October 13, 2013

106 Neville's Cross, Calais and Roche Derrien

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 clear objective - Calais. Philip meanwhile now hoped that the Scots would invade an empty, defenceless England and Edward would have to abandon his plans and ...

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October 5, 2013

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 battle followed by - well who knows. There followed a tense camapign that tettered on the edge of disaster until the two armies...

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September 27, 2013

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 most attractive figures of the hundred years war - Henry of Grosmont, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Lancaster. His campaign in 1345 fina...

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August 31, 2013

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 forced to back down and accept a punitive legislative programme to rebuild his partnership with the political c...

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August 31, 2013

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 French was dramatic. But none the less Edward's campaign still failed at the walls of Tournai, and his problems of debt and discordant allies rose ...

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August 17, 2013

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 Gascony and raided the south coast of England. Edward handed out impossible orders, sacked perfectly competent ministers and became increasingly is...

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July 4, 2013

100 Theatres of War

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 going to war, and many of them relate to French aggression and support for the Scots. And in fact the catalyst for war is the declaration...

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July 2, 2013

99 Year One of a Hundred

There were many reasons why France and England went to war, relate to French aggression. The trigger was the declaration by Philip VI that he has removed the Duke of Aquitaine (Edward) from his lands. A pretty clear declaration of war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

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June 30, 2013

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 of the ex king of Scotland John Balliol, gave him his chance. At the battle of Dupplin Moor, Balliol against all the odds defeated a much large S...

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June 23, 2013

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 to Mortimer's private chambers, and were looking to free their lord from Mortimer's fierce grip. This week, then, the start of Edward's major...

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June 8, 2013

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 IVth of France. And meanwhile the very success of the struggle against the Emperor was to contribute towards the start of the end for...

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May 26, 2013

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 way or t'other. Meanwhile the unity of Christendom itself was under threat - ironically from one of it's greatest thinkers. Host...

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May 24, 2013

94a The Mysterious Death of Edward II

Listen, think and vote at www.thehistoryofengland.com or The History of England Podcast facebook group Now, traditionally, Edward II is supposed to have died after an unfortunate meeting with a red hot poker. Which has always been my firmly and fondly held belief. But ladies and gentlemen,Histor...

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May 10, 2013

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, comfort and personal wealth Mortimer was hungry for power. This wasn't to be a story about the forces of life overturning the...

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May 4, 2013

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 control them even came between the king and Isabella - so that after a diplomatic mission to France Isabella refused to return. And then i...

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April 20, 2013

92 The Fall of Lancaster

In 1322, things finally came to a head, and rebellion was out in the open. Lancaster must have had a fighting chance, but it all goes to show that the reign of Edward is essentially about a struggle between mediocrities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

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April 1, 2013

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 establish his own Empire. And so his brother Edward was sent to invade Ireland, where he would face the king's friend - Roger Mortimer. Me...

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March 30, 2013

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 about the primacy of the commons. It's interesting for the procedures and atmosphere around parliaments - as long as we...

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March 23, 2013

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. So the Great Famine of 1315-1317 came as a terrible shock. Over 500-750,000 people died, as years of bad weather destroyed the feelin...

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February 23, 2013

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 disruption caused by the king's favourite, Piers Gaveston. The conflict and turmoil led to another constitutional shuffle forward with the p...

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February 16, 2013

87 Scandal was brought upon the People

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 has treated the lad, and the chroniclers that have given him his reputation. And then we kick of the reign. Hosted on Acast....

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February 10, 2013

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 in the other, John the Red Comyn. Robert then raised the standard of rebellion and with the support of Robert Wishart, and the Scottish war was back...

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February 3, 2013

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 get the final and rather gruesome end of William Wallace in 1305. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 19, 2013

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. Despite that we also find time to talk about the seeming final surrender of the Scots in 1305 - so how about that for value then? ...

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January 11, 2013

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 a resistance. Edward's personality didn't help; up to now, he had carried everything before him - now, sudden...

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December 30, 2012

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 up over a sea fight in the Channel, Edward clearly didn't expect it to become a problem. But in fact Phillip IV (the Fair) of France was ke...

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December 22, 2012

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 right successor, the Scottish Guardians of the Realm turned to Scotland's friend - England. But Edward had other plans - for him this was a grea...

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December 2, 2012

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 stateman in Christendom, and at least partly responsible for legal reforms, that will cause a historian to call him 'the English Justinian'. But he also had problems...

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November 24, 2012

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 no compromise - where Edward clearly decided from the start that the only long term issue was complete conquest. Hos...

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November 17, 2012

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 more like a candidate for a peace prize. And, Wales was more united than ever; at the Treaty of Montgomery in 1267 Llewellyn had been confi...

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November 10, 2012

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 de Montfort's years continued to race through the nation's veins. The magnates were used to ignoring Henry and his royal officials. There...

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October 21, 2012

76 The Personal Rule of Henry III Part 2

The last 5 years of Henry's rule were pretty eventful. The Statute of Marlborough confirmed the changes of the Provisions of Westminster, but royal power remained based on the pre-Provisions of Oxford basis. Edward whiled away his time by going on crusade, returning in August 1274 for his coronatio...

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October 13, 2012

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 power would be threatened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 13, 2012

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 only chance was a decisive victory. Lewes gave him that victory, and opened a remarkable period in England's history, a period of constitutional mo...

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October 6, 2012

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 you take into account the ability of Henry, Eleanor and their son to get up the collective English nose. So de Montfort was able to return and once agai...

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September 22, 2012

72 The Empire Strikes Back

Things looked pretty good for the reformers in 1259; but at the heart of the reform movement were faultlines that weakened them, and made them vulnerable. The differing aims of the magnates; the avarice of de Montfort; and the fact that would pague the civil war 400 years later - how ever many time...

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September 15, 2012

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 kings at some point and is already an important political player, and we bring oursleves back up to date with the relevance of the provisionf of O...

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September 8, 2012

70 13 C 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, the appearance of the 'Gentleman', Bastard Feudalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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September 2, 2012

69 13th C Life - Merchants and 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. This week we also look at the life of Magnates, the super-rich during the period, and their households. Hos...

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August 5, 2012

68 13 C Life - Peasants fighting back...and Towns

Being a Peasant was no doubt a pretty hard existance. But they were not without their methods of fighting back, and protecting their rights. This week also we look at the history of towns in the 13th century, as the economy continues to grow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

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August 5, 2012

67 13th Century Life - Peasants

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 making ventures. It meant that population growth continued, since cottagers and wage earners were able to make enoiugh to g...

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July 14, 2012

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 had to ask his great men for more money.Together with some blazing rows between the Lusignans and the English barons, the spark had been applie...

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July 7, 2012

65 Why was Henry III so unpopular?

It seems strange. Henry III was a likeable enough chap, who did his best to keep a harmonious court, and gave England an extended period of peace. And yet it's all going to go up in flames around him. So the question is, why was he so unpopular? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

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June 27, 2012

64 The Personal Rule of Henry III - Part 1

Henry III brushed off his great officers of state and the priod of 1234 to 1258 is a period of personal rule. Henry finds himself a wife, a new personal favourite in the form of Simon de Montfort, and makes one last attempt to regain Poitou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

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June 23, 2012

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. But it doesn't go well - money is still tight, Henry's campaigns in France aren't great, and in 1232 Peter des Roches, the old enemy, is ...

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June 2, 2012

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 - with the one exception of Gascony, where a supreme effort brought one success. And meanwhile in Souther France, the Cathars burned...

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May 19, 2012

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 de Burgh the Justiciar. By January 1227 when Henry took control of the royal seal, that struggle at least seemed to be fully resolve...

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May 7, 2012

60 The Regency of William the Marshal

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 now a very old man by the standards of the time. The Earl of Chester was politely asked, given the size of his holdings, but there was no holding...

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May 5, 2012

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 that John ever intended to allow the treaty to survive - and his untimely death at Newark was the biggest single factor in Magna ...

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April 21, 2012

58 Tyranny and Death

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 was trouble in the background caused by the tyranny of his rule and relationship with his barons, but his reconciliation with the Papacy and his...

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April 6, 2012

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 inflation ate away at his earnings, and his desire to reconquer France magnified his need. The break with the church from 1208 to 1...

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March 31, 2012

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 25, 2012

55 The History of Medieval Europe Part 1

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 the shores of Gregory VIIth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 17, 2012

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 the Farter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 10, 2012

53 Torn Apart - the 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; he panicked and had no coherent strategy. When he killed Arthur, he pushed the self destruct button, and ...

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February 18, 2012

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 1200 he acquired the name Softsword - people couldn't understand why he'd signed away Gisors, parts of Berry, £20,000 and bent his knee to Phill...

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February 11, 2012

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 and supporters of John. Philip was for himself, with a bit for Arthur. That year was one of John's best years, where he showed that he coul...

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February 4, 2012

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. But the general flow was steadily in Richard's favour when in 1198 they agreed to make peace. Meanwhile in England Hubert Walter ran an effici...

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January 22, 2012

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 King of France were out to get him, so very sensibly tried to slip across their lands in disguise. Rubbish plan, predictable revolt. Meanwhile b...

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January 15, 2012

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 an eradication that looked all too likely in 1190. The Crusade was controversial even at the time - in the eyes of most of Christendom...

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January 15, 2012

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 of Muslim unity begin to appear through Nur ed Din when Edessa falls, and by 1150 one of the states is wiped off the map. Outremer has...

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January 8, 2012

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. Which meant that Richard ended up conquering the place in it's entirety, putting it's ruler Isaac Comnenus in chains of silver, and se...

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December 17, 2011

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 getting ready to go. He sets up his administration, makes sure his borders are safe and sets off for Sicily. So was Richard a feckless warrior w...

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December 17, 2011

44 The Lionheart

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 given the other two is going some. So we look at how history has treated the guy, his early years, and what he was like. And we...

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December 12, 2011

43 The Greatest of all Monarchs

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November 19, 2011

42 English Justice and the Invasion of Ireland

So here are two completely unconnected subjects then! Henry is responsible for reforms to the process of English justice that had a long lasting impact on English Justice - including the development of Common law and the Jury system. OK, so he wasn't thinking about the long term futuire, all he wan...

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November 10, 2011

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 the political situation had changed - Henry wanted to crown his son, and the Archbishop of Canterbury wasn't around to do.....

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November 5, 2011

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 church and state - or more accurately, the struggle between Henry and Thomas Becket. We start that well trodden paths, with... ...

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October 29, 2011

39 Ruling 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. This week, the nature of the Angevin empire, how it was ruled, and a bit about travel and economy. Click... Hosted on Acast. See ...

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October 15, 2011

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, as soap opera. This week we kick things off with the arrival of Henry II and Eleanor on the Englis...

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October 8, 2011

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 and large, this is expansion without growth, and for many average income falls. 37 12th C Life - Village Town and... ...

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October 1, 2011

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 he was one of the most powerful men of the realm. We also look at the church - the village priest, monasteries, and what went on under a monk's ...

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September 24, 2011

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 England we look at the life of the nobility, through the life of William the Marshal. Click and play podcast: 35... ...

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September 17, 2011

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 - Miles of Gloucester and Robert of Gloucester - weakening her resolve and strength. Thereafter her son Henry picks up the bato...

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September 10, 2011

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, and the defeat of the Empress at Winchester. 33 Anarchy II - Matilda's big chance Download 33 Anarchy II - Matilda's... ...

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September 3, 2011

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, we look at how the Stephen came to power and how the whole thing started. Click and play podcast: 32... ...

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August 13, 2011

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 one thing he couldn't control was the succession. When William the Atheling died in the disaster of the White Ship, William... H...

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August 6, 2011

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 also do a catch up on what’s changed in warfare since Anglo Saxon times, and look at the situation that faced... Hosted o...

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July 30, 2011

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, and so big taxes were needed to pay for war. Henry was an efficient man, and many themes that lead... ...

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July 23, 2011

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 to be dominated by the struggle with his other brother for control. Download 28 The Lion of Justice Click and play... ...

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July 18, 2011

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 make a better fist of it than the English. This week in the History of England Podcast we get to......

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July 10, 2011

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 death bed to take the throne of England from his older brother. And spent his reign trying to re-unite England and... Ho...

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July 2, 2011

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 not to let your sons eat you. But plus there was, of course, the super-famous Domesday Book. This week at the... Ho...

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June 18, 2011

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 over - and we are into the continual cycle of feudal rebellion. This week in the History of England we've also... Hosted ...

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June 11, 2011

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 might have expected? This isn't the full story; the Conqueror spent the first years stamping out forest fires all over the... ...

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June 4, 2011

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 - and we all know who won, so no need to worry about plot spoilers. The History of England podcast takes us... Hosted on Acast. See acast...

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May 21, 2011

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 of Outremer. So the History of England looks at where they came from, with a brief history of Normandy before 1066.... ...

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May 19, 2011

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 England had its great strengths that would have been the envy of continental monrach, if they'd spent any time thinking about... Hosted o...

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May 14, 2011

19 Edward the Confessor

Edward enjoyed one year of indpendendance in 1051-2, before the retun of Godwin forced him into humiliating submission. But after Godwin's death the following year, the rest of his reign was broadly peaceful and prosperous, with the odd local difficulty. The History of England podcast takes us up to...

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May 7, 2011

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 man or determined survivor? This week the History of England podcast looks at how he came to the throne and his... Hosted on Acast...

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April 28, 2011

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 knew how to win the peace as well as the war. The History of England podcast this week looks at his reign. Cnut was probably born... Hosted on ...

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April 21, 2011

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 forced to flee. But he came back, and 1016 saw one of the great confrontations of English History, and a great... Ho...

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April 8, 2011

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, and are much better led. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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March 27, 2011

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. Aethelred turned 18 in 983, and by 984 has sent his mother away and reigns with his own men. But... Ho...

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March 15, 2011

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 starts over. But his reign should be remembered as the apogee of the Anglo Saxon state. Click and play: 13 Another... ...

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March 12, 2011

12 The last King in Jorvik

Edmund the Magnificant 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. Download Podcast 12 The last king in Jorvik Click and Play: 12 The last king in Jorvik Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

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January 21, 2011

11 His Years were full of Glory

A Athelstanthelstan 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 the greatest of European rulers; and he increased the age of legal responsibility from 12 to 16. Hosted o...

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January 20, 2011

10 English Conquest

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 settled by the Danes. Northumbria had it's own problems with migration of Norse from Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

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January 19, 2011

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, who would in the end turn the tables on the Vikings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 18, 2011

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 the successes of the 10th century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 17, 2011

7 Alfred the Great 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 16, 2011

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 15, 2011

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 better placed to meet the Viking threat than other kingdoms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

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January 14, 2011

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 and and why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 13, 2011

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 the balance of power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 12, 2011

3 The Mercian Supremacy

After Wulfhere, Aethelred and Aethelbald laid the foundations, a prince from the Hwicce, Offa, took Mercia to its greatest achievements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 11, 2011

2: The Rise of Mercia

Pretty much a century in just one, fun-filled episode - 650 ish to 750 is. It's Mercia's turn - an increasingly integrated Mercia, growing in power. With yer Wulfhere's and Æthelbalds, Mercia's hegemony was held back only by Ine of Wessex and Wihtred of Kent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

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January 10, 2011

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 we have a hack at something a little tiny bit more literary, and talk of Continental Missionaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

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January 9, 2011

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 still held on, Whitred of Kent's laws began to embed Christianity into the fabric of English kingdoms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

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January 8, 2011

1.6 The Life and Times of Penda 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 East Anglians, raiding and gathering treasure, rewarding his followers; spreading his influence by marriage, exerc...

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January 7, 2011

1.5 The Life and Times of Penda 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 central England a pagan warrior called Penda became king, probably in 626. Hosted on Acast. See...

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January 6, 2011

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 history they wished they'd had? Plus, was Arthur a legend or reality? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

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January 2, 2011

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January 1, 2011

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 Germanic race within a generation. But there are other theories too - much more peaceful, much more gradual. Hosted on Acast. Se...

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December 31, 2010

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 of British society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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December 24, 2010

1 Anglo Saxons: Sources and Historiography

The people who kept a written record of the Anglo Saxon age, and what later generations thought about the Anglo Saxons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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