History Extra podcast Uprising: the Civil Wars untangled
12 snips
Nov 24, 2025 
Dr. Jonathan Healey, a 17th-century historian, and Rebecca Rideal, producer and host of the Uprising series, delve deep into the intricate dynamics of the Civil Wars. They explore the pivotal role of religion and the era's factional complexities. The conversation highlights the impact of the 1641 Irish Rebellion and the shocking execution of Charles I. With a focus on the myth-busting, they examine notable figures and unsung heroes, encouraging a nuanced understanding of this tumultuous period in British history.
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Think Of The Wars As An Archipelago
- The Civil Wars are best seen as conflicts across the whole archipelago, not just England alone.
- Rebecca Rideal and Dr Jonathan Healey stress the need to view Scotland, Ireland and Wales together as interlinked theatres.
The Chair That Sparked A War
- Jenny Geddes allegedly threw a chair at a priest in Edinburgh to protest the Book of Common Prayer.
- That dramatic act helped spark the Bishop's Wars and wider resistance in Scotland, Rebecca Rideal explains.
Pamphlets Breached Royal Distance
- Pamphlets and printed tracts transformed how people confronted authority in 1640s England.
- Dr Jonathan Healey shows how a pamphlet thrown into Charles I's coach signalled popular resistance and eroded royal separation from the public.
