Gone Medieval Battle of Winchelsea with Dan Jones
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Aug 1, 2025 
Dan Jones, a historian and author celebrated for his medieval history works, dives into the explosive Battle of Winchelsea of 1350 with host Matt Lewis. They explore the daring naval strategies of Edward III against the Castilian fleet and highlight the battle's pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War. The conversation also touches on the echoes of the Black Death that shaped personal and societal struggles, along with a look at Jones's creative transition into historical fiction with his latest novel, 'Lionhearts'.
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Post-Black Death Worldview Shift
- The Black Death dramatically changed the world just after its first wave, causing society to re-emerge cautiously.
- Dan Jones focuses on the post-pandemic world where characters must rebuild and adapt amidst ongoing war.
Medieval Rationalization of Catastrophe
- Medieval people viewed catastrophes like the Black Death as part of a divine plan, helping them rationalize massive losses.
- This contrasts with modern views expecting science to prevent such disasters, making the past worldview seem more accepting of fate.
Origins of Battle of Winchelsea
- The Battle of Winchelsea arose from England's need to confront Castilian raids disrupting vital trade routes.
- The loss of an English-Castilian alliance due to the Black Death forced Edward III to intercept Castilian fleets menacing English merchants.
