Tom Licence

Professor Tom Licence discusses the compassionate and conscientious reign of Edward the Confessor, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on his legacy. The podcast explores Edward's upbringing in Normandy, his strategic political decisions, and the influence of powerful women like Queen Emma. It also delves into the rise of the Godwin family, debunking the notion that Edward was merely a puppet for them, and discusses the complexities of determining his true heir after his death.

Medieval historian Tom Licence, a professor at the University of East Anglia and author of a biography on King Edward the Confessor, dives into the intriguing life of this pre-conquest ruler. He discusses Edward's tumultuous early years marked by Viking invasions and his long exile in Normandy. Licence also explores Edward's coronation, his complicated relationship with his mother Emma, and his strategic marriage to Edith of Godwin. The conversation delves into Edward's legacy, his pious image, and the political machinations surrounding his deathbed and succession.

In this discussion, Tom Licence, a Professor of Medieval History and author, dives into the life of Edward the Confessor, England's last Anglo-Saxon king. He sheds light on Edward's early years in exile that shaped his ambitions for the crown. The podcast explores Edward's complex relationship with his wife, Edith, revealing the intertwining of royal affection and politics. Licence also examines the turbulent events of 1065, emphasizing Edward’s struggles with loyalty and impending succession crises, which foreshadowed the Norman Conquest.