History Extra podcast
Immediate Media
The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War. Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK. Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 7, 2025 • 38min
The dark side of Samuel Pepys
Guy de la Bédoyère, a historian and biographer, delves into the darker aspects of Samuel Pepys' life, revealing the notorious diary of this 17th-century figure. While Pepys is celebrated for his insights into Restoration London, Guy exposes his self-confessed predatory behavior towards women. They discuss how earlier historians censored these uncomfortable truths and how Pepys cleverly disguised explicit content in his writings. The conversation challenges us to reconsider Pepys' legacy in light of his troubling actions, balancing historical context with modern moral standards.
14 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 45min
Margaret Tudor: life of the week
Dr. Helen Newsome-Chandler, a historical linguist specializing in late medieval queens, discusses the life of Margaret Tudor, a formidable political player. Through her extensive research on Margaret's holograph letters, Helen highlights Margaret’s strategic marriage to James IV of Scotland and her complex role as queen consort. The podcast explores how she balanced loyalties between England and Scotland, the political significance of her letters, and her enduring legacy in Anglo-Scottish relations. Listeners gain insight into the remarkable resilience of this queen.
9 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 38min
Britain's female slaveowners: the heiresses who made fortunes from enslavement
In this fascinating discussion, historian Miranda Kaufmann, author of "Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance and Caribbean Slavery," explores the overlooked role of women as slaveowners in Britain. She reveals how Caribbean heiresses married into the aristocracy, bringing immense wealth derived from slavery. Topics include the complexities of female inheritance, the varied involvement of these women with plantations, and personal stories like Betsy Newton's fight for freedom. Kaufmann also draws connections between past heiresses and contemporary issues of inequality.
18 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 51min
Roman homes: everything you wanted to know
Join Dr. Hannah Platts, a lecturer in ancient history and author, as she takes you inside the fascinating world of Roman homes. Discover how climate shaped their design and the innovative architectural influences from Etruscans and Greeks. Learn about the variety of living spaces from lavish domus to functional insulae. Explore the intriguing blend of public and private life, and uncover luxurious features like underfloor heating and intricate decorations. Dr. Platts' insights reveal why Roman domestic life was both complex and sensory-rich.
Oct 3, 2025 • 11min
Preview: Should historians be celebrities?
Historian, author and broadcaster David Olusoga is among the famous faces to feature on new TV series The Celebrity Traitors, which launches in the UK next Wednesday, 8 October on BBC One. But what are the opportunities, and dangers, when historians become celebrities? And to what extent should history be entertainment? Regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter share their thoughts. Plus: history’s most incredible imposters
Find the full episode and never miss an episode by heading to History Behind the Headlines or following this link: https://play.megaphone.fm/4csqwegyqeca-lg7yumskq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 2, 2025 • 51min
Queer life in Georgian Britain
In this engaging conversation, Anthony Delaney, a historian specializing in queer history, delves into the vibrant lives of queer individuals in Georgian Britain. He highlights fascinating topics like molly houses, where same-sex attractions flourished despite societal restrictions. Delaney explores intricate themes such as love, lawbreaking, and the nuances of gender roles. He also sheds light on the way adult adoption was utilized to create secure queer households and revisits notable figures like Anne Lister and Mary Jones, emphasizing the persistence of queer identities throughout history.
28 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 38min
Breaking news! How stories spread in early modern Europe
Joad Raymond Wren, a historian and author of The Great Exchange, dives into the intriguing world of news circulation in early modern Europe. He reveals how people in 16th-century London could swiftly learn about events in cities like Paris and Venice. Discussing the roles of merchants and ambassadors, he illustrates the complex networks that connected courts and markets despite widespread illiteracy. Wren also highlights the beginnings of formal news formats and the challenges of misinformation, drawing fascinating parallels to today's rapid information spread.
Sep 29, 2025 • 48min
Robert Peel: life of the week
Dr. Richard Gaunt, an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham and biographer of Robert Peel, dives into the life of this complex politician. He discusses Peel's establishment of the Metropolitan Police and the pivotal Corn Laws that shaped public opinion. Gaunt sheds light on Peel's controversial political reversals, his significant reforms, and how the Irish Famine influenced his free trade stance. The conversation highlights Peel's impact on modern governance and his enduring legacy in today's political landscape.
17 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 47min
The German Peasants' War: a summer of fire and blood
Lyndal Roper, Regius Professor of History at Oxford and author of Summer of Fire and Blood, dives into the gripping tale of the 1524-25 German Peasants' War, the largest uprising in Western Europe before the French Revolution. She discusses the explosive causes behind the revolt, from local grievances to Reformation ideas that sparked demands for justice. Roper also unveils the peasants' nuanced relationship with authority, their communal bonds, and the tragic escalation to violence. Her insights shed light on a pivotal moment often overlooked in history.
14 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 40min
Art Deco: everything you wanted to know
In this enlightening discussion, historian Emma Bastin, an expert on the interwar period, delves into the captivating world of Art Deco. She shares how this glamorous style emerged, capturing the optimism of a post-WWI society. Emma explains the origins of the name, highlights key figures and British contributions, and discusses the influence of ancient motifs. Listeners will discover where to spot Art Deco today and learn about iconic designs and lost buildings, all while appreciating the movement's enduring legacy and charm.
