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
27 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 35min
Mining history: everything you wanted to know
In this conversation, Professor Robert Colls, a Research Professor of English History with expertise in British mining, delves into the rich history of mining in the UK. He reveals how much miners earned for their hard labor and discusses the often-overlooked roles of women and children underground. Colls explains the curious use of canaries as early gas detectors, while also highlighting the evolution of safety measures, such as the Davy lamp. The struggle and unity among miners during significant strikes provide a poignant insight into the social dynamics of mining communities.
19 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 36min
Bruisers and bare knuckles: the brutal world of Victorian boxing
Sarah Elizabeth Cox, a historical consultant for the Disney Plus show "A Thousand Blows," dives into the raw and gritty world of Victorian boxing. She reveals jaw-dropping tales, like men battling pumas and sisters who were fearsome fighters. The conversation uncovers how boxing transcended social classes, transforming from illegal prize-fighting to a regulated spectacle. Cox also sheds light on the complexities of boxers' lives, exploring their economic struggles and the roles of women in this brutal sport. Get ready for a punchy dose of history!
25 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 47min
Did Britain really rule the waves?
Nicholas A M Rodger, a historian specializing in British naval history and author of 'The Price of Victory,' joins to explore whether Britain truly ruled the waves post-Napoleonic wars. He discusses the evolution of naval technology, including the role of submarines and airpower in warfare. The podcast also highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the Navy during the World Wars. Rodger delves into naval trade's critical importance, especially amidst global tensions, showcasing how naval power has shaped Britain's history.
17 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 39min
Jane Austen: life of the week
Lizzie Rogers, a historian specializing in women and historic houses, dives into the life of literary icon Jane Austen. She reveals how Austen's upbringing in Hampshire and experiences in Bath influenced her sharp social commentary. The discussion highlights her close bond with sister Cassandra and how their familial dynamics fueled her creativity. Lizzie also discusses Austen's struggles with financial instability and health, ultimately leading to her posthumous recognition and the enduring relevance of her themes in modern culture.
21 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 32min
The princess who fled Romanov Russia
Helen Rappaport, historian and author of "The Rebel Romanov," unveils the captivating tale of Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg. Born into an age of upheaval, she defied her unhappy marriage at 14 to Grand Duke Konstantin, pursuing freedom against societal norms. Rappaport explores her journey to St. Petersburg, the stigma of her divorce, and the complexities of her life in Switzerland. Additionally, she reveals the intricate connections with Queen Victoria, highlighting the often-ignored stories of women in aristocracy battling oppressive expectations.
89 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Opium Wars: everything you wanted to know
In this engaging discussion, Stephen R. Platt, a professor and author, unpacks the complex motivations behind the Opium Wars. Britain’s pursuit of profit led to devastating conflicts rooted in addiction and imperial ambition. He examines Emperor Daoguang's struggle against opium and the moral dilemmas faced by British merchants. The podcast also explores the unequal treaties that followed, shaping China’s future and its perception of Western imperialism. Join Platt as he reveals the profound consequences of these historical events.
23 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 30min
Rome's most scandalous emperors
Tom Holland, a popular historian and co-host of The Rest is History, dives into the grim legacies of infamous Roman emperors like Caligula, Tiberius, and Nero. He discusses the lasting influence of Suetonius's 'Lives of the Caesars' and its role in shaping the narrative of these rulers. Holland explores Tiberius's secluded debauchery, Caligula's manipulative antics against the Senate, and Nero's complex political strategies. The conversation also imagines interviews with historical figures like Julius Caesar, revealing the allure of their times.
13 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 35min
The royal threesome that rocked Anglo-Saxon England
Join Katherine Weikert, a Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval History, as she unpacks the scandalous story of King Eadwig, who allegedly left his coronation feast for a daring rendezvous with his wife and her mother. Discover how this sensational tale, likely fabricated, reveals much about the royal authority and societal norms of 10th-century England. Weikert also explores the political significance of royal marriages, the hidden power of women in the monarchy, and how these dynamics shaped the tumultuous landscape of early Anglo-Saxon politics.
32 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 40min
Are we celebrating the wrong Magna Carta?
Join Professor David Carpenter, a medieval history expert, as he sheds light on the often misunderstood legacy of Magna Carta. He argues that the 1225 reissue, endorsed by Henry III, is the true event we should commemorate, emphasizing its role in establishing crucial precedents for taxation and liberties. Carpenter explores the turbulent backdrop of 1216, the evolution of the charter's significance, and how Henry III became a more active ruler. Discover why this anniversary in 2025 deserves more recognition!
22 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 41min
The forgotten JFK assassination plot
Join Brad Meltzer, author of The JFK Conspiracy, and his co-author Josh Mensch as they dive into an obscure assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy shortly after his election. They explore the motivations of the would-be assassin, Richard Pavlik, and the significant political tensions of the time, including anti-Catholic sentiments. The discussion also unveils the charismatic complexity of JFK and his relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy, shedding light on the darker shadows surrounding their public persona and the Camelot narrative.
