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.
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/
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
Jul 16, 2024 • 34min
Kindness & hostility: refugees in wartime Britain
Author Paul Dowswell discusses the complex history of refugees in wartime Britain, highlighting how many Jews were denied entry and faced hostility. The podcast explores the challenges faced by Jewish refugees, their treatment in Britain, and reflections on their resilience and experiences.
Jul 15, 2024 • 50min
Catherine de' Medici: life of the week
Historian Leah Redmond Chang reassesses Catherine de' Medici's reputation as the 'serpent queen' and highlights her struggles and achievements as a powerful 16th-century figure. They discuss Catherine's role as queen consort, regent, the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, and her legacy as a female ruler in a male-dominated era.
Jul 14, 2024 • 32min
The suffragettes who fell in love
Evelina Haverfield and Vera Holme, suffragettes in love, worked together during WWI. They protested, faced prison, and served in military hospitals. Wendy Moore discusses their adventures before and during the war, highlighting their resilience and impact.
Jul 13, 2024 • 38min
Servants: everything you wanted to know
Historian Lucy Lethbridge discusses the evolution of domestic service, exploring servant hierarchy, uniforms, and the dynamics between servants and employers in large households. From generational roles to mistreatment stories, she provides insights into the reality of serving in wealthy British households.
Jul 11, 2024 • 38min
Anxieties of the Edwardian age
Historian Alwyn Turner discusses the anxieties of the Edwardian era, highlighting global shifts, political dynamics, emergence of Labour Party, rise of celebrities, and the shocking Dr. Crippen case.
Jul 10, 2024 • 42min
Deeds not words | 5. Burning down the house
The podcast explores the suffragette movement's shift to extreme tactics like burning down houses and planting bombs. It questions whether suffragettes can be classified as terrorists. The episode delves into the controversial actions of suffragette Emily Wilding Davison and the impact of her sacrifice on the movement. It also discusses the escalation of violence within the suffragette campaign, including the Great Window Smashing Campaign of 1912 and the formation of the militant group Young Hot Bloods.
Jul 9, 2024 • 49min
How the Plantagenets forged the English state
Medieval historians Caroline Burt and Richard Partington discuss how Plantagenet monarchs shaped English statehood between 1199-1399. They explore the reigns of six kings, economic and political dynamics, governance expansion, and Edward I's legacy. The podcast highlights the evolution of governance structures, leadership styles, and the enduring similarities in human behavior across history.
7 snips
Jul 8, 2024 • 58min
Justinian: life of the week
Historian Peter Sarris discusses the conniving and ruthless Emperor Justinian, his rise to power, surviving riots and plots in Constantinople, his significant legal reforms, military strategies, challenges faced like the Bubonic Plague, and his lasting legacy on Roman law and society.
Jul 7, 2024 • 37min
The woman who saved the children
Author Clare Mulley discusses the fascinating life of Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children. They explore Jebb's activism, her unwavering dedication to children's rights, her courageous efforts to save starving children, her personal life challenges, and her lasting legacy in children's rights advocacy.
Jul 6, 2024 • 51min
Victorian crime and punishment: everything you wanted to know
Historian Dr Drew Gray delves into Victorian crime and punishment, discussing children hanged, gangs in London, police tools, and fairness of trials. They explore crime portrayal in literature and media, changes in laws over time, development of crime-fighting forces, court operations, harsh prisons, and historical significance of crime and policing in Victorian Britain.
