History Extra podcast

Deborah Sugg Ryan, a Professor of design history and presenter on BBC Two’s A House Through Time, dives into the quirky evolution of British homes. Discover why garden gnomes became a garden staple and the surprising trend of bathroom carpets. Uncover the peculiarities of kitchen design and how societal changes transformed home ownership, especially post-World War I. Plus, hear about the hilarious history of gnome kidnappings and the influence of DIY culture on modern living spaces. A delightful exploration of domestic history awaits!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Owen Rees, an expert on ancient world history, uncovers how the Greeks and Romans viewed their neighbors through a lens of fear and superiority. He dives into the mythical accounts of Amazons and wolf-men, reflecting their cultural misunderstandings. The conversation explores the complexities of cultural identity at empire frontiers and reveals how these historical perspectives shape modern views on 'us versus them.' Dr. Rees also highlights the rich narratives that challenge traditional historical boundaries.

Join writer and historian Luke Foddy, known for his research on the Earl of Derby and the rebellion against Henry III, alongside historian Emily Briffett. They dive into the tumultuous 1250s, revealing how baronial discontent sparked a coup during the Oxford Parliament of 1258. The discussion unpacks themes of favoritism, financial strife, and the ambitious reforms that aimed to transform medieval society. From systemic abuses to the struggle for justice, this conversation sheds light on the grassroots movements that shaped governance in England.

Pacifist. Humanitarian. Whistleblower. From humble roots growing up in Cornwall, Emily Hobhouse went on to challenge the societal issues of her day and expose the horrors of British concentration camps during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Speaking to Emily Briffett, biographer Elsabé Brits uncovers the story of a woman who was branded a 'traitor' for defying the British establishment, but saved thousands of Boer women and children.(Ad) Elsabé Brits is the author of Rebel Englishwoman: The Remarkable Life of Emily Hobhouse (Little Brown, 2019). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Frebel-englishwoman%2Felsabe-brits%2F9781472140920. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From green men and jolly horse skulls, to chasing cheese down hills and morris dancing, Britain has a rich tradition of folk customs. Some are strange, some downright silly. But, as Liz Williams tells Ellie Cawthorne, some of these traditions can also have a darker aspect, based on shame, judgement and social conformity. (Ad) Liz Williams is the author of Rough Music: Folk Customs, Transgression and Alternative Britain (Reaktion Books, 2025). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Frough-music%2Fliz-williams%2F9781836390602. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Patty Baker, a specialist in Roman medicine, shares fascinating insights drawn from her research on medical care in the Roman army. She discusses survival rates for illnesses in ancient Rome and the intriguing methods used to treat injuries on the battlefield. The conversation also reveals how Roman medical practitioners mirrored later snake-oil salesmen in their approach to healing. Additionally, Dr. Baker explores the sophistication of Roman health theories, the interplay of superstition and science, and public health practices that resonate in today's medical landscape.

What is new research revealing about women's lives in the past? Does all women's history have to be feminist? And why do we need to be cautious about the 'girlbossification' of historical figures? To mark International Women's Day, Ellie Cawthorne speaks to three expert historians – Sarah Richardson, Hannah Skoda and Hannah Cusworth – to get their thoughts on the biggest trends and challenges in the field of women's history at the moment.The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 11 June 1488, King James III of Scotland was hunted down and slain as he fled the field of battle. And more than 500 years later, the identity of his killer remains shrouded in uncertainty. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, historian Gordon McKelvie explores this most enduring of royal murder mysteries. How, he asks, had James made so many enemies – and could the killer have been his own son? The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francesca Wade, author of Square Haunting, delves into the life and literature of Virginia Woolf, illuminating her revolutionary impact on women's roles in society. They discuss Woolf's vibrant time with the Bloomsbury Group, her poignant love affair with Vita Sackville-West, and her turbulent struggles with mental health. Highlighting her transformative works like 'To the Lighthouse' and 'Mrs Dalloway,' Wade reveals how Woolf's innovative narrative techniques and personal experiences shaped her legacy as a feminist icon.

Professor Manuel Eisner, a criminologist at Cambridge, joins historian David Musgrove to explore the dark side of medieval towns. They delve into shocking murder cases from London, Oxford, and York, revealing alarming rates of street violence. Eisner shares insights on the surprising backgrounds of both victims and perpetrators, often respected members of society. The discussion also highlights the intricate workings of the medieval justice system, including the bizarre deodand practice, where objects linked to deaths were put on trial.