This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

A stormy royal arrival shakes up a failing war with France. A withdrawn king is contrasted with a fiery new queen who persuades him to surrender key territory. Court betrayals and political scapegoating ignite factional rivalries. Plans, peace talks, and ambitious building projects collide as the kingdom hurtles toward a deeper crisis.

A secret royal marriage is exposed and a fugitive noble's fate sets off courtly panic. Witchcraft accusations, prophetic horoscopes, and a sensational trial ignite ruthless political rivalries. Executions and public shaming fuel paranoia as factions vie for power and the fragile succession teeters on the brink.

Tensions rise in 1430s England as the widowed Queen Catherine de Valois embarks on a risky affair with Owen Tudor, challenging anti-Welsh laws and royal protocols. The political implications are vast, especially after the death of Henry V and the crowning of the youthful Henry VI. Meanwhile, the fate of Joan of Arc hangs heavily in the air, with her dramatic capture and execution underscoring the chaos. As English focus shifts to France, the royal court grapples with crises, food shortages, and failed diplomatic efforts.

Explore the rise of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl claiming divine visions who became a formidable force in the Hundred Years' War. Discover how English forces, under the young Henry VI, struggled against her charisma and the siege of Orléans. Witness the dramatic relief she brought as she led troops to victory, paving the way for Charles VII's coronation. Uncover the propaganda used to legitimize Henry's claim to the throne, along with the unexpected twists in court politics, including Catherine de Valois's surprising pregnancy.

A baby king takes the throne, stirring chaos and power struggles among his uncles. As the council grapples with governance, tensions rise in London between Humphrey Duke of Gloucester and Bishop Beaufort. Meanwhile, across the Channel, the looming threat of Joan of Arc begins to surface. With political intrigue and rivalries fueling unrest, the stage is set for significant shifts in both England and France. The complexities of a child monarch’s reign come to life, promising drama and conflict ahead.

England’s greatest warrior-king is gone and on the throne… a baby. In season 9 of This Is History: A Dynasty to Die For, acclaimed historian Dan Jones charts the turbulent story of Henry VI, an infant monarch whose reign is beset by relentless struggles for power both at home and abroad as we enter a brutal era of English civil war - the Wars of the Roses. Scandal, madness and witchcraft form a backdrop to the young king’s troubles in England, while in France, Henry V’s hard-won legacy begins to crumble as Joan of Arc enters to rally the French fightback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the intriguing world of the Nativity with a focus on Matthew's perspective. Explore the royal lineage of Jesus and the mysterious Magi, whose gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh hold deeper meanings. Learn about the tyrannical King Herod, his paranoia, and the dramatic events that unfolded, including a warning from an angel and a hasty flight to Egypt. This retelling offers a blend of history, mythology, and a dash of murder that will keep you captivated!

The story continues as the holy family make their way to Bethlehem for a Roman census. Along the way they meet classic characters from the Nativity including an inn keeper and some shepherds who, while watching their flocks, get jump scared by an angel into going to visit a baby in a manger. But why is Luke, the gospelist, telling us all this? Who is the Jesus Christ he is trying to present in this gospel? Want to delve deeper? Become a This Is History Royal Favourite subscriber on Patreon. You get ad free listening, exclusive behind the scenes videos, and a weekly bonus episode. On this week’s bonus episode, Dan and resident Nativity expert Professor Helen Bond zoom into the intentions behind Luke’s Gospels. What was the manger really trying to convey — to early Christians and the Romans looking over them? Listen to that episode here: patreon.com/thisishistory – A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices.  Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  Written and presented by Dan Jones.  Producer - Alan Weedon  Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Simon Poole  Production Manager - Jen Mistri  Production coordinator: Eric Ryan  Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content – Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the captivating retelling of the Nativity story! Discover a peasant girl named Mary who, after a surprise visit from an angel, must navigate the complexities of an unexpected pregnancy. Explore the contrasting portrayals of Mary and Joseph in the Gospels. Delve into the historical context of the birth narratives and the difficulties of their trek to Bethlehem. This overview sets the stage for where faith, history, and storytelling intersect in an unforgettable tale!

Henry V stands at the peak of his power. He’s not just England’s king—he’s heir and regent of France. But for Henry, two crowns aren’t enough. His eyes are fixed on the ultimate prize: the Holy Land. A crusade promises glory, conquest, and divine favor. To Henry, it’s more than ambition—it’s obedience to the only master he truly serves: God. Yet destiny has its own designs, and the Almighty may not share Henry’s plan… To hear about how the French fared under Henry’s rule, listen back to our last miniseries, The Glass King.  Remember, you can always delve deeper into the history behind each episode by becoming a This Is History Royal Favourite on Patreon. In addition to ad-free listening and bonus episodes — now available to watch on video — you get to chat with mediaeval buffs from around the world, chat with Dan and the team, and get exclusive access to behind the scenes extras just for favourites.  Don’t miss out. Sign up at patreon.com/thisishistory  –  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices.  Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  Written and presented by Dan Jones Producer - Alan Weedon  Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Simon Poole Production Manager - Jen Mistri  Production coordinator - Eric Ryan  Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices