
This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Scandals, greed, revenge and sex: historian Dan Jones tells the story of the Plantagenets, one of the most powerful and dysfunctional families in European history.
Season 7 sees boy-king Richard II take the throne and put the dynasty in jeopardy like never before. The people will rise in a bloody revolt as Richard, once hailed as a messiah, turns magnificent and murderous tyrant.
Richard will soon find himself pitted against his chivalrous cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, in an extraordinary tale of boyhood companions turned deadly rivals. The pair are history’s ultimate frenemies whose lives become locked in an existential struggle for supremacy – with fatal consequences for anyone who gets caught in between them.
You can now become a Royal Favourite on our Patreon! Weigh in on topics we should cover, access exclusive AMA with Dan, take part in competitions and nerd out with fellow history buffs in our official chat room. Find out more at patreon.com/thisishistory
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
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Latest episodes

Jan 7, 2025 • 31min
Season 6 | 6. The Siege of Calais
Edward III's ambitious campaign to conquer Calais unfolds amidst the chaos of war. The introduction of gunpowder radically changes siege tactics, while Queen Philippa's visit emphasizes the human cost of conflict. Edward's relentless strategies lead to dire conditions for the citizens, facing starvation as they await rescue. The French forces struggle under pressure, ultimately surrendering to a determined foe. In a heroic twist, Queen Philippa intervenes to save the town's leaders, blending the brutality of war with a touch of humanity on the brink of disaster.

Dec 31, 2024 • 24min
Season 6 | BONUS: How did they know the time in the Middle Ages?
Curious about how medieval folks kept track of time? Discover the fascinating complexities of timekeeping in the Middle Ages and the royal naming conventions that shaped England's monarchy. Dive into whimsical laws about dog names in France and contemplate the quirks of left-handed sword fighting. Plus, explore must-see historical sites related to Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine, from the beautiful Rouen Cathedral to the storied Normandy beaches. It's a blend of history, humor, and travel tips!

Dec 24, 2024 • 33min
Season 6 | 5. The Battle of Crecy
Experience the gripping invasion of France led by Edward III! Discover the tactical brilliance that turned the tide at the Battle of Crecy, despite overwhelming odds. Witness the dramatic missteps during the landing in Normandy, where humor lifted the spirits of weary soldiers. Marvel at the inspiring moment when the young Black Prince is knighted, marking his leap into leadership. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming challenges as the English forces prepare for the siege of Calais!

Dec 17, 2024 • 32min
Season 6 | 4. First Blood
Tension brews in Southampton as townspeople panic over rumors of a French invasion. The bold leadership of Edward III shines through as he devises a daring plan to counter French threats. Key moments unfold as Philipp VI's missteps spark English naval raids, turning the tide of conflict. Strategy discussions lead to an unexpected victory for England against a larger fleet. As naval power rises, the stage is set for political intrigue and the emergence of the legendary Black Prince.

Dec 10, 2024 • 28min
Season 6 | 3. The Hundred Years’ War
Uncover the grim tale of Jeanne de Devion, executed for her crimes, which reveals the harsh realities of medieval justice. Dive into a chilling narrative of poison and forgery that shaped England's monarchy during the Hundred Years' War. Explore the political intrigue surrounding Robert of Artois's daring escape, and learn how it influenced relations between England and France. The simmering tensions escalate as Edward III stakes his claim to the French throne, igniting a conflict that would change Western Europe forever.

Dec 3, 2024 • 27min
Season 6 | 2. The Flying Scotsman
In a heart-pounding scene, a rider narrowly escapes pursuers in freezing Scotland. Edward Balliol, desperate for his throne, seeks help from King Edward III amidst chaos. The episode explores Edward III's clever political maneuvers and ambitious alliances shaped by marriage and opulence. Royal splendor showcases the lengths leaders will go to secure power, while tactical military strategies unfold in the brutal conflict of Halladon Hill. The stage is set for a protracted war that will echo through history.

Nov 26, 2024 • 32min
Season 6 | 1. The Raid
A young king finds himself locked out of power by his mother and her tyrannical lover. Time is running out, so he decides to take a huge risk and try to take back his country.
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Written and hosted by Dan Jones
Producer - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Assistant producer: Harry Gordon
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design - Chris o'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 2024 • 2min
Introducing… Season Six of a Dynasty to Die for
The times they are a changin’ in the Middle Ages, as we step into the tumultuous reign of Edward III. This Plantagenet is a warrior, tactician, and party prince through-and-through, but with a dangerously ambitious streak that will lead him, and his country, into a war that will last over a hundred years.
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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 hosted by Dan Jones
Producer - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Jen Mistri and Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Mixing - Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2024 • 41min
In Conversation | Mediaeval Feasts and Foraging - with Annie Gray
Dan is joined by food historian Annie Gray, to take a culinary voyage back in time to the feasts of the Plantagenet courts, and for a peek inside a peasant’s pantry. Along the way, Annie busts plenty of Mediaeval food myths and introduces Dan to the strange delights of the ’open arse fruit’.
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
Hosted by Dan Jones and Annie Gray
Producer - Dominic Tyerman
Assistant Producer - Suhaar Ali
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Eric Ryan and Jen Mistri
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Mixing - Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2024 • 38min
In Conversation | Flying dreams and X-rated rhymes - with Glaire Anderson
Long before Leonardo Da Vinci was born, there was a genius poet and astronomer who dreamed of human flight. Dan is joined by the University of Edinburgh’s Glaire Anderson, historical advisor to the latest Assassin’s Creed game, to talk about the strange experiments and obscene poetry of Abbas Ibn Firnas.
This episode contains sexual content and may not be suitable for children.
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
Hosted by Dan Jones and Glaire Anderson
Producer - Georgia Mills
Assistant Producers - Suhaar Ali and Lucia Farina
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Eric Ryan and Jen Mistri
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Mixing - Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices