Gone Medieval
History Hit
From long-lost Viking ships to kings buried in unexpected places; from murders and power politics, to myths, religion, the lives of ordinary people: Gone Medieval is History Hit’s podcast dedicated to the middle ages, in Europe and far beyond.New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, The Ancients, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 30, 2026 • 54min
Plantagenets at War: A Fight for the Throne
Dr. Hannes Kleineke, historian and editor at the History of Parliament Trust who studies late medieval politics, guides listeners through the chaos after Henry VI’s baby accession. They cover the power struggle between Gloucester, Bedford and Beaufort. Hear why parliament fled London to Leicester, why peers turned up with wooden bats, and how that explosive meeting foreshadowed future civil war.
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 11min
What Caused the Viking Age?
C.J. Adrien, historian and co-host of Vikingology, and Terri Barnes, historian and author, discuss why Scandinavians took to the seas. They probe ship technology, regional and political variation, trade and silver, marriage pressures and social prestige. They sketch climate, migration and economic motives as overlapping drivers that reshaped medieval Europe.
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 14min
The Hospitallers: Warrior Monks
In this captivating discussion, Dr. Rory McClellan, a historian and expert on medieval military orders, dives into the evolution of the Knights Hospitaller. He reveals how this charitable brotherhood transformed into a formidable military power during the Crusades. Topics include their dual role in providing medical care and engaging in warfare, their extensive landholdings shaping political dynamics, and the strategic conquest of Rhodes. Rory also shares insights on their resilience through upheavals, including tensions with kings and the eventual suppression under Henry VIII.
6 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 47min
The Eleanor Crosses
Alice Loxton, author and historian, shares her journey retracing Eleanor of Castile's 200-mile funeral route. She discusses the impactful love story between Eleanor and King Edward I that inspired the grand Eleanor Crosses built in her honor. The conversation dives into the unique logistics of the funeral procession, the rituals surrounding medieval embalming, and the significance of the crosses as both memorials and pilgrimage sites. Loxton's firsthand experience reveals how walking the route brought medieval realities to life, connecting history with personal reflection.
11 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 47min
The Origins of Greenland
Eleanor Barrowclough, a Norse literature expert, and Robert Ricks, a historian focused on Norse settlements, delve into the fascinating origins of Greenland. They explore Leif Erikson's legacy through the Vinland sagas and Eric the Red’s journey to name the land. The discussion uncovers the settlers’ harsh realities, their farming lifestyles, and trade practices. Robert also examines the eerie disappearance of these Norse settlers, linking it to climate change and market shifts, while contrasting myths about their culture's persistence.
12 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 3min
The Sagas of the Earls of Orkney
Join Professor Judith Jesch, a specialist in Old Norse language and literature, as she dives into the thrilling Sagas of the Earls of Orkney. They explore intriguing topics like the myth of Turf Einar, the forensic debate around the blood eagle, and the tumultuous political landscape of Viking-era Orkney. Judith discusses St. Magnus's miraculous tales, the blending of cultures, and the role of women like Thora and Ragnhildr in shaping their world. With fresh insights from a new translation, this journey reveals the vibrant tapestry of life in medieval Orkney.
11 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 54min
Tower of London: Medieval Prison
Tom Horton, a comedian and former resident of the Tower of London, shares his unique insights living there while his father served as Constable. He tells captivating ghost stories, including the eerie hauntings of Arabella Stuart and even an unused toilet for Hitler. The discussion dives into infamous prisoners like Henry VI and the mysteries surrounding the Princes in the Tower. Tom also reflects on the community life at the Tower and how these extraordinary experiences inspire his comedy.
11 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 5min
Tower of London: Medieval Palace
In this enlightening discussion, curator Charles Farris shares insights into the Tower of London's medieval palace displays and its material culture. He delves into the opulent renovations by Henry III and Edward I, where ambition and intrigue thrived within grand royal rooms. Farris reveals fascinating details about the Tower's medieval menagerie, including a white bear, and examines the vibrant life of the royal court, from lavish banquets to multilingual interactions. He also highlights the significance of objects used in daily life, underscoring the rich tapestry of medieval culture.
5 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 44min
The Kingdom of Mercia
Annie Whitehead, a historian and author focused on Anglo-Saxon England, dives into the rise and fall of the kingdom of Mercia. She discusses its strategic location and tribal origins, led by notable figures like the pagan warrior-king Penda and the empire-builder Offa. The podcast reveals Mercia's cultural contributions and the challenges it faced during Viking invasions. Whitehead highlights the kingdom's lasting legacy, showing how its influences helped shape the foundations of the English nation.
17 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 49min
Medieval Europe's Most Evil Monarch
Dive into the dark side of medieval history! Discover the tumultuous tales of notorious rulers like Pedro the Cruel, known for his dramatic vengeance and tragic romances. Unpack Richard the Lionheart's controversial reign, marred by heavy taxation and alleged massacres. Meet Isabella the She-Wolf, whose thirst for power led to a bloody overthrow in England. And don't miss the chilling exploits of Vlad the Impaler, whose gruesome methods earned him a legendary, if twisted, status. Rankings reveal who truly earned the title of the most evil monarch!
