Gone Medieval

Sweyn Forkbeard was the first Viking King of England, however you'd be forgiven for potentially forgetting who he was given he was only King for five short weeks, being declared King on Christmas Day 1013, and ruling till his death on 3rd February 1014.Part of a distinguished line of Viking rulers, he was the son of Harald Bluetooth, King of Denmark, and the father to Cnut the Great, the last Viking King of England.Today, Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr Caitlin Ellis, Associate Professor in Medieval Nordic History at the Univeristy of Oslo, to answer all the important questions: who was Sweyn Forkbeard? How did he become King of England? Was he a successful ruler? And did he really have a fork beard?If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like our episodes on: Cnut the Great, Harald Bluetooth, and Harald Hardrada.This episode was produced by Elena Guthrie and Joseph Knight. It was edited by Joseph Knight.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire was an institution of national significance from the late seventh century until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. It was home to eminent writers and had strong royal connections. It housed the tomb of Æthelstan, first king of all England, and Queen Matilda, wife of Henry I, took a close interest in its affairs. But it was also home to arguably the most immoral abbot of the Middle Ages, the mass-murdering monk John of Tintern. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis finds out more from Tony McAleavy, author of the first full-length study of the history of Malmesbury Abbey which brings to life its colourful cast of characters.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 12th century, when England was suffering wave after wave of Viking invasions, many wondered how God could allow their kingdom to be ravaged by pagans? The Archbishop of York Wulfstan had an answer: the apocalypse was coming. What did that mean to people in the Middle Ages? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega talks to Professor Matthew Gabriele, about how medieval people understood the end of the world, where they got such concepts from, and whether such a belief could actually be a hopeful one? Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the life of Emperor Justinian, his rise to power, his influential partnership with Theodora, his legal reforms, and his response to the Justinian Plague. Discover how his legacy continues to impact modern society through laws, architecture, and religion.

Dr. Eleanor Janega discusses skilled artisans in medieval Japan, exploring their trade networks and influence. They delve into the governance structure, artisan identity through poetry scrolls, guilds, legal documentation, and the legacy of metal casters' mythical origins.

Geoffrey Chaucer is perhaps medieval England’s most famous writer and poet. Now a new exhibition at the Bodleian Library in Oxford is setting out to give him greater breadth and depth than just The Canterbury Tales. To talk more about the ‘Father of English Literature’ with Matt Lewis is its curator Professor Marion Turner.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Professor Philip Slavin discusses the origins and impact of the Black Death in medieval times. Topics include the devastation caused by the pandemic, the link between the Great Famine and the plague, and the genomic research unraveling the mystery of the Black Death.

Over the previous three episodes in our special series, Gone Medieval has taken a close look at the three main contenders for the throne of England in 1066. From Harold Godwinson who sat on it, to Harold Hardrada who might have seemed the most likely to win it, and William the Conqueror, the hardened Duke of Normandy.In this episode, Matt Lewis explores the final clash of that seismic year. Who would wear the crown of England by the end of 1066 was still an open question and there was only one place that question could be answered. This is the story of the Battle of Hastings.This episode was mixed and produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the historical background of William the Conqueror and his ambitions for the English throne. Analyze Harold's decision to confront William instead of employing guerrilla warfare. Discover the strategic prowess of William the Conqueror and the exceptional warrior skills of Harold. Discuss the achievements of William the Conqueror and his intentions for establishing Pevency. Explore the significance of a medieval historical document and the challenges faced by individuals involved. Discuss the bold actions and strategic thinking of William the Conqueror, including his daring actions in the North. Explore the lasting impact of William the Conqueror on England's cultural, institutional, and physical changes.

Harald Hardrada, a legendary Viking warrior, invades England with 10,000 troops and 300 longships in September 1066. Learn about his military career, his claim to the throne, and his defeat at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Discover Harold's ambitions, motivations, and his legacy as the last Viking and the first meaningful king of Norway.