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
19 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 20min
King Edward I: Hammer of the Scots
Join Andrew Spencer, a Senior tutor at Gonville and Caius College, as he unveils the gripping life of King Edward I. From surviving an assassination attempt to brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward's journey is nothing short of epic. Explore his strategic marriage, military genius, and transformative legal reforms that deeply influenced English governance. Discover the political intricacies of his reign, the challenges he faced, and how his legacy has evolved over time—all framed within the tumultuous backdrop of medieval power struggles.
10 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 37min
Women of the Crusades
Natasha Hodgson, an expert on women in the Crusades and author of "Women, Crusading, and the Holy Land in Historical Narrative," sheds light on the crucial yet often ignored roles of women like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Margaret of Beverly. They discuss how these women influenced campaigns and social structures, from noble leaders to essential support workers. Hodgson challenges common perceptions, emphasizing their complex identities, motivations, and the profound impact they had on medieval history.
20 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Battle of Bosworth
Dive into the dramatic showdown between Richard III and Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth, a key moment that shifted the fate of the English crown. Explore the intricate alliances, betrayals, and strategic maneuvers that defined the battlefield. Discover the emotional toll of the conflict, marked by personal losses and the brutal end of Richard's reign. Finally, reflect on the historical implications and misconceptions surrounding this pivotal event as England witnesses the dawn of a new dynasty under Henry VII.
18 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 46min
Medieval Obscenity
Carissa Harris, a Professor of English literature at Temple University and author of 'Obscene Pedagogies,' dives into the raucous world of medieval obscenity. She explains how blunt humor and explicit language weren’t just for entertainment but tools for critiquing morality and power. Topics include the bold expression of women in alehouse culture, the peculiarities of impotence poetry, and the bizarre legal practices surrounding annulments. Prepare for an engaging exploration of how obscenity shaped societal norms and the nuances of medieval masculinity!
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Paston Letters with Helen Castor
Helen Castor, a historian and author known for her insights into medieval England, dives deep into the lives of the Paston family. She reveals their romantic entanglements and fierce struggles during the Wars of the Roses through their private letters. Castor shares tales of a strong matriarch, Margaret, and her sons facing political strife and defending their home amidst a siege. The discussion highlights themes of love, ambition, and the resilience of this unique family against the backdrop of historical turmoil.
13 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 59min
Legend of William Tell
In this engaging discussion, historian Mark H. Lerner, an Associate Professor at the University of Mississippi, sheds light on the legendary Swiss hero William Tell. They explore the tale of Tell's defiance against tyranny in 14th century Switzerland, probing whether he was a real figure or a myth. Lerner discusses how this story inspired revolutionary movements in the French and American Revolutions, reflecting themes of resistance and liberty. The podcast also highlights the adaptability of Tell’s narrative throughout history, solidifying his role in shaping Swiss and global identity.
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
How to Survive the 15th Century
Dive into the explosive 15th century as political upheavals shake England. Explore the rise of Parliament and influential queens like Elizabeth Woodville. Discover the iconic Joan of Arc and her role in shaping national identity. Unpack the complexities of kingship under Henry IV and V, alongside the chaos of the Wars of the Roses. With a mix of humor and insightful anecdotes, learn how the era’s events have left a lasting legacy on governance and society.
10 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 44min
Medieval Beauty Standards with Kate Lister
In this engaging discussion, historian Kate Lister, a prominent voice on the history of sex and the body, explores the quirky world of medieval beauty standards. She delves into how the Black Death influenced fashion and whether baldness was seen as attractive. The conversation covers the obsession with pale skin, the complexities of beauty and virtue, and surprisingly effective medieval dental care. Humor mingles with historical insight as Lister and her co-host unravel the many paradoxes of beauty and attraction from the past.
11 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 48min
Battle of Winchelsea with Dan Jones
Dan Jones, a historian and author celebrated for his medieval history works, dives into the explosive Battle of Winchelsea of 1350 with host Matt Lewis. They explore the daring naval strategies of Edward III against the Castilian fleet and highlight the battle's pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War. The conversation also touches on the echoes of the Black Death that shaped personal and societal struggles, along with a look at Jones's creative transition into historical fiction with his latest novel, 'Lionhearts'.
9 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
Dragons: From Eden to Middle Earth
Join cultural historian Dr. Sam Riches as he dives into the captivating world of dragons in medieval mythology. He explores how these legendary beasts symbolized power, chaos, and morality, serving various roles from protectors to embodiments of evil. Riches discusses the evolution of dragon representations, including the rise of female dragons, and their complex presence in Christian lore. Enriching the narrative with historical significance, he reveals how dragons influenced art and architecture, maintaining their allure throughout the ages.
