The English Heritage Podcast

With Christmas now behind us, we’re joined by Professor of History at the University of Bristol, Ronald Hutton, to look at the origins of some of England’s other winter traditions.Discover the origins of Plough Monday, Wassailing, Mummers’ plays, Valentine’s Day, Shrove Tuesday and Kissing Friday.For more inspiration for things to do with English Heritage in January, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/top-5-things-to-do-in-january/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the centenary of the death of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, we’re joined by senior historian Howard Spencer to discuss Shackleton’s adventures and the blue plaque that commemorates his achievements at his former London home. We also discuss the exploits of five other polar explorers honoured by blue plaques for their commitments to mapping the globe and pushing the limits of human endurance.To learn more about English Heritage’s blue plaque scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by Properties Historians Team Leader, Dr Andrew Hann, to unwrap the history of Christmas party season at four of our English Heritage sites.Discover how their rich and powerful former residents celebrated, what was on the menu at festive feasts, and how the guests were entertained.To learn more about the history of Christmas, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle to discuss the history of The Order of the Knights Templar.Discover how they were established, their role in the crusades, the secrets of their military success, and the English Heritage sites linked to them that you can visit today.For more details about Bristol Temple Church, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/temple-churchFor details of Knights Templar Church in Dover, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/knights-templar-church-dover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the days become shorter and darker, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian, Dr Susan Greaney, and Senior Historic Property Curator for Stonehenge, Heather Sebire, to discover how the winter solstice was marked at Stonehenge thousands of years ago.For more details about Stonehenge or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Built in the 1720s, Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain. We’re joined by Properties Historian Andrew Roberts and Volunteer Manager, Sophie Hearn to learn about the history of the furnace, its place within England’s steel-making history and how its story is being brought back to life for visitors today.For more details about Derwentcote Steel Furnace or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/derwentcote-steel-furnace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jeremy Ashbee, Head Historic Properties Curator at English Heritage, as he dives into the intriguing life of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and the monumental Dunstanburgh Castle he built. Discover the political turmoil surrounding Thomas, his rivalry with Piers Gaveston, and the fiery confrontations that marked his legacy. Explore the architectural grandeur of Dunstanburgh and its connections to Arthurian legends. Was Thomas a martyr or a misfit? Ashbee unravels how this controversial figure has been shaped by history and myth alike.

On the 30th anniversary of the death of Queen frontman Freddy Mercury, we’re joined by English Heritage’s blue plaque historian Howard Spencer to discover the story behind Mercury’s blue plaque in Feltham, West London, along with those commemorating a supergroup of other rock and pop stars at their former residences across the capital. From Mercury to Marley and Lennon to Hendrix, discover the stories of these late greats and the places they called home.For more details about our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/blue-plaques Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we mark Remembrance Day, we’re joined by historian Dr Fiona Reid and English Heritage audience development manager Rachel Morrison to look back the armistice, remembrance, and how the red poppy became a symbol of those who gave their lives in conflicts since the First World War.We’ll also find out how and where the commemorative poppies are made today – 100 years since the first poppy appeal – and what’s happening at Marble Hill in London to commemorate its wartime history.For more details about Marble Hill or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/marblehill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re getting to know the Romans of Britain, or to use Latin, ‘Britannia’. But who were the Romans living and working in Britain at that time? Where had they come from? And how did their way of life fit in with existing British culture?Joining us to answer these questions and more are English Heritage Properties Historian, Dr Andrew Roberts and curator, Cameron Moffett.To learn more about life in Roman Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices