The History of England
David Crowther
This my re-telling of the story of England. I aim to be honest, and rigorous - but always loving of my country's history. It is a regular, chronological podcast, starting from the end of Roman Britain. There are as many of the great events I can squeeze in, of course, but I also try to keep an eye on how people lived, their language, what was important to them, the forces that shaped their lives and destinies, that sort of thing. To listen free of adverts, support the podcast, access a library of 150+ hours of shedcasts of me warbling on, and get new shedcasts every month, why not become a member at https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/become-a-member ? You know it makes sense... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 15, 2024 • 30min
The Lionheart - Ransom and Revenge
I am very pleased that Dirk Hoffman-Becking, of the History of the Germans podcast, has put together this episode about a very favourite event - the capture and hostage of Richard the Lionheart. Why Henry VI did it - and how in the end, Richard had his revenge. Sort of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 8, 2024 • 43min
420 Lord Protector
Whether or not Cromwell knew about John Lambert's 'coup' of December 1653, by the end of the month England had a new constitution and a new Head of State - the Lord Protector. Cromwell was installed in Whitehall and Hampton court, new seals designed that drew on Cromwell's Welsh ancestry, and rthe Council of State started work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 1, 2024 • 44min
Cromwell and the Poets
Margaret Oakes, a Professor of English at Furman University and expert on early modern British poetry, dives into the conflicted legacy of Oliver Cromwell. She discusses how poets like Andrew Marvell and John Milton navigated their complex feelings toward him through their works. The conversation uncovers the balance between admiration and criticism in their poetry, revealing how Cromwell's charisma and leadership influenced artistic expression during a turbulent time in England's history.
Nov 24, 2024 • 45min
419 Cromwell and his Reputation
"Never man was highlier extolled, and never man baselier reported of and vilified” write Richard Baxter - a contemporary of Oliver Cromwell, who was not a fan. In this he was closer to the truth than Samuel Johnson, who wearily wrote in the 18th century that "all that can be told of him is already in print.” Cromwell is makes a subject extraordinarily divisive, and extraordinarily rich, partly because, as some other clever person remarked, people find in him what they are looking for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 17, 2024 • 55min
Nelson with Dominic Sandbrook
Nelson was a military genius and fierce patriot, idolised by his men and the British public - and held up to ridicule too, for his affair with Emma and his treatment of Fanny. In his book for children, 'Nelson, Hero of the Seas', historian, author and Rest is History podcaster Dominic Sandbrook, brings out his charisma and genius - and his complexity and flaws. And Dominic also had time to speak to me about the challenges and glories of writing for young people - and about Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 10, 2024 • 1h 2min
AAG 1649-1653 The Commonwealth
In 1649 the English parliament proudly declared that freedom had been restored and that King and Lords had been rejected. But in other ways, the new Commonwealth failed to bring about a new world. True there were difficult problems to resolve with war in Ireland, Scotland and against the Dutch. And naval and commercial achievement was significant. But the English people did not feel they were advancing to a new, better world, and the Rump became deeply unpopular. In the end - there would be a crisis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 3, 2024 • 1h 4min
AAG 1646-1649 To Kill a King
The tumultuous years from 1646 to 1649 spotlight King Charles I's secretive escape from Oxford and his desperate bid for power amidst shifting allegiances. The tensions between Parliament and the army ignite radical voices like the Levellers advocating reform. Political maneuvering leads to Charles's capture, showcasing a clash of authority and public demand for change. Ultimately, the narrative crescendos with the king's trial and execution, marking a revolutionary turn in English history and the emergence of the Commonwealth.
Oct 20, 2024 • 42min
418 Barebones
In his haste to expel the Rump which had failed so badly, Cromwell and the Army officers came up with a temporary expedient. The Nominated assembly would be chosen from the most sober, Godly and intelligent of society, they would do the job of reform the Rump had failed to do, set up proper elections, and then retire once more, their job done. The Commonwealth would be restored and set on the right path. Well; that was the idea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 13, 2024 • 39min
417 Kicking the Rump
In 1653, hope for a promised land seemed distant amid political corruption and high taxes. Oliver Cromwell navigated a chaotic post-election landscape, battling frustrations over reform and ideological clashes. Tensions rose within the Army Council as the threat of dissolving Parliament loomed. Deep divisions emerged as leaders sought a caretaker government, culminating in Cromwell's intense conflict with the Rump Parliament. The episode invites listeners to engage in a light-hearted discussion while contemplating the duality of Cromwell's motivations.
Oct 6, 2024 • 46min
Milton, Nedham and the Commonwealth with Anthony Bromley
John Milton and Marchamont Nedham were unlikely bedfellows; and yet they became friends, worked closely together and in their very different ways sought to promote the English Republic to the country and outside world. Anthony Bromley talks about their careers in the Republic and how they sought to promote it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
