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 17, 2011 • 30min
45 Packing the Bags
Richard the Lionheart prepares for his crusade, dealing with anti-Jewish violence. William Longbeard's rise and fall, London's poor collecting blood-soaked soil. King Richard's strategic preparations, raising funds, negotiating alliances, and managing external threats.
Dec 17, 2011 • 26min
44 The Lionheart
To most contemporaries, Richard I was a hero. Since then his reputation has suffered badly, until even Winston Churchill describes him as the worst of our Richards - which given the other two is going some. So we look at how history has treated the guy, his early years, and what he was like. And we look at how to behave in medieval company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 12, 2011 • 31min
43 The Greatest of all Monarchs
In 1173-4 Henry was faced by a revolt by his wife, children and many of his leading barons. 1183 to his death in 1189 were years where Henry was increasingly beset by his enemies until at the age of 56 he died, faced with the treachery and disloyalty of his family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 19, 2011 • 28min
42 English Justice and the Invasion of Ireland
So here are two completely unconnected subjects then! Henry is responsible for reforms to the process of English justice that had a long lasting impact on English Justice - including the development of Common law and the Jury system. OK, so he wasn't thinking about the long term futuire, all he wanted to do was to bring more royal revenue in, and more quickly; but none the less, a long term impact he had. The events of his reign would also have a long term impact on Irish politics and society. in 1169. Richard 'Strongbow' FitzGilbert arrived on the coast of Ireland with the Gaelic king of Leinster, and the Anglo Norman invasion was on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 10, 2011 • 29min
41 Murder in the Cathedral
After Thomas recanted from his signature of the Constitutions of Clarendon, things got really nasty. Before long, Thomas was in exile, and Henry couldn't care less. But by 1167 the political situation had changed - Henry wanted to crown his son, and the Archbishop of Canterbury wasn't around to do... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18 snips
Nov 6, 2011 • 29min
40 Bishop Trouble
The 1160's. A time of consolidation of the Angevin Empire, still ruled by a dynamic, young and aggressive Henry. But mainly remembered for the start of the struggle between church and state - or more accurately, the struggle between Henry and Thomas Becket. We start that well trodden paths, with... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33 snips
Oct 30, 2011 • 25min
39 Ruling the Angevin Empire
Bear in mind at all times that Henry, while being a Good King, was a tyrant. Still, he was a tyrant who ran a mean administrative system for the time. This week, the nature of the Angevin empire, how it was ruled, and a bit about travel and economy. Click... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35 snips
Oct 16, 2011 • 27min
38 Born of the Devil - the Angevins
Geniuses, devils, spoilt brats, villains, heroes; war, sex, violence, bravery, treachery, peace, reform... the Angevins that founded the Plantagenet dynasty have it all, in spades. Not so much history, as soap opera. This week we kick things off with the arrival of Henry II and Eleanor on the English throne.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
45 snips
Oct 9, 2011 • 30min
37 12th Century Life - Village, Town and Trade
This podcast explores the daily lives of ordinary people in 12th century England. It discusses population growth, 12th century society and village structure, living conditions and agricultural practices. It also touches on the changing economy and social topics of the time.
25 snips
Oct 1, 2011 • 28min
36 Magnates and Churchmen
Delve into the intriguing rise of William the Marshal, whose journey from a humble knight to a powerful Earl mirrors the tumultuous politics of medieval England. Discover the vibrant clash between Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures and how a nobleman's honor was defended in tournaments. Unravel the complexities of court life and governance under Henry II, alongside the exploration of monastic life and the Knights Templar's pivotal role in medieval society, blending faith, power, and intrigue.
