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
Jan 19, 2011 • 31min
1.16 - 8 Reconstruction and defence
This episode of the podcast explores Alfred's efforts in reconstruction and defense. It delves into his dedication to education and the restoration of England. The chapter also discusses the tactics of the Viking invasions and Alfred's military reforms. It explores the implementation of the revolutionary burr system and the strengthening of the Shire system. The episode concludes with an exploration of the events following Alfred's arrival and the promises made by the Viking army.
Jan 18, 2011 • 32min
1.15 - 7 Alfred the Great and the fight for survival
The podcast discusses the intense battles between Wessex and the Great Heathen Army, the portrayal of King Alfred the Great throughout history, the aftermath of the Battle at Ashdown and the Danish threat, Viking occupations and new Danish kings, and Alfred's struggle and strategic retreat.
Jan 17, 2011 • 32min
1.14 - 6 The Great Heathen Army
Everything changed for Anglo Saxon England in 866; the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok came for conquest, not just treasure and slaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2011 • 37min
1.13- 5 The Noble Wolf
Æthelwolf hasn't always had the best press. None the less he laid the basis of an effective and well organised state centred on the traditional heartlands of Wessex, and one better placed to meet the Viking threat than other kingdoms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 15, 2011 • 33min
1.12 - 5a Pirates from the North
The Vikings visited fire, destruction - and trade - on a bemused and terrified 8th C Europe. Who were they, where did they come from, where did they go and and why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 14, 2011 • 39min
1.11 - 4 Greater Wessex
The death of Offa & his son led to the bloodletting normal when the succession was a bun fight. But this time round, it would have longer term consequences for the balance of power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 13, 2011 • 39min
1.10 - 3 The Mercian Supremacy
After Wulfhere, Aethelred and Aethelbald laid the foundations, a prince from the Hwicce, Offa, took Mercia to its greatest achievements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 12, 2011 • 29min
1.9 - 2: The Rise of Mercia
Pretty much a century in just one, fun-filled episode - 650 ish to 750 is. It's Mercia's turn - an increasingly integrated Mercia, growing in power. With yer Wulfhere's and Æthelbalds, Mercia's hegemony was held back only by Ine of Wessex and Wihtred of Kent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 11, 2011 • 34min
1.8 Revival
Towns had simply disappeared along with the post Roman economy by 500. But slowly by 600 there's tiny shoots of recovery discernible - so we talk about towns. And we have a hack at something a little tiny bit more literary, and talk of Continental Missionaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 10, 2011 • 31min
1.7 Conversion
At the start of the 7th century England was a basically pagan country; by the end of it it was officially at least Christian. While no doubt many pagans still held on, Whitred of Kent's laws began to embed Christianity into the fabric of English kingdoms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
