

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

Mar 17, 2024 • 1h 5min
AAG 1643-1646 The First Civil War
The podcast delves into the First Civil War between King and Parliament, exploring military tactics, strategic alliances, and the impact on local communities. From the Battle of Naseby to Charles' departure from Oxford, the podcast paints a vivid picture of a nation divided by religion and politics.

Mar 10, 2024 • 45min
399 End Game
Charles options in 1645 were increasingly limited, as Fairfax and Cromwell closed down garrison after garison, and parliament defeated the few remaining royalist field armies. In Ireland he sent an envoy with secret instructions to the Confederate Association - maybe new concessions would a fresh army of 10,000 men to turn things around? Or in Scotland, Montrose was still ripping Covenanter armies to pieces - and had marched into Glasgow and called a new Scottish parliament. Or maybe France would help? Jean de Montereul, Mazarin's diplomat, was making nice noises. Surely all was not yet over? After all, he was God's annointed facing mere rebels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 2024 • 51min
Jonathan Healey and the Blazing World
17th Century was a century of change and revolution, a world beautifully described in the a rich and varied book, The Blazing World. Historian Jonathan Healey comes along to talk through some of the themes and events that make the century such a fascinating time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 18, 2024 • 40min
398 The Clubmen
After Naseby, Fairfax took the New Model on the Western Campaign, to deal with the last remaining significant royalist army in the field - George Goring at Taunton. On the way, and after victory at Langport, he met the phenomenon of the Clubmen risings. As communities tried to rediscover the peace that had been lost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 2024 • 49min
397 In Assurance of Victory
We come to 1645, and the first test of the New Model Army. To Charles and Rupert this was an opportunity to destroy it while full of raw recruits. Through the sack of Leicester they lured the 'brutish' general Fairfax to meet them on the fields of Naseby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 4, 2024 • 45min
396 The New Model Army
Despite the realities of the strategic situation, parliament and people were deeply discouraged by the failures of the Lostwithial and Newbury campaigns. Parliament was fractious, divided and argumentative. But from the disputes, debates and divisions - a solution emerged, and was crafted into a new weapon of the Revoluton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 28, 2024 • 31min
Anglo Saxon Rendlesham
Excavations in Suffolk near Sutton Hoo have revealed fascinating news about the royal centre at Rendlesham, active from 570 to 730 ish. There's that - and news of a new Anglo Saxon series for you all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2024 • 45min
395 Forever Newbury
In his efforts to secure Oxford's safety,Charles was faced at Newbury by a far larger army. Find out what happens - and then we go north, where Montrose and Macolla give the Covenanters a nasty shock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 2024 • 45min
394 Lost With It All
The defeat at Marston Moor in July 1644 raised the very, very strong possibility of the king's defeat. In the Midlands, a small force under the king faced the much larger combined armies of Essex and Waller. Against all expectations, the showdown came in Cornwall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 7, 2024 • 52min
393 We Saw No Light
1644 opened with Charles' 'Mongrel parliament' at Oxford, and was the model of compliance. Not so at York where the noose of the Scots and Fairfax tightened around York. Enter Rupert, stage Lancashire, a whirlwind of violent destruction,. To meet Leven's parliamentarian army at Marston Moor, for the biggest showdon on English soil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.