The History of English Podcast

Explore French influences on English language and culture in the 1200s, the rise of French words, borrowing words related to vehicles, consequences of King John's loss of valuables, the charter of the forest, the etymology of the word 'regard', and the influence of French language and people in England.

Explore the aftermath and ongoing debate over Magna Carta in 13th century England. Discover the origins and historical meaning of the word 'debate'. Delve into the significance of Magna Carta in English history and its impact on Western democracy. Explore the provisions of the charter regarding feudal taxes and noble's debts. Present contrasting perspectives on the significance of Magna Carta's provisions. Examine the influence of Latin and French literature on English literature and the rise of the legal profession. Discuss the arguments surrounding the composition of a medieval poem. Two birds engage in a poetic debate with no clear winner.

The podcast explores the changing role of the written word in the Middle Ages, including the influence of Magna Carta, the transition from papyrus to parchment, the Evolution of charters and deeds in medieval England, John's controversial actions, the establishment of Liverpool, the feudal system and power dynamics, and the shift from parchment to paper.

The podcast explores the shift of the long vowel sound represented by letter A to a new sound represented by letter O in Middle English. It also discusses the dispute between King John and Pope Innocent III over the selection of a new archbishop, the political and military events during King John's reign, and the evolution of the word 'one' over time.

Explore the rise of universities in the 12th and 13th centuries, the origins of Donniebrook and the establishment of Oxford and Cambridge. Discover the impact of ancient Greek scholarship in Muslim-controlled Spain and the evolution of education in Western Europe. Uncover the invention of the first known dictionary and its influence on language development.

This podcast explores Layamon's version of the King Arthur legend in English. It discusses the rise of Constantine, the development of the -ing ending in English, the origin of the Round Table, the origins of the word 'admiral' and its Arabic connection, the evolution of the word 'left' in English, and Arthur's farewell and the promise of his return.

Explore the intense rivalry between King John and his nephew Arthur for control of the Angevin Empire, leading to the loss of Normandy and the separation of England from France. Learn about the historical context, political maneuvering, and military invasions that shaped medieval France and Brittany. Discover the evolution of the English language after its separation from French, and the impact of King John's decisions on English literature. Uncover the origins of the King Lear legend and the introduction of new words in English. Delve into the historical context of Caesar's invasion of Britain and the subsequent Roman conquest of the island.

Explore the origins of Richard the Lionheart's nickname and the symbolism of lions in European royalty. Learn about Richard's arrest and the political fallout, the presence of exotic animals in medieval England, the characteristics of lions in a medieval bestiary and their Christian analogies, and the death of Richard and the rise of the London Zoo.

Explore the interaction between East and West during the Middle Ages, with a focus on trade, the Crusades, and the Knights Templar's role as holy Crusaders and medieval bankers. Discover the rise of Arab science and medicine and its spread to Western Europe. Learn about the origins of the Crusades, thriving trade networks, and the emergence of lingua franca as a shared trading language. Uncover the transformation of the Templars from protectors to major banking institution in Western Europe. Delve into the cultural items carried during the Crusades and the risks faced by pilgrims and traders. Follow the events surrounding Richard's departure for the Crusades, including conflicts with King Philip of France and the conquest of Cyprus.

Explore the spread of Islam and its impact on the rise of Muslim science in the Middle Ages. Learn about the introduction of Arabic and Persian influences into England, the role of the Hospitallers in the Crusades, the development of a common Arabic dialect, the contributions of Al-Mamun and Al-Korizmi in Muslim scholarship, and the origins of algebra and the contributions of Al-Razi in medicine.