The British History Podcast

Night fell… and gradually, everything within Bamburgh and the Malvoisin went quiet.  Sure, there were the occasional patrols, and the occasional muffled voice as two people shared a moment, or simply tried to keep themselves awake while on watch… but for the most part, there was no sound except for that of the waves lapping […] The post 475 – The Fall of Mowbray first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Rufus was marching North to directly challenge de Mowbray and anyone foolish enough to follow  him.  And of course he was.  There was only one response this King was ever going to have to de Mowbray’s instigation.  War.   The post 474 – Malvoisin, the Evil Neighbor first appeared on The British History Podcast.

The podcast dives into the complex relationship between the English monarchy and the church, showcasing Anselm's resilience and King Rufus's quest for autonomy. Tensions rise as oppressive tax policies spark rebellion, revealing the chaos of 11th-century England. Intriguingly, Stephen of Umal becomes a pawn in the power struggles among the Norman elite, while conspiracies against Rufus highlight the dangerous political landscape. It's a gripping exploration of ambition, authority, and the ever-shifting loyalties of the time.

We have spent a lot of time with the situation between Anselm and Rufus, and all their messy interpersonal drama, but we haven’t really discussed the true elephant in the room. Radicalism. The post 472 – Radicals first appeared on The British History Podcast.

It was January of 1095 and Rufus was still at war with his eldest brother, Duke Robert. A  war that could have been avoided if the Red King had simply kept his word… or even just apologized. But he wasn’t interested in doing either of those things, so people were dying in Normandy. The post 471 – How To Lose Friends and Irritate People first appeared on The British History Podcast.

As I’ve mentioned a few times… we are discussing one of those periods of history where everything was kind of happening all at once.  This presents a challenge when trying to create a clear narrative that you can follow, while also staying true to the order of events. And that’s assuming there is a clear […] The post 470 – Tough Treaty first appeared on The British History Podcast.

The podcast dives into the aggressive Norman strategies in Wales, focusing on their swift castle constructions and the fierce resistance from the Welsh. It highlights the political upheaval in North Wales as Griffith Ap Cunnan navigates alliances and betrayals, and the mysterious fate of Robert's severed head adds a grim twist to the tale. Tensions rise with Rufus's absence from military matters, revealing the struggles for identity amid chaos. Finally, the intricate relationship between Duke Robert and King Rufus unfolds amid Scottish conflicts.

King Malcolm Canmore reached his breaking point while navigating tumultuous diplomatic relations with King Rufus of England. The brutal quest for power included ruthless military campaigns that devastated innocent lives. After Queen Margaret's death, a chaotic succession struggle unfolded, pitting her brother Donald against Duncan for the crown. The ongoing conflicts also spotlighted Welsh resistance to Norman invasions and the complexities of shifting power dynamics. Political turmoil hinted at future ambitions of regicide amid escalating territorial tensions.

Dr. Z, a guest expert on medieval childhoods, takes listeners on an intriguing journey into the lives of children in the Middle Ages. They explore the significance of music in daily life, from child-sized instruments to communal singing. The discussion also uncovers gender dynamics in recreational swimming and compares medieval games like Blind Man's Bluff.

Discover the captivating life of Saint Anselm, filled with intrigue, gossip, and whispers of murder. Dive into the shifting dynamics of church authority leading to the Crusades, where redemption through warfare emerged. Unravel the complex tale of Gunnhild, caught between ominous church advice and newfound love after tragedy. Explore intense letters revealing moral condemnation and threats, shedding light on the Church's radical transformation during England's turbulent times.