
The British History Podcast
The BHP is a chronological retelling of the history of Britain with a particular focus upon the lives of the people. You won’t find a dry recounting of dates and battles here, but instead you’ll learn about who these people were and how their desires, fears, and flaws shaped the scope of this island at the edge of the world. And some of those desires are downright scandalous.
Latest episodes

Mar 31, 2025 • 36min
472 – Radicals
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.

Mar 21, 2025 • 38min
471 – How To Lose Friends and Irritate People
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.

Mar 14, 2025 • 41min
470 – Tough Treaty
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 […]
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Feb 24, 2025 • 29min
469 – Robert of Rhuddlan
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.

Feb 11, 2025 • 39min
468 – Regicide’s Back On The Menu Boys
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.

Jan 29, 2025 • 16min
Medieval Childhoods
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.

Jan 25, 2025 • 32min
467 – Saint Anselm
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.

Jan 19, 2025 • 38min
466 – The Bachelor
King Rufus makes a dramatic transformation post-illness, casting aside promises of justice, revealing the chasm between his reputation and reality. Meanwhile, political intrigue unfolds as Archbishop Anselm expertly navigates court negotiations while Rufus appears unyielding to King Malcolm of Scotland. The tensions rise as Malcolm balances protective instincts for his daughter against the backdrop of their fraught political relationship, showcasing his military strategy amid the chaos of the English court.

Jan 10, 2025 • 58min
465 – Anselm Arrives
King Rufus grapples with sibling rivalries and unfulfilled promises that threaten his rule in England. His military strategies unfold as he targets Scotland and Cumbria, attempting to consolidate power. Tension arises in the court with Abbot Anselm, who represents the moral compass amidst oppressive reign. Anselm's reluctant appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury ignites a debate between divine authority and royal ambition, showcasing the intricate dance of church and state. It's a compelling narrative of political intrigue and moral dilemmas in medieval England.

Dec 14, 2024 • 14min
Medieval Education Sample
Come get schooled.
The post Medieval Education Sample first appeared on The British History Podcast.
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