
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

May 30, 2025 • 16min
Lords and Landlords Sample
And the full version even includes a drinking game! You can hear the full episode by signing up for membership.
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May 20, 2025 • 41min
476 – The Crackdown
In 1096, Robert de Mowbray, the former Earl of Northumbria, was living in Windsor. And he better get comfy, because his majesty seemed quite happy to keep him there as a permanent resident.
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May 13, 2025 • 20min
Medieval Urbanization Sample
We strive in this one to prove you can be urban without being urbane. You can hear the full episode by signing up for membership.
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May 5, 2025 • 30min
475 – The Fall of Mowbray
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 […]
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Apr 25, 2025 • 38min
474 – Malvoisin, the Evil Neighbor
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.
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Apr 15, 2025 • 39min
473 – Stage Management
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.

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.
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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.
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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.