

The British History Podcast
Jamie Jeffers
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 3, 2021 • 32min
375 – Life and Death Politics. But Mostly Death.
This podcast explores the peaceful reign of King Griffith in Wales, the search for a claimant on the English royal line, the aftermath of Macbeth and Malcolm Bighead's reigns, power shifts and land acquisitions in England, and the growing influence of Queen Edith and the issue of succession.

Jun 22, 2021 • 29min
374 – Be Careful What You Wish For
Queen Edith's political and diplomatic efforts help the House of Godwin rise to power. The challenges in Northumbria and Harold's march to Wales are discussed. The terms reached between Harold and Gruffeth heavily favor Wales. The mysterious peace negotiations between Gruffeth and King Edward are explored.

Jun 5, 2021 • 42min
373 – The First King
Earl AElfgar's difficulties in governing East Anglia, contrasting personalities of Harold Godwinson and Tostig, Elfgar's alliance with King Griffith, King Griffith's campaign into England, the invasion of Herrafordshire, and the defense of Harraford against King Gruffeth and Earl Elfgar.

May 20, 2021 • 27min
372 – Hostile Takeover
This podcast explores the fascinating life of Queen Edith, the complexities of King Edward's character, his obsession with hunting, the contradictions in his character, power struggles in Anglo-Saxon England, and the rise of Tostig as the Earl of Northumbria.

8 snips
May 13, 2021 • 41min
371 – Naked Ambition
Harold Godwinson's ascension to power and the power struggle with King Edward, Lady Gudiva's background debate, the generosity and controversy of God Giffu, the streaking incident involving Lady Gadeva, Macbeth's challenges from Malcolm Kanmore and Earl Seward, and the rivalry between Mac Duff and Macbeth in Scotland.

10 snips
Apr 22, 2021 • 34min
370 – Breaking Bread
Medieval church pluralism, conflicts between Rome and Constantinople, events leading to the Great Schism, King Edward's religious devotion, and the motivations behind the construction of Westminster Abbey are discussed in this episode.

Apr 12, 2021 • 27min
Bonus Episode from the Archive: The Poet’s Curse
Explore the power and fear associated with poets and their curses throughout history. Discover the story of a king challenging the chief poet of Ireland, leading to a threat of curses. Also, uncover the mystery of the location of Fatad Eric Theok's grave and the return of a warrior from the past.

6 snips
Mar 26, 2021 • 34min
369 – Move or You Will Be Moved: Part 4
The podcast discusses the Godwins' plans for invasion and the mobilization of forces to protect the coast. It also covers the aftermath of a storm that affected both fleets and the raiding campaign launched by Earl Godwin and his son Harold. Additionally, the podcast highlights various battles and conflicts taking place during this period and Godwin's armada leading the invasion of London. Lastly, it explores the spiritual pilgrimage and mysterious death of Swain Godwinson.

6 snips
Mar 19, 2021 • 23min
368 – Move or You Will Be Moved: Part 3
Explore the virtues and significance of the four guarantors of England's peace and the consequences of breaking the pact. Analyze a poem comparing Godwin and his children to Christian martyrs. Discover Godwin's strategic moves for social improvement and reconciliation. Delve into the recruitment efforts in Flanders and the importance of gaining local support. Uncover the symbolism and PR strategy behind England's re-issued coinage.

Mar 2, 2021 • 22min
367 – Move, or You Will Be Moved Part 2
Swegn Godwinson's exile and the Godwins' dependence on the king's mercy, tense negotiations between Godwin and King Edward, the beginning of the purge of the Godwins, Duke William of Normandy's visit to King Edward, and the potential plot between Duke William and Count Eustace II to ignite a civil war in England.