

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

Nov 16, 2018 • 37min
298 – Uptown Ceorl
This podcast discusses the societal transformation and changing relationship between farmers and nobles in Anglo-Saxon society. It explores the challenges faced by farmers in expanding their fields and the reorganization of land and labor. The podcast also explores how villages in medieval England cooperated in farming for efficiency.

4 snips
Nov 10, 2018 • 26min
297 – The Hundreds and the Wapentakes
Explore the impact of a royal murder on the lives of nobility and the general population. Learn about the challenges of communication and administration in King Alfred's time. Discover the transformation of Wessex through the establishment of burrs. Discuss the changes in governance and legal matters during Edward's reign. Dive into the expansion of England's territory and the shift in governance under Alfred's grandsons.

Oct 26, 2018 • 25min
The Halloween Special
Explore the pagan origins and debunk the misconception that Halloween is an American holiday. Learn about the historical development influenced by Northern Ireland and Southwest Scotland. Discover the traditions and significance of the harvest season in British culture. Dive into ancient divination practices and traditions associated with Halloween.

Oct 19, 2018 • 34min
296 – Darkening Skies
Power struggles between King Louis IV and Hugh the Great in France, broken agreements, the twist of Richard's fate, King Louis' actions and the revolt in Rouen, political turmoil and feast preparations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Germany, and the three main suspects in the assassination of King Edmund

Oct 11, 2018 • 25min
295 – The Return of England
Explore the power and shifting loyalties of medieval bishops in England. Learn about the motivations behind Archbishop Wolfstan's peace treaty and baptismal ceremony. Discover the aftermath of a civil war and King Edmund's conquest of Strathclide. Lastly, find out how King Edmund reunited England through alliances and territorial offerings.

Oct 5, 2018 • 26min
294 – It All Comes Crashing Down
The podcast explores the power struggles and chaos that occur when societies lack a central leader. It discusses the challenges faced by King Olaf in establishing control and forming alliances, as well as the power shifts in Wales and the succession crisis in Scotland. It also delves into the power struggles within the Kingdom of Yorvik.

Sep 23, 2018 • 25min
293 – The Beacons are Lit
This podcast explores the aftermath of AEthelstan's death, Olaf's return as King of Jorvik, and challenges faced by King Edmund. It delves into the strategic use of beacons in ancient Anglo-Saxon society and the dilemma faced by English lords when dealing with Viking invader Olaf.

Sep 10, 2018 • 21min
292 – King in the North
Discover the life and reign of AEthelstan, a legendary king who reshaped the English kingdom and built an Imperium over the island. Explore the rise of AEthelstan, his wide-ranging reforms, economic development, and ushering in an era of peace. Learn about the formation of the Dainlaw, the agreement between Anglo-Saxons and the Scandinavians, and the resultant creation of the unique Anglo-Danish identity. Delve into Olaf's campaign and raid on Kildare, where he seized over a thousand slaves to finance his true goal.

Aug 30, 2018 • 27min
291 – Pandemonium
This podcast discusses the rise of AEthelstan to the throne of Wessex, his achievements as a ruler, the power struggles among nobles, the death of Athlstan and the changing political landscape, and a bloody battle and flight between Olaf and the Mercians.

4 snips
Aug 23, 2018 • 29min
290 – This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land
Intense battle at Brunanburh with high casualties, fleeing armies pursued by West Saxons. Consequences of battle, heavy casualties, heartbreaking news for Athelstan. Power struggle and alliances after Adehild's death. Introduction of book land changes land ownership relationship. Dispute over lands, legal battles, King Alfred intervenes. Legal challenges faced by Athlstan, storytelling and legal tactics in property law.