

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

May 25, 2018 • 26min
280 – King AEthelstan’s Love Life
Unraveling King AEthelstan's love life and the theories surrounding his lack of an heir. Examining the evidence of his relationships, including the mention of a possible wife named Maude. Exploring speculation about his sexuality and the challenges he faced in Wessex. Discussing his role as a guardian and father figure to the next generation of monarchs.

May 17, 2018 • 43min
279 – Dynastic Cults
Explore the absence of Edward's death in the Irish annals and the concept of dynastic cults in ancient Britain. Discover the power dynamics and shifting relationships between Old Minster and Sherborne in Wessex. Delve into the establishment of double monasteries and the cultivation of a patron saint for Wessex.

May 10, 2018 • 23min
278 – The Thunderbolt
In this podcast, they discuss the challenge of presenting new historical information and the cognitive bias towards well-known figures. They celebrate King Athelstan, a beloved but overshadowed figure in 12th century England. They explore his piety and contrasting predecessors, and highlight his generosity and ruthlessness, describing him as a thunderbolt.

Apr 26, 2018 • 23min
277 – King AEthelstan: Say Yes to the Dress
Learn about the challenges faced by King AEthelstan in Anglo-Saxon England and how he strategically used marriage to enhance his political power. Explore the marriages of his siblings and half-siblings for securing alliances. Discover the significance of the meeting between AEthelstan and King Citric in reshaping British diplomatic relations.

Apr 20, 2018 • 32min
276 – The Bastard Rebel King
This podcast discusses the complex rule of King Edward and his achievements in expanding Anglo-Saxon land. It explores the accounts written by William and their significance in preserving historical knowledge. The contrasting approaches of King Alfred and Edward in securing heirs are analyzed. The relationships between other kings and Edward, as well as the Welsh rebellion against him, are examined. The podcast also delves into the succession crisis in Wessex and the rise of Athlstan as king.

Apr 13, 2018 • 36min
275 – King Edward the Almost First King of England
This podcast explores the odd and potentially horrible events in the life of King Edward, while also highlighting his effective rule and expansion of Wessex. It delves into the conflicts in Northumbria, the collapse of the kingdom, and Ragnald's rise to power. The chapter on the two battles of Corbridge discusses the confusion and debate surrounding their existence. Overall, it provides an intriguing look at the complex power dynamics of medieval England.

Apr 5, 2018 • 27min
274 – The Missing Shire
This podcast explores King Edward's challenges after annexing new territories, the establishment of shires in medieval England, the mysterious economic growth in Chester, and Edward's construction projects in Northwestern Mercia. It delves into the administrative responsibilities, integration, and resistance faced by Edward, highlighting controversies surrounding his rule.

Mar 29, 2018 • 24min
273 – I Do… Do I?
This podcast explores the complexities of royal marriages in early medieval England, focusing on the marriages of West Saxon rulers in the 10th century. It discusses the political implications of these marriages and the challenges associated with breaking marital ties. The podcast also delves into King Edward of Wessex's controversial decision to divorce his current wife and remarry, as well as the political motivations behind his new marriage. Additionally, it highlights the significance of Kent in the power dynamics of the era and the potential consequences of losing control over it.

Mar 15, 2018 • 29min
272 – The End of the Age of AEthelflaed
Explore the powerful rule of AEthelflaed, Queen of the Anglo-Saxons, and her impact on the city of Chester. Learn about her victories against the Danes, contributions to development, and enduring legacy. Discover the absence of information about AEthelflaed's activities after the Siege of Darby in 917, highlighting her acquisitions and the biased nature of historical records. Explore the complex political dynamics of Wessex and the birth of England. Uncover the reasons behind the uprising in northwest Mercia and the death of AEthelflaed.

Mar 11, 2018 • 58min
271 – How to Break a Kingdom in Six Months
Anglo-Saxons take the fight to Danish-controlled lands, power struggles in Britain, surprising resistance in the Siege of Bedford, the story of Cheddar Man and DNA analysis, facial reconstruction of Teter Man and reactions, exploring the complex nature of racism, cultural representation in Black Panther