

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

Jan 13, 2018 • 32min
265 – The Battle of Tettenhall; and Zombies, maybe.
Explore military changes after Alfred's death, significance of Kingdom of Lindsey, refuting pop history book theory, leadership dynamics and gender bias, challenging invasion for five weeks, consequences of a successful raid

Jan 5, 2018 • 39min
264 – The Lost Rebellion
The podcast explores an odd entry in the Chronicle about the relocation of St. Oswald's body, speculating on omitted information. It delves into the political implications and Anglo-Saxon wars with the Danes. The power struggle between Mercia and Gwyneth in Wales and their alliance against Wessex is discussed. Dynamics within the Mercian court, including ambitions for independence and political maneuvering, are analyzed. The mystery surrounding teenage Athlstan's role and King Edward's decision to send him to Mercia are explored, hinting at an upcoming campaign in Lindsay.

Dec 6, 2017 • 25min
263 – AEthelflaed and Ingimund
AEthelflaed, Queen of the Saxons, leads the defense against Scandinavian invaders. The intense battle for Chester results in the city's defenses being breached. Athelflaed and Athlered form an alliance with the Irish against the Danes. The battle includes ambush, betrayal, and siege warfare. The final battle involves inventive tactics and a decisive victory for Mercia.

Dec 1, 2017 • 27min
262 – AEthelred and AEthelflaed
This podcast discusses a mysterious meeting in 901 attended by important political figures in Wessex. It analyzes the political split within the Anglo-Saxon family and the absence of Athelstan and Athelflaed. The podcast explores a seven-year period of darkness in Edward the Elder's reign and the significant events in 902. It also delves into the disappearance and death of Athawread, a former king of the Saxons. Additionally, it discusses the dangerous proximity to the Danes and the negotiation between Athelflaed and the Northmen.

Nov 25, 2017 • 24min
261 – The Anglo Saxon Chronicle and the Mercian Register
This podcast discusses the scandals of Edward, son of Alfred the Great, and the political challenges he faced. It explores the relationship between the Danes and West Saxons, the significance of Edward's reign, and the creation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The nature of the surviving manuscripts, challenges in studying this period, and limited representation of women in historical records are also explored. King Edward's political maneuvers and conflicting narratives in comparison to the Mercian Register are discussed.

Nov 17, 2017 • 24min
260 – King Edward’s Forgotten Love Life
A glimpse into King Edward's tumultuous life, including his conflicts with the Danes and the construction of his mother's abbey. The uncertainty surrounding the identity of King Edward's first partner, Eggwin, and the rumors surrounding her. The theories and possibilities surrounding the relationship and succession plans between King Alfred, his son Edward, and his grandson Athlstan. The debate over Edwin's status and the influence of the whisper campaign. King Edward's complex love life, including the rumors surrounding mystery woman Edwin and the tragic experiences faced by Athelstan.

Nov 4, 2017 • 30min
259 – The Last Stand of the House of AEthelred
Athelwold son of AEthelred takes audacious actions by taking possession of two towns and fortifying himself inside the royal estate. He escapes with his companions, leaving Edward realizing he missed his chance to end the rebellion. A brutal battle unfolds, resulting in the deaths of key warriors. The high cost of victory is discussed, including the raiding of Mercia and Northern Wessex. Edward also faces personal losses and constructs a new minster in Winchester.

Oct 30, 2017 • 27min
258 – The Rise of King Edward I of Wessex
On October 26th, 899, Alfred the Great died. He left behind his wife, Eahlswitha, as well as his grown children. I imagine that the loss of Alfred was probably quite difficult on all of them. It’s always hard to lose a family member. But for Edward… the designated heir… what must that have been like? […]
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Oct 22, 2017 • 37min
257 – Political Accommodation Within The Danelaw
The podcast explores the blending of Scottish and Pictish cultures in Scotland, as well as political accommodation between the British people and the Danes in the early 10th century. It discusses the presence of Christian elements within the Danelaw, the cooperation between Lindisfarne monks and the Danes, and the introduction of Scandinavian silver coinage in Northumbria. It also explores the political and economic changes in Britain during the Viking Age.

Oct 12, 2017 • 28min
256 – Scandinavian Settlement in England
Explore how cultural attitudes towards land in southern Britain impacted the Scandinavian settlement in England. Learn about the division of land, rise of book land, and the influence on culture and land ownership. Discover the abundance of B names in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and the impact of Scandinavian settlement on place names. Dive into the linguistic shift between Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian languages and the impact on land acquisition. Uncover the influence of Scandinavian settlement on linguistic changes, inscriptions, and accents in England.