
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

Jul 8, 2024 • 19min
Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition
Explore medieval medicine and Trotula's approach to childbirth, highlighting the involvement of women practitioners in healthcare. Discuss the perception of childbirth as a life event, historical viewpoints on women's bodies, and the belief in womb suffocation with herbal remedies and magical spells.

Jul 2, 2024 • 35min
452 – Odo? Oh Yes.
Exploration of power struggles and political intrigues during the turbulent period of William I and William II. Focus on Uncle Odo's rise, Duke Robert's ambitious brother Henry, and the complex dynamics in both Normandy and England. Tensions escalate as alliances shift and the stage is set for war.

4 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 37min
451 – The Lucky Few
The podcast delves into the historical analysis of a character's passing in the Norman aristocracy, highlighting themes of wealth and greed. It discusses King William's tax policies and their impact on culture, power dynamics, and the concentration of wealth. The transition of wealth and power under King Rufus's rule is analyzed, along with his political strategies and family dynamics.

Jun 14, 2024 • 35min
450 – Begin With A Bang
Exploration of the chaos in Normandy after William's death, with family rivalries and power struggles. Details on the neglected state of William's body and the struggles for succession. The gruesome funeral of William the Conqueror and the coronation of King William Rufus II.

May 30, 2024 • 4min
449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys
Explore the power struggles and conflicts between Rufus and Robert II of Normandy after William's death in 449 - Chapter Ten: The Boys.

May 25, 2024 • 60min
448 – The Death of William the Conqueror
The story of William and the conquest has been a long road, and I’ve heard from some of you that this season has been challenging to listen to. I get it. No matter how awful William is he never seems to face any real consequences…
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May 9, 2024 • 9min
Medieval Medicine Sample
That’s right, just like big pharma, we’re giving out a free sample.
The post Medieval Medicine Sample first appeared on The British History Podcast.

May 3, 2024 • 30min
447 – The End of the Conquest
Exploring the aftermath of conquest in England, including unrest, revolts, and internal struggles. William's meticulous efforts in rewriting history through the Doomsday Book and consolidating power. Edgar's rebellion and quest for the English throne in a crisis-torn kingdom.

Apr 27, 2024 • 35min
446 – Death and Taxes
When we left off, things were looking pretty bad for William and William’s hope of a legacy. Maine was once again in rebellion against Normandy. But this time half of France seemed to be looking for an excuse to join them. Denmark was preparing an invasion of England … and even William’s brother-in-law, Count Robert […]
The post 446 – Death and Taxes first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Apr 19, 2024 • 30min
445 – Feeding Frenzy
Matilda's death leads to political chaos, Hubert rebels in Maine, financial strain on William's army, power struggles among key figures, and looming invasion by Knute IV of Denmark.