

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 16, 2016 • 27min
189 – What on earth is an English
This podcast discusses the emergence and significance of the English people in Eastern Britain during the ninth century. It explores the challenges in understanding English unity and identity, as well as the formation of a new community through trust and trade. Additionally, it delves into 'othering' in the Viking Age and the role of English identity as a unifying force.

Jan 8, 2016 • 28min
188 – Rebellion and Succession in the Kingdom of Wessex
This podcast explores topics such as Viking armies marching near the Wrekin, a rebellion in Wessex after King Aethelwulf's marriage to Queen Judith, the rise of Rodry Maurer as king of the Britons, a succession crisis in Wessex, limited rights for Princesses and European women, and the difficult journey of Judith after her scandalous marriage.

Jan 2, 2016 • 27min
187 – The Queen of Wessex: aka The Worst Midlife Crisis Ever
Exploring the Viking invasion routes and their impact on settlements, high mortality rate of Anglo-Saxon kings due to Viking attacks, King Aethalwolf's trip to Rome and the decimation of his lands, political dynamics within the Wessex dynasty and the consequences of Princess Judith's marriage.

Dec 19, 2015 • 20min
186 – Wessex: A story of Myth building, Opportunism, and Annexation
This podcast explores the rise of the powerful House of Wessex, their expansion into Mercia, and their consolidation of power in the south. It delves into the mysterious succession and disappearance of the Mercian king and his family, raising questions about the new king and a possible coup. The episode also highlights the manipulation of events by Wessex to gain more control and power. Additionally, it discusses the lack of information about Welsh history and the tragic losses suffered by Wales. Furthermore, it examines the doubts surrounding Alfred's consecration as king and the historical discrepancies in the records.

Dec 11, 2015 • 33min
185 – Building the House of Wessex
This podcast explores the rise of Wessex under King Egbert and King Aethal Wolf, their shift towards centralized leadership, and their relationship with the church. It also discusses the impact of extreme wealth disparity in Western Europe, power struggles among dynasties, and the House of Wessex's strategic management of relationships with the church and nobility. Additionally, it delves into battles with Viking invaders, the challenges faced by Anglo-Saxons, and the experiences of civilians during the Viking invasion.

Dec 3, 2015 • 27min
184 – The Chaos of Bad Governance
This podcast episode explores the chaos caused by bad governance during Viking raids. It discusses the hiring of Viking mercenaries by the Frankish nobility, British resistance to the Danes, consequences of multiple childbirths, unexpected births leading to political shakeups, and dynastic politicking in Mercia.

Nov 22, 2015 • 36min
183 – Ragnar’s Siege of Paris
This podcast explores the motivations behind the 845 Siege of Paris, the conflicts between the Vikings and the Franks, the looting of the Abbey of Saint Germain, the resistance offered by King Charles, and the consequences of Ragnar's siege including the negotiation of a danggeld and the mysterious deaths of Ragnar's men.

Nov 15, 2015 • 29min
182 – Ragnar Lodbrok
Ragnar Lodbrok, leader of a fleet of 120 ships, is discussed in this podcast. Topics include the challenges in deciphering the true events of Ragnar's life, his marriages, alliances, and the divorce of warrior Thora. The podcast also explores Ragnar's journey, his romantic endeavors, and conflicting accounts in the sagas.

Nov 7, 2015 • 33min
181 – Vikingrs Gotta Viking
Vikingrs establish bases in Ireland and choose to stay for the winter. The Picts seek help from Northumbria amidst devastating Viking attacks. Kenneth MacAlpin rises to power after Viking assaults on the Pictish royal line. Scandinavian raids weaken Northumbria and establish intermittent Viking rule. Viking raids shift focus to wealthy trading sites. Lack of coordinated response leads to expansion of Viking attacks and the rise of Ragnar Lothrock.

Oct 30, 2015 • 30min
180 – The Cracks in the Shieldwall
The podcast explores the aftermath of the West Saxons' defeat by the Vikings and their shift towards dynastic politics and supporting the Church. It also discusses the tactics and decisions made by the Vikings during their invasion of Cornwall, the battle between King Egbert and a combined army of Vikings and Cornishmen, Viking attacks and civil wars in Britain, the uncertainty in the Mercian line of succession, and the economic forces that led to kings bribing their supporters and the church with gifts.