

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

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.

Oct 26, 2015 • 24min
Halloween Special: H.P. Lovecraft’s The Music of Erich Zann
In this podcast, the speaker shares their fascination with H.P. Lovecraft's 'The Music of Eric Zahn' and their quest to find the mysterious location where they first heard the haunting melody. They describe the eerie atmosphere of the rue d'orsé and their encounter with the elusive musician Eric Zahn. The strange behavior of the old musician and their journey into the mysterious music he plays are discussed. The narrator also recounts their terrifying experience in a dark hallway, desperately trying to gain entrance to Zahn's room.

Oct 17, 2015 • 19min
179 – The Battle of Carrum
The podcast discusses the growing threat of Viking invasions to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, the attack on West Saxe, the Battle of Wessex, and the significance of King Egbert returning the land of mauling to the church at Canterbury.

Oct 9, 2015 • 25min
178 – Dereliction of Duty
This podcast discusses King Egbert's conquests and rise to power, Viking raids on Britain and the struggle to defend against them, the consequences of the lack of coastal protection, the aftermath of Viking attacks on trading ports and monasteries, and King Wiggloff's efforts to assert Mercia's power.

Oct 2, 2015 • 29min
177 – The Road to 830
This podcast episode explores the impact of Viking raiders on Europe, including their sailing abilities and strategic strikes. It also delves into the political turmoil in Mercia, Northumbria, and Wessex, focusing on the rise of King Egbert and his transformation of power dynamics in Wessex.

4 snips
Sep 25, 2015 • 24min
176 – The Prophecy of Jeremiah
The podcast explores the Viking attacks as a fulfillment of a dark prophecy and the lasting impact on British culture. It discusses the misconceptions in British history regarding the Vikings and their biblical references. The chapter also debunks the myth of burning religious houses with people inside. It explores the depiction of violence in Scandinavian warriors and the impact of Viking raids on British and Irish society, including urbanization and shift in political power.