

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

Jun 4, 2014 • 27min
127 – The Synod of Whitby
Hild, King Oswiu of Bernicia, Bishop Colman of Lindisfarne, Wilfred the abbot of Ripon, and Bishop Cedd argue over Easter in the Synod of Whitby. The podcast explores the growth of Celtic Christianity and the conflict between the Celtic and Roman churches. The debate at the Synod focuses on the date of Easter and religious authority in England.

May 27, 2014 • 33min
126 – The End of an Era: The Triumph of Christianity in Britain
In this podcast, they discuss the last gasps of Paganism in Britain and the rise of Christianity. They explore the political struggles and conflicts between King Osweo and King Wolf Hera, the spread of Christianity in Britain, the alleged story of the high-five and a solar eclipse in the 7th century, the succession dilemma and murder in Kent, and the expansion of Christianity and land transfer.

May 15, 2014 • 24min
125 – King Oswiu: A Gathering Storm
This podcast explores the power gained by King Osweo after his victory at the Winwaed, his ruthless takeover of Mercia, the dangerous game played by Mercian nobles, the rebellion led by Ozzuio and the murder of Bonus Sigabert, spreading Christianity in Essex.

8 snips
May 9, 2014 • 60min
124 – Social Mobility: Getting a Raise in Anglo Saxon Kingdoms
This podcast explores the development of social classes in Anglo-Saxon Britain and challenges misconceptions about division of labor, gender roles, and social mobility. It discusses the benefits of power concentration and delves into the changing roles and status of women in Anglo-Saxon society. The podcast also examines the social dynamics and power structures in Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, highlighting the concentration of wealth and power among ruling dynasties.

5 snips
Apr 30, 2014 • 32min
123 – Retail Therapy: The Rise of Anglo Saxon Towns
Explore the rise and fall of Anglo-Saxon towns in post-Roman Britain, including the impact on infrastructure and support networks, the transformation of Roman public towns into ruins, and the development of trading towns. Delve into the consequences on lower and upper classes, the localization of life, and the decline of public towns. Discover the growth, organization, and impact of trading towns on society, highlighting the exchange of goods, technology, and ideas, as well as the concentration of wealth and power.

Apr 21, 2014 • 27min
122 – The Concentration of Power and Wealth
Learn about the contrasting societies of Britons and Anglo-Saxons and the challenges they faced, the emergence of Anglo-Saxon kings and the meaning of 'King', the passing of leadership and the rise of dynasties, and the concentration of power in Anglo-Saxon society.

Apr 9, 2014 • 22min
121 – King Oswiu: The Aftermath of the Winwaed
Explore the aftermath of the Battle of the Winwaed, including the rise of Christianity in Mercia, territorial expansion in Northumbria, and the concentration of power under King Oswiu. Discover the influence of Mercy and Whitby, and the discontent caused by a foreign ruler in Mercia. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes on powerful figures and towns in Anglo-Saxon society.

Apr 1, 2014 • 29min
120 – Penda and Oswiu: The Winwaed
The podcast explores the appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury and the growing influence of Christianity. It also discusses the waning power of the Archbishopric and the rise of Irish Christianity. Additionally, it highlights the political tensions and potential dynastic conflict in the Kingdom of Kent. The characteristics and actions of Anglo-Saxon kings, Osweu and Penda, are explored, along with the interpretations of Penda's march and the battle tactics.

Mar 25, 2014 • 23min
119 – King Penda: No Posers
Explore the unconventional warrior King Penda and his battles against Northern hegemonies. Discover King Penda's priorities and the Battle of Bradford on Avon. Learn about marriage alliances and religious conversion, including the genuine conversion of King Peda and the Middle Angles to Christianity.

Mar 18, 2014 • 23min
118 – Oswiu and Oswine: There’s No Anglo Saxon Word for Take Backsies
Explore the events of Cenwalh's exile and his time in East Anglia. Learn about King Chen Wall's conversion to Christianity and the implications for his warrior-focused culture. Discover the strategic marriages and church support in King Anna's kingdom. Witness King Anna's defeat by King Penda and his subsequent exile. Dive into the conflict between King Oswiu and King Oswine over the dynastic claims on Northumbria.