The British History Podcast podcast

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.

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.

 

#488

463 – Finding Out

After Robert kicked Henry out of Rouen, the Duke tried to restabilize his position in Normandy. And his first move was to make an alliance with Robert of Belleme.  The post [463 – Finding Out] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/463-finding-out/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

28 Nov 2024

42 MINS

42:54

28 Nov 2024


#487

462 – Defenestration Nation

You’ve probably heard the phrase “it takes money to make money,” and while usually the person telling you that is just trying to sell you something you don’t need….there is some truth to it. At least in the way our economy works. It’s also true of how feudal economies worked. The post [462 – Defenestration Nation] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/462-defenestration-nation/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

19 Nov 2024

36 MINS

36:24

19 Nov 2024


#486

461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide

We’ve been spending a lot of time with Rufus and Robert. And that was the way things were back in the 11th century, too.  Rufus and Robert got the attention, while Henry… the youngest, and apparently most forgettable brother… was often left out.  And this reality was made most clear when their father died… and, […] The post [461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/461-destabilizing-a-nation-a-how-to-guide/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

03 Nov 2024

38 MINS

38:09

03 Nov 2024


#485

460 – The White Tower

It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The White Tower, or more recently, the Tower of London. If you’ve visited London you likely took time to go see it. The post [460 – The White Tower] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/460-the-white-tower/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

24 Oct 2024

32 MINS

32:45

24 Oct 2024


#484

459 – Lashing Out

With Count Henry and Robert of Belleme imprisoned under his tender care, Bishop Odo had free rein to guide the impressionable Duke Robert in whatever direction he wanted.  And he had a direction in mind. The post [459 – Lashing Out] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/459-lashing-out/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

11 Oct 2024

27 MINS

27:17

11 Oct 2024


#483

458 – Henry’s Story

The last two episodes have been focused on how King William Rufus handled the aftermath of the rebellion, and the political moves being made.  But Rufus didn’t exist in a vacuum… and across the Channel, his brothers were also making moves. The post [458 – Henry’s Story] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/458-henrys-story/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

27 Sep 2024

31 MINS

31:38

27 Sep 2024


#482

457 – The Bachelor King

William the Conqueror had not set his sons up for success, and at the heart of it was land. Obviously, the way he distributed those lands in his Will had been a bit of a disaster, as it had set his two eldest sons up for war.   The post [457 – The Bachelor King] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/457-the-bachelor-king/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

17 Sep 2024

54 MINS

54:25

17 Sep 2024


#481

Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil

I’ve gotta be honest, some of these spells seem a bit rude. The post [Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/medieval-magic-sample-shout-at-the-devil/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

01 Sep 2024

09 MINS

09:27

01 Sep 2024


#480

456 – Law and Order: Durham

William Rufus’ first year as King had probably not gone down as he hoped. And as Bishop Odo and his co-conspirators boarded their ships and sought sanctuary in Normandy…Rufus could only return to court and count the rest of his problems.. The post [456 – Law and Order: Durham] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/456-law-and-order-durham/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

23 Aug 2024

42 MINS

42:09

23 Aug 2024


#479

Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin

Got a jealousy problem and a spare leek? Boy, do we ever have a cure for you. The post [Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/medieval-magic-sample-we-read-the-latin/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

22 Aug 2024

12 MINS

12:39

22 Aug 2024


#478

455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies

Word of Rufus’ army, and the destruction of the rebel forces at Tunbridge, had no doubt reached Pevensey and its commander, Robert of Mortain… and I think it’s highly likely that the messengers also reported that the King’s army had turned north, towards Rochester. Bishop Odo’s stronghold. The post [455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/455-odos-rebellion-lord-of-the-flies/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

14 Aug 2024

39 MINS

39:37

14 Aug 2024


#477

454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever

It was Easter of 1088.  This was, typically, a  time when the most powerful figures of England would gather at Court.  But this wasn’t a typical  year. The post [454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/454-odos-rebellion-worst-easter-ever/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

02 Aug 2024

33 MINS

33:41

02 Aug 2024


#476

453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War

Primogeniture, the practice of handing all wealth and power from father to the eldest son, had done a lot to consolidate power along single family lines. But it created all manner of problems for …well, pretty much everyone else. The post [453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/453-odos-rebellion-the-cold-war/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

26 Jul 2024

31 MINS

31:40

26 Jul 2024


#475

Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition

We’re joining the Sisterhood of the Travelling Uterus for this one. The post [Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/medieval-medicine-sample-trotula-edition/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

08 Jul 2024

18 MINS

18:52

08 Jul 2024


#474

452 – Odo? Oh Yes.

Somewhere around the time  William the First was bursting out of his tomb like roasted chestnut and  William the Second was making it rain with his dead dad’s money….something was turning in western culture as a whole. The post [452 – Odo? Oh Yes.] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/452-odo-oh-yes/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

02 Jul 2024

35 MINS

35:16

02 Jul 2024


#473

451 – The Lucky Few

You know, I almost titled the last episode  “The Gang Goes To A Funeral” but the trouble was that the gang /didn’t/ go to the funeral. All of them decided they had somewhere else to be.  The post [451 – The Lucky Few] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/451-the-lucky-few/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

25 Jun 2024

36 MINS

36:49

25 Jun 2024


#472

450 – Begin With A Bang

It was early September of 1087, and for weeks…nearly two months, in fact… people had been discussing William’s impending death, and worrying about what would happen next.  And for good reason. This family, which ruled over Normandy, had a history of infighting and civil wars, especially during times of succession. The post [450 – Begin With A Bang] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/450-begin-with-a-bang/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

14 Jun 2024

35 MINS

35:11

14 Jun 2024


#471

449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys

Strap yourselves in. These kids are something else. The post [449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/449-chapter-ten-the-boys/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

30 May 2024

03 MINS

03:40

30 May 2024


#470

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… The post [448 – The Death of William the Conqueror] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/448-the-death-of-william-the-conqueror/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

25 May 2024

59 MINS

59:32

25 May 2024


#469

447 – The End of the Conquest

If the last few episodes have seemed a little confusing, then you’re hearing them right. Europe at the end of the 11th century was a rapidly changing world and it is all going to have a profound impact on the history of Britain. I want you to really have a good understanding of what is […] The post [447 – The End of the Conquest] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/447-the-end-of-the-conquest/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

03 May 2024

29 MINS

29:52

03 May 2024


#468

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] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/446-death-and-taxes/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

27 Apr 2024

35 MINS

35:16

27 Apr 2024


#467

445 – Feeding Frenzy

Matilda was dead and now things were coming apart at the seams. The post [445 – Feeding Frenzy] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/445-feeding-frenzy/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

19 Apr 2024

29 MINS

29:56

19 Apr 2024


#466

444 – Holy Beef

Based on the e-mails I have been getting, some of you are having a hard time understanding why on god’s green earth did Odo think he could just trot down to Rome and become the new Pope.  The truth is he was less crazy than we might think, and I’m going to take a moment […] The post [444 – Holy Beef] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/444-holy-beef/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

05 Apr 2024

40 MINS

40:02

05 Apr 2024


#465

443 – We’re Bigger Than Jesus

In this episode we delve into the tumultuous reign of King Gruffydd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and the political intricacies of William’s relationship with Matilda and his ambitious half-brother, Bishop Odo. It is an intricate web of power struggles, betrayals, and shifting dynamics between church and state that will only grow more complex and dangerous. […] The post [443 – We’re Bigger Than Jesus] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/443-were-bigger-than-jesus/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

26 Mar 2024

36 MINS

36:54

26 Mar 2024


#464

442 – Mynydd Carn

Norman interventionism into their neighbors was only just beginning… and the events at Mynydd Carn gave them just the excuse they needed. The post [442 – Mynydd Carn] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/442-mynydd-carn/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

15 Mar 2024

34 MINS

34:03

15 Mar 2024


#463

441 – God Bothering

Tensions rise as rebellion and violence sweep through Northumbria. As news of the uprising reaches the south, King William, though initially absent, takes action and sends his half-brother, Bishop Odo, to deal with it. Odo’s reputation for cruelty was well earned and the people of Durham suffer greatly at his hands. In the midst of […] The post [441 – God Bothering] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/441-god-bothering/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

27 Feb 2024

25 MINS

25:25

27 Feb 2024


#462

440 – This is Fine

King Malcolm and the Scots have been raiding the northern reaches of England, leaving the Northumbrians to deal with the aftermath. Meanwhile, William is not speaking to his son Robert and is spreading rumors about him to anyone who will listen. Robert’s enemies are enjoying the show, but not everyone is amused. The powerful members […] The post [440 – This is Fine] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/440-this-is-fine/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

11 Feb 2024

29 MINS

29:33

11 Feb 2024


#461

439 – Juggling Responsibilities

William, the Duke of Normandy and King of England, has been humiliated by his son Robert. Despite years of mocking and disrespect from William, Robert has defeated him in battle and spared his life. This has weakened William physically and reputationally. Meanwhile, Robert travels through Europe, attending tournaments and gaining support from powerful nobles who […] The post [439 – Juggling Responsibilities] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/439-juggling-responsibilities/) first appeared on [The British History Podcast] (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com) . ... Read more

03 Feb 2024

35 MINS

35:10

03 Feb 2024