Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchMedieval relic hunters: the quest for Notre-Dame's crown of thorns
Episode 2164
The crown of thorns was one of the greatest medieval relics, supposedly pressed into the head of Jesus Christ by mocking Roman soldiers. Hunted down by an intrepid pair of Dominican friars, it was br…
Published on 1 year ago
Tudor England | 3. Culture and innovation
Episode 2163
Why were festivals and feasts such major events in the Tudor age? What toxic beauty products did Elizabeth I plaster her face with? And were the works of the celebrated playwright William Shakespeare…
Published on 1 year ago
Tempting treats & festive feats: christmas shopping down the ages
Episode 2162
As we get closer to Christmas, many people will be heading out to the shops to look for the perfect presents. And this mad dash in search of festive gifts is nothing new. In this episode, Annie Gray,…
Published on 1 year ago
Robert the Bruce: life of the week
Episode 2161
Robert the Bruce may be lauded as a Scottish national hero, a noble warrior who fended off the English and claimed a spectacular victory at the battle of Bannockburn. But how to true to life is this …
Published on 1 year ago
Germany's postwar reinvention
Episode 2160
In 1945, Germany lay in ruins – both physically and morally. Nearly 80 years after the Second World War, it has since been transformed into an economic powerhouse and a leader on the world stage. His…
Published on 1 year ago
Robot history: everything you wanted to know
Episode 2159
When did automatons first emerge? Which science-fiction depiction of robots is the most accurate? And why did so many people fall for a hoax machine called the "Mechanical Turk"? In conversation with…
Published on 1 year ago
Britain's wild republican decade
Episode 2158
For some, it's hard to imagine Britain without a king or queen. Yet, nearly 400 years ago, that prospect became a reality. In January 1649, after a bloody civil war, King Charles I was put on trial, …
Published on 1 year ago
Tudor England | 2. Daily life
Episode 2157
What was the most popular pastime of the Tudor age? Why was bathing even once a month considered dangerous? And how could living alongside your pets help save on your heating bill in the 16th century…
Published on 1 year ago
Kublai Khan: ruler of the waves
Episode 2156
Genghis Khan may have built a formidable land empire, but his grandson Kublai Khan mastered the seas. So how did a nomadic leader come to have such a formidable navy – and conquer China in the proces…
Published on 1 year ago
Princes in the Tower: could this new discovery solve the mystery?
Episode 2155
The disappearance of the princes in the Tower in 1483 is one of British history's most enduring mysteries. But a brand new discovery made by Professor Tim Thornton may offer some more clues about wha…
Published on 1 year ago