Podcast Episodes

The History Extra podcast – tell us what you think

We’re always looking to improve, so it’s really important to us to give you a voice in what we do next. Are you listening during a commute, while you potter around in the garden, or in a nice comfy c…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Is history too politicised?

Episode 1670

The relationship between politics and history has long been a fraught one – particularly in recent years, when concerns that a political agenda may be shaping our view of the past have been rife. Spe…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Six wives | 6. Katherine Parr

Episode 1669

Katherine Parr was not just the “survivor”. She was also a ground-breaking intellectual, passionate religious reformer and canny political player. In episode six of our new series on the dramatic mar…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Battling the British empire

Episode 1668

The history of the British empire has often been told as the story of an all-conquering spread of British values and influence across the globe. But, according to historian David Veevers’ new book Th…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

William the Conqueror’s invasion plans

Episode 1667

William the Conqueror famously defeated King Harold at the battle of Hastings in 1066. But in order to achieve this victory, he first had to get his army (and some 2000 horses) across the sea from No…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Did Black Death trigger the rise of Europe?

Episode 1666

The Black Death unquestionably wrought a horrific death toll in the mid-14th century, but did it also sweep in social and cultural changes that eventually led to the rise of Europe? Professor James B…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Chartism: everything you wanted to know

Episode 1665

The first half of the 19th century witnessed the rise of an extraordinary working-class campaign for political reform: Chartism. What made this movement so remarkable was its size and sophistication …

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Three young queens: the unexpected bonds between Renaissance royals

Episode 1664

Before being scattered across different kingdoms, Catherine de’ Medici, Elisabeth de Valois and Mary, Queen of Scots spent many years of their formative years at the French court. Speaking to Lauren …

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Six wives | 5. Catherine Howard

Episode 1663

Catherine Howard was a teenaged bride who captivated King Henry VIII, but was brought down by secrets from her past that refused to remain buried. In episode five of our new series on the dramatic ma…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago

Ramesses II: Egypt’s greatest pharaoh?

Episode 1662

Ramesses II is the only pharaoh in history to be known as ‘the great’, but does he deserve that title? Was he the pharaoh in the Exodus story? And was his mummy really given a passport when he travel…

Published on 2 years, 7 months ago