British History Podcast

I was so happy to be joined by author Annie Garthwaite to discuss her latest novel 'The King's Mother,' which explores the Wars of the Roses through the lens of four powerful women. We delved into the maternal instincts that drove these women to do anything for their sons, the pivotal importance of female relationships in history, and Annie's journey to becoming a historical fiction writer. I also...

In this engaging conversation, historian Dr. Lauren Mackay discusses the life and legacy of Thomas Boleyn, father of Anne Boleyn. Lauren, who completed her PhD on Thomas Boleyn, in 2018, challenges the negative perceptions surrounding Thomas Boleyn, highlighting his significant role in Tudor diplomacy and the importance he put on his daughter's education. The discussion delves into the complexitie...

I sat down with historian and author Gareth Russell at Harvington History Festival to talk about an aspect of his new biography of James I of England/VI of Scotland, "Queen James" which is less discussed, and that is James's views on Witchcraft! I asked Gareth about James's transformation from a skeptic to a fervent believer in witchcraft and back again! The conversation touched on the significanc...

Diarmuid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford, historian, author and presenter, joined me at the Harvington History Festival where we talked about the complexities of Christian theology regarding sex, marriage, and women's roles throughout history. He talked about the evolution of beliefs from the early church to the Protestant Reformation, emphas...

In conversation with Philippa Lacey, Dr Elizabeth Norton and Professor Stephen Alford discuss the ineptitude of the Gunpowder plotters, the societal perceptions of the event, and the potential alternate histories had the plot succeeded. They emphasise the lack of a coherent plan for governance post-explosion and the subsequent ramifications for Catholics in England. Chapters 00:00 Understanding th...

Phil’s 48 hours in a Priest Hide Harvington Hall Manager, Phil Downing, is spending 48 hours in a priest hide, to raise money toward the upkeep of the Hall.  . The Priest Hide Phil will be spending 2 whole days in, is one of, if not, the most famous in the country - the swinging beam hide in Dr Dodds Library. It is thought to have been built by master carpenter Nicolas Owen (who died under to...

My conversation with Prof Nadine Akkerman and Dr Pete Lagman explores the fascinating world of espionage during the early modern period, focusing on the often-overlooked contributions of women spies and the evolution of spycraft techniques. The speakers discuss the historical context of espionage, the necessity for such practices, and the innovative methods employed by spies, including the use of...

Oldest pub? Secret passageways? Spiral staircases oriented for sword fighting? SPOILER, they're not! Dr James Wright, author of 'Historic Building Mythbusting Uncovering Folklore, History and Archaeology' joined me before his talk at Harvington History Festival, to discuss common myths and folklore associated with old buildings, why they developed and what they tell us about the people who told th...

Usurpation or action against a tyrant? Eminent historian Helen Castor joins me to discuss Richard II and the cousin who usurped him, Henry Bolingbroke, at Harvington History Festival 2025. Buy Helen's book 'The Eagle and The Hart. The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV' or any of her other excellent books, and get them shipped worldwide for free, from Blackwells. https://www.blackwells.co.uk?a_aid...

Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel. Pop this on to keep you company for nearly 3 hours with Niall Devitt, in conversation with Philippa Lacey, as he talks about the London Underground, a product of Victorian engineering, has a rich history. Early experiences were marked by both fear and fascination, driven by the technological innovations that shaped its development. Despite...

I'm joined by historians Andrea Zuvich, Erica Canela, and Mark Turnbull to talk about the upcoming Stuart History Festival, their motivations for organising the festival, the diverse topics and speakers involved, and the significance of the 17th century in history. We also talked about the venue in Worcester notable for its historical relevance, and the practical details about the festival are sha...

Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel. In this episode I sat down with Emma Miller of Grimsthorpe Castle to talk about its history, the famous people who have lived and visited here and a very curious window/door which, legend has it, was made for Henry VIII's visit in 1541. I will be here in September 2025, alongside Gareth Russell for 'The Catherine Howard Tour,' run by Britis...

This interview with Dr Owen Emmerson, Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, about the 'Two Anne's of Hever', Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves was recorded in 2021 but has been available to members only, up until now. Dr Emmerson is a historian, author and broadcaster and can be found on his Instagram page @DrOwenEmmerson This is also available, along with almost 50 other historian interviews, at Youtub...

Luke Pepera, historian, anthropologist, broadcaster and author of the brilliant new book ‘Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 years of African Culture and Identity' joined me at the Gloucester History Festival Spring Weekend for a fascinating chat! You can find the video version on Youtube.com/BritishHistory I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is p...

Edward II was murdered at Berkeley Castle in 1327 and buried in Gloucester Abbey (now Cathedral), and the only area of debate so far has been how he was murdered; smothered or red hot poker? Ian Mortimer has gathered compelling evidence that Edward wasn't actually murdered at all! Welcome to this interview with historian and author Ian Mortimer in which Ian does not only challenge that Edward II w...

19 years of Civil War, known as the Anarchy, was between first cousins King Stephen and Empress Matilda, but Sharon Bennett Connolly persuasively argues that it could be more accurately be thought of as a conflict between Queen Matilda, Stephen's wife and the Empress Matilda. I caught up with Sharon for her second interview with me, and oour first in person, at the Gloucester History Festival Spri...

Hi and welcome my interview with historian and author Max Adams about his new book ‘The ‘Mercian Chronicles’ (In the USA, ‘The Birth of the Anglo Saxons’) out now in hardback. Buy Max's book, shipped worldwide from Blackwells (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you). This is 1 of 5 interviews I recorded at the Gloucester Histo...

Hi and welcome my interview with historian and author Hallie Rubenhold about her new book 'Story of a Murder. The Wives, The Mistress and Dr Crippen' out now in hardback, and her approach to the ethics of true crime history. Buy Hallie's book, shipped worldwide from Blackwells (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you). This is...

Gloucester Cathedral, St Peter’s Abbey before the dissolution in 1540, was founded in 1541. The ‘Deed of Endowment’, one of three documents created for the occasion features in this video complete with flattering portrait of King Henry VIII, a Garter Badge, badge of the Prince of Wales and the original green and white (the Tudor colours) silk cord which once held the great seal. The oldest items i...

Hello fellow history lover! Instead of my live this week I am publishing a brand new ‘on-location’ interview. This, the first one in this ongoing series, was recorded inside the Library of Gloucester Cathedral, where the Cathedral’s 6000 precious documents and books are stored, overseen and looked after by Cathedral Archivist Rebecca Phillips. The full video is out later today here, and on Youtube...

In this, the final of 3 episodes, recorded live, we are discussing the factors going on in Rome which effected Henry VIII's ultimately failed attempt to secure a divorce from his first wife Katherine of Aragon. Last time we covered the sack of Rome in 1527 and, in episode 1, the build up to it. We learned how the breakdown in relations between Francois I of France, Charles V Holy Roman Emperor, Ch...

There is a fascinating and intriguing exhibition on in 2025 at Chichester Cathedral. Reverend Vanessa Baron Cathedral Treasurer, who curated the exhibition, joined me today to talk about the human stories behind some of artefacts chosen for the exhibition. You can find out more about the exhibition and the Cathedral by visiting https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/ Thank you for watching this vi...

In this, the second of 3 episodes, recorded live, discussing the factors going on in Rome which effected Henry VIII's ultimately failed attempt to secure a divorce from his first wife Katherine of Aragon, we look at the Sack of Rome itself. WARNING - this episode will include descriptions of act of violence, all which occurred in 1527, almost 500 year ago but still upsetting. In the previous episo...

In this first of a series of 3 episodes, recorded live, discussing the factors going on in Rome which effected Henry VIII's ultimately failed attempt to secure a divorce from his first wife Katherine of Aragon, we focus on the events which led up to Imperial troops at the walls of Rome, bent on violence. As well as out main topic for today we also have the 3-minute explainer - why is Richard III s...

In this episode of British History Live, Main Topic of the episode: The life, death and martyrdom of Bishop Hooper. 3 minute explainer: Did they or didn’t they? Arthur Tudor and Katherine of Aragon, did they consummate their marriage? Plus, my visit the Chichester Cathedral 950 and what AI came up with when I asked for a video of Elizabeth I’s astrologer Dr John Dee consulting the stars! British H...