History Rage

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by medievalist and author Dr. Steve Tibble to dissect the mythos surrounding two of history's most notorious groups: the Assassins and the Templars. With a blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling, Steve explores the realities of these enigmatic factions, challenging the misconceptions that have arisen over centuri...

Forget Korean Air 007: GPS was always meant for civilians. What if everything you thought you knew about GPS was wrong? Far from being a secret military tool reluctantly unlocked after tragedy in 1983, GPS was designed with civilian use in mind from the very beginning — and surveyors were using it years before most of us had heard of it. Paul Bavill welcomes writer and researcher Richard Easton ,...

Discover how invisible ink, codes, and women shaped early modern espionage. Paul Bavill is joined by historians Nadine Akkerman and Pete Langman, co-authors of Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration , to expose the myths and realities of Tudor and Stuart espionage. In partnership with the Gloucester History Festival, they explore the hidden world of s...

The smooth Tudor–Stuart handover? One of history’s biggest lies.. In this fiery live episode of History Rage , Paul Bavill is joined by Tracy Borman, chief historian of Historic Royal Palaces, to tear apart the enduring myth of a smooth Tudor–Stuart succession. With her explosive new book Stolen Crown about to be released, Tracy reveals how one of the most famous “peaceful handovers” in English hi...

Forget Odessa and misery: Mengele’s postwar reality was different. What if everything you thought you knew about Josef Mengele’s post-war life was wrong? Far from being a miserable fugitive, the “Angel of Death” lived comfortably in South America — supported by networks that had nothing to do with the mythical Odessa organisation. Host Paul Bavill welcomes journalist and historian Betina Anton , a...

Uncover the untold power of female monarchs as Elizabeth Norton debunks myths and reveals hidden histories. Paul Bavill welcomes Elizabeth Norton, author of  Women Who Ruled: 5,000 Years of Female Monarchy , to challenge the entrenched perceptions surrounding female monarchs throughout history. In partnership with the Gloucester History Festival, they dive into the complexities of queenship a...

Think the Troubles were only Northern Ireland? Discover America’s secret hand in the conflict. The Troubles are often remembered as a conflict confined to Northern Ireland and Britain — but that’s a myth. In this episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Ali Watkins to uncover the overlooked role of Irish America in the conflict. Focusing on rad...

Professor of Medieval History David Carpenter passionately debunks myths about the Magna Carta, revealing its true impact. In this engaging episode of  History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by esteemed historian and professor of medieval history at King's College London, David Carpenter, as they navigate the turbulent waters of 1215—a year marked by rebellious barons, a tempestuous king,...

Dr. Victoria Taylor dismantles Luftwaffe invincibility myths, revealing chaos, morale collapse, and radar’s decisive Battle of Britain role. Episode Highlights: The Luftwaffe's Expectations:  Victoria discusses the mixed morale and expectations within the Luftwaffe as they prepared for the Battle of Britain. Were they truly ready to take on the Royal Air Force, or were there underlying doubts...

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and content director for the History Extra podcast, Dave Musgrove, to delve into the rich tapestry of history represented by the iconic Bayeux Tapestry. As part of the Gloucester History Festival, Dave shares his passion for this nearly 1,000-year-old artefact, revealing its significance beyond the famous Battle o...

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the talented biographer and journalist Anne De Courcy, known for her works such as "Debs at War" and "Chanel's Riviera." Together, they strut through the glamorous yet tumultuous world of interwar fashion and high society, shedding light on the life of the iconic Coco Chanel. Exploring Chanel's Early Life: Anne delves into Chan...

In this thought-provoking episode of  History Rage , host Paul Bavill engages in a lively discussion with historian and author Tessa Dunlop, whose latest work,  Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 Monuments , challenges our perceptions of commemoration and the stories behind the monuments that dot our landscapes. Commemoration Under Scrutiny:  Tessa delves into the complexities of...

In this thought-provoking episode of  History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by author and battlefield guide Tim Lynch to challenge the long-standing myths surrounding conscript soldiers in the First World War. Tim passionately argues that the narrative often overlooks the contributions of these men, who were frequently dismissed as second-class soldiers. Unpacking the Myths: Debunking the...

In this enlightening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and secretary of the Salonika Campaign Society, Chris Loader, to shine a much-needed spotlight on one of the most overlooked fronts of the Great War—the Salonika Campaign. Chris shares his personal connection to this forgotten battlefield through his family history and reveals the complexities of this often-ignor...

In this riveting episode of  History Rage Live , host Paul Bavill welcomes back historian and author  Jack Bowsher  to explore the largely overlooked Battle of Meiktila, a significant yet underappreciated engagement in the Burma Campaign of World War II. The Forgotten Battle:  Jack passionately argues that Meiktila deserves recognition alongside more famous battles. He reveals...

In this thought-provoking episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back historian Roger Moorhouse, author of "First to Fight" and "The Forgers." Together, they delve into the complexities of the 20 July bomb plot against Adolf Hitler, examining the motivations and legacies of those involved, particularly focusing on the controversial figure of Claus von Stauffenberg. Unpacking the 20 Jul...

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes former mobster and author Lou Ferrante to dive deep into the world of organised crime. Lou shares his remarkable journey from a life of crime in Queens, New York, to becoming a celebrated author of the Mafia trilogy: "Borgata: Rise of Empire," "Clash of Titans," and "Autumn of Empire." Unveiling the Myths:  Lou tackles the pe...

In this electrifying live episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill takes the stage at the Chalke History Festival with distinguished medieval historian Michael Livingston. Together, they dive into the myths and realities surrounding the legendary Battle of Agincourt, a pivotal moment in English history that has been steeped in myth and misinterpretation. The Agincourt Myth:  Michael passiona...

In this episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Giles Milton to explore the chaotic aftermath of WWII, focusing on the often overlooked post-war period and its critical role in shaping modern geopolitics. The Forgotten Years Giles argues that the immediate post-war period is often overshadowed by the Second World War itself. He emphasizes how understanding this...

This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and journalist Tony Rushmer, author of " SAS Duty Before Glory ." Together, they embark on a riveting journey through the legendary yet often mythologised world of the early Special Air Service (SAS). Unpacking the Myths:  Tony shares his insights into the life of Reg Seekings, one of the first members of the SAS, challenging...

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the renowned historian and author Alison Weir, celebrated for her extensive work on the Tudor period. Together, they navigate the tumultuous waters of Henry VIII's reign, debunking myths and uncovering truths about his infamous marital struggles. The Myth of Henry’s Brain Damage:  Alison passionately disputes the widely he...

In this explosive episode of History Rage, Paul is joined by the esteemed historian Tracy Borman to dive headfirst into the tumultuous life of Mary, Queen of Scots. This week, we unravel the myths surrounding Mary, challenging the romanticised narrative of her as a tragic heroine and instead revealing her as a monarch whose decisions led to her own downfall. The Myth of the Tragic Heroine:  T...

In this electrifying episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by aviation and special forces historian Paul Beaver for a special Chalke History Festival edition. Together, they dive into the captivating and often misunderstood world of espionage, taking a critical look at the romanticised image of spies and the realities behind the myths. Shaken, Not Stirred: - Paul and Paul kick off wi...

This week on  History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by Dr. Nicholas Morton, an associate professor of history at Nottingham Trent University and author of  The Mongol Storm , to unravel the myths surrounding one of history's most formidable empires: the Mongols. Together, they confront the misconceptions that paint these conquerors as mere barbarians, revealing a sophisticated and hi...

In this intense episode of History Rage Live, host Paul Bavill is joined by author and historian Iain MacGregor to explore the harrowing decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and its profound implications. Drawing from his latest work, "The Hiroshima Men," Iain shares insights from his extensive research and interviews with survivors, challenging the narratives that have dominated discussi...