The Things That Made England

When you have lost your Inns, drown your empty selves - for you will have lost the last of England." That's what Hillaire Belloc, the political activist wrote in the 19th century, and he was right. The Pub and its ancestors have been at the heart of English life for centuries. Once you are there, it doesn't matter where you come from, how old you are, your background or whatever - it's a plac...

A journey through migration, music, race and class, how the offbeat rhythms of Jamaica became the soundtrack of working class England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roifield and I revisit the English National flag - which is something of a live issue. Why is it so contested? Is it a problem? And how do we make it what it should be - an expression of inclusive patriotism that brings people together across all differences of gender, race, faith, age and class. Watch us talking on our new YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheThingsThatMadeEngland Hoste...

Roifield and David talk about 5stories of England as part of the Very English Chat project, to tell stories of England in 50 objects. ‘A very English chat’ works is a wonderful project to escape division and polarisation, and the arid quarrels about flags - to build and celebrate a sense of Englishness, as part of a build up to England's national day, St George's Day on 23rd April. We are all invi...

In this lively episode of Birmingham Midweek , host Roifield Brown returns from California to catch up with historian David Crowther, creator of The History of England podcast. The duo embarks on an ambitious journey through English history, aiming to cover turning points from the Battle of Hastings to Brexit, though they start much earlier, around 6000 BCE. Crowther brings his signature wit and d...

The Levellers were the first radical political movement of modern history. They developed a full constitution based on wide male suffage, religious toleration and equality in law. They called it 'The Agreement of the People'. In 1649 they were at the very centre of power; where did they come from - and where did they go? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia is a deeply personal and heartfelt podcast series that explores the impact of dementia on Glenroy Brown, a man of remarkable character, and his family. Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and expert insights, we share the journey of his life, from his early years in Jamaica to his current experiences with dementia. This series offers an inti...

In 1762 John Montague earl of Sandwich ordered an easy to east snack to keep his strength up while gambling - and the word Sandwich was born. Was this one of the things that made England? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventy-five years ago, on June 22, 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, marking a pivotal moment in British history. In this episode, we delve into the significance of this landmark event, as we explore one man's journey to prove his British citizenship amidst a hostile environment. Thanks to the dedicated work of journalist Amelia Gentleman, who shed light on the plight of tens of th...

David and Roifield answer your questions on British political history. This episode is the last in a five-part miniseries going from The Exclusion Crisis to the vote on Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

-1945: The end of World War II and the election of Clement Attlee's Labour Party, which introduced the National Health Service (NHS) and the National Insurance Act. 1950: Labour Party loses the general election to the Conservative Party, led by Winston Churchill, who becomes Prime Minister for the second time. 1964: The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, wins the general election and begins a per...

David and Roifield tackle the first half of the 20th century. Labour Representation Committee (1900–1906) Liberal reforms 1906–1914 People's Budget (1909) David Lloyd George First Labour government and period in opposition (1923–1929) 1926 General Strike Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Great Reform act transformed politics and parties in the UK - and Victoria's reign was the stage for one of the great political rivalries - Gladstone and Disraeli 1832: The Reform Act of 1832 expands the electorate, giving more men the right to vote. 1867: The Second Reform Act expands the electorate further, giving many working-class men the right to vote. 1885: The Liberal Party, led by Will...

David and Roifield go over the start of UK party politics from Exclusion Crisis to the Great Reform act of 1832 Make the point that the growth of political parties is closely linked to the growth in the power of parliaments in Britain, and the exercise of politics in parliament rather than court, in the public eye (importance of war in that process) What are political parties?  A few definiti...

Where did metal start? What were its influences? Who is the greatest guitarist ever? What is Feminist Doom Metal? No idea, but you will hear some clips of guitar music, and hopefully there'll be a small plastic caddy at the end of it all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke and Roifield discuss whether Rave Culture can be considered a Thing That Made England. The episode includes an interview with globe-trotting DJ Tristan and we hear one of his banging tunes. We also have music from Occult playing while we chat and this chilled, ambient track plays out to the end of the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke announces the Intelligent Speech Conference, find out more at: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ancient routes criss-cross England and Wales, giving access in law to all English and Welsh citizens across private property, to tread in the feet of countless generations. We talk firstly to Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society about the OSS's work to broaden access to the countryside and protect what we have. Then Luke and I blather on about some other issues and Right to Roam - R2R not bein...

Lulu and I discuss beer, a topic we have avoided for a while it must be said. Because - beer's been available everywhere for ever. How can the English lay claim to such a thing? And yet...and yet... I figure many people would say there's something distinctive to the English about beer. Is it the type of beer? Or the setting? Or does it stay outside the Cabinet along with The Sun? Hosted on Acast....

In this second episode on English comedy, we put the historical comedy, Blackadder up for consideration. Is it a thing that made England? Does it exemplify English comedy? Is it historically accurate? Is it even funny? Is David a polyglot? For the answers to all these and more, have a listen to the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there such a thing as specifically English comedy? Certainly the English have thought so since Shakespeare's time, it's one of our vanities. Luke and David sicuss what English comedy might be - and test Monty P against the framework Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At long last we bring you the one and only William Shakespeare, or "Billy the Bard" as some prefer. Fiona proposes the great man as a thing that made England. Does anyone dare disagree? Have a listen to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Buns that made England - Crumpets and Muffins, and some bun throwing traditions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Lardy Cake and beyond! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some triumphant buns in the bread cabinet of English cooking over which you may salivate. And come to Facebook to post pictures of your buns too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.