A Slice of Medieval
Episodes
Christmas Episode 2025 | A Slice of Medieval #82
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks re-visit some of their favourite Slice of Medieval episodes, including: Bernard ...
December Book Recommendations | A Slice of Medieval #81
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks give their summer book recommendations along with guests: Kathryn Warner, Patric...
Eighth Century Europe | A Slice of Medieval #80
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by author and podcaster, Matthew Harffy, to discuss the story behind ...
MargaretBeaufort | A Slice of Medieval #79
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian, Lauren Johnson, to discuss the much-maligned Margaret B...
Eleanor of Castile | A Slice of Medieval #78
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss, with Sara Cockerill, the remarkable Queen Eleanor of Castile. Music by...
Edward V | A Slice of Medieval #77
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Edward V and why he did not become king in 1483. Music by Adriel Fair l...
Templar Traitor | A Slice of Medieval #76
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by author, Angus Donald, to discuss the story behind his latest histo...
The Sheriff of Nottingham| A Slice of Medieval #75
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Richard Townsley, to discuss the role o...
A Triumvirate of English Earls | A Slice of Medieval #74
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the three powerful English Earls of the Eleventh Century, established by...
Joanna Plantagenet | A Slice of Medieval #73
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, Catherine Hanley, to discuss the life of Joa...
The Royal House of Wales | A Slice of Medieval #72
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by historian and writer, David Pilling, to discuss the the Royal Hous...
The Third Crusade and Pilgrim's Revenge | A Slice of Medieval #71
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks are joined by bestselling novelist, Scott Mariani, to discuss the Third Crusade ...
Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval #70
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and times of King Henry IV with historian, Helen Castor. Musi...
Emma of Normandy | A Slice of Medieval #69
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of Emma of Normandy with historical novelist, Patric...
Summer 2025 Book Recommendations| A Slice of Medieval #68
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks give their summer book recommendations along with guests: Ian Mortimer, Elizabet...
John of Gaunt | A Slice of Medieval #67
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and career of John of Gaunt with historian, Kathryn Warner. Mu...
Medieval Murders | A Slice of Medieval #66
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Medieval Murders with Annie Whitehead Music by Adriel Fair licensed fro...
Medieval Policing | A Slice of Medieval #65
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Medieval Policing with Tom Andrews. Music by Adriel Fair licensed from ...
Edward IV | A Slice of Medieval #64
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the reign of Edward IV - was he a hero or a villain? Music by Adriel Fa...
Thomas Becket | A Slice of Medieval #63
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the rise and fall of Thomas Becket and his turbulent relationship with H...
The Peasants'Revolt | A Slice of Medieval #62
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the Peasants' Revolt with historian, Matthew Lewis. Music by Adriel Fa...
The Tarnished Crown | A Slice of Medieval #61
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the Tarnished Crown series, set during the Wars of the Roses, with histo...
Saxons & Vikings | A Slice of Medieval #60
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the Saxons and Vikings with historical fiction author, Peter Gibbons. ...
Book Launch Special - Podcast 59
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss their new books, both of which are published on 30th January 2025. Sharo...
King Cnut | A Slice of Medieval #58
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the reign of King Cnut. Does he deserve the title 'Great'? Music by Ad...
Joan of Kent | A Slice of Medieval #57
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and loves of Joan of Kent with Elizabeth Chadwick, author of Th...
A Medieval Christmas | A Slice of Medieval #56
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly, and writer, Derek Birks, talk to Toni Mount about medieval Christmas traditions. Music by Adriel Fair licensed f...
Medieval Speed | A Slice of Medieval #55
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss Medieval Speed with historian, Ian Mortimer. Music by Adriel Fair lice...
Alfred the Great - A Slice of Medieval #54
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the reign of King Alfred the Great with Steven A McKay, author of The He...
Medieval Saints and their Sins| A Slice of Medieval #53
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss medieval saints and their sins with historian, Luke Daly. Music by Ad...
The Mortimers & Court of Betrayal | A Slice of Medieval #52
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the relationship between Roger Mortimer and his wife, Joan with Anne O'B...
Magna Carta| A Slice of Medieval #51
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical author, Derek Birks discuss the life and longevity of Magna Carta. Music by Adriel Fair licensed f...
HNS Conference 2024 - Writing Medieval Podcast #50
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During the 2024 HNS Conference at Dartington Hall in Devon, historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss 'How...
William Rufus | A Slice of Medieval #13
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the much-maligned king, William II - popularly know as Rufus. ...
The Beaufort Family | A Slice of Medieval Podcast #40
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the influential Beaufort family with historian, Nathen Amin. ...
Christine de Pisan | A Slice of Medieval #25
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the career of the remarkable medieval writer, Christine de Pisan...
Anthony Woodville | A Slice of Medieval Podcast #39
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the fifteenth century nobleman, Anthony Woodville, with historia...
The Last Templar | A Slice of Medieval #28
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss The Last Templar and murder mysteries with guest author, Michael...
Women of the American Revolution| A Slice of Medieval Going Rogue #49
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a Going Rogue episode, Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss Women of the American Revolution with ...
Richard Duke of York| A Slice of Medieval #48
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks ask the question: Was Richard Duke of York a loyal lord or a traitorous ...
Medieval Myth Busting | A Slice of Medieval #47
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss some medieval myths with buildings archaeologist and author, Jam...
The Two Loves of Edward III| A Slice of Medieval #46
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the two loves of Edward III, Philippa of Hainault and Alice Perr...
Aethelred the Unready?? |A Slice of Medieval #45
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks ask the question: How Unready was Aethelred II? Music by Adriel Fair l...
Katharina | A Slice of Medieval Going Rogue #44
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Going Rogue again, historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss, with novelist Margaret Skea, her duology whi...
Berengaria of Navarre | A Slice of Medieval #43
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss England's 'lost' queen, Berengaria of Navarre with author, Carol...
The Two Matildas| A Slice of Medieval #42
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks compare the Empress Matilda with Queen Matilda of Boulogne - two powerfu...
The Norman Conquest| A Slice of Medieval #41
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the Norman Conquest with historical novelist, Griff Hosker. Mu...
Robert and Penelope Devereux | A Slice of Medieval Goes Rogue #27
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss Queen Elizabeth's favourite, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex and ...
Richard II & Henry IV | A Slice of Medieval podcast #38
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the reign of Richard II and how he came to be deposed by Henry I...
Agricola | A Slice of Medieval Podcast #37 - A Going Rogue Episode
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Going Rogue again, historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss, with novelist SJA Turney, his new Roman seri...
The Master of War Series | A Slice of Medieval #36
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss, with novelist David Gilman, the Master of War series and the Hu...
Black Death| A Slice of Medieval #35
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the Black Death with novelist S D Sykes and her mysteries set du...
King Arthur | A Slice of Medieval #34
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with novelist Angus Donald his new serialised King Arthur storie...
Athelstan and Brunanburh | A Slice of Medieval #33
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with novelist M.J. Porter how she portrays Athelstan and Brunanb...
Simon de Montfort| A Slice of Medieval #32
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss how novelist Ian Ross portrays Simon de Montfort in his books Ba...
The Woodvilles | A Slice of Medieval #31
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the often maligned Woodville family and their part in the Wars o...
Xmas Special 2023 | Podcast #30
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical novelist, Derek Birks share a Christmas Special with fellow podcasters and authors, Matthew Harffy a...
Harald Hardrada | A Slice of Medieval #29
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss Harald Hardrada and the book Viking Fire, with guest author, Jus...
Aethelflaed | A Slice of Medieval #26
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, with guest author and histori...
Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine | A Slice of Medieval #24
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the great medieval power couple of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquit...
The Black Prince | A Slice of Medieval #23
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the life and exploits of Edward, Black Prince, with guest histor...
The White Ship | A Slice of Medieval #22
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the White Ship disaster in 1120 which derailed Henry I's plans f...
The Pastons | A Slice of Medieval #21
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with guest historical fiction author, Anne O'Brien, the Paston f...
Napoleon's Spy | A Slice of Medieval Goes Rogue! #20
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A Slice of Medieval Goes Rogue! Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks step out of their comfort zone to talk ...
Margaret of Anjou | A Slice of Medieval #19
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss Margaret of Anjou - the queen of Henry VI who divides historical...
Robin Hood | A Slice of Medieval #18
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with guest historical fiction author, Steven A McKay, how he ca...
Edward II | A Slice of Medieval #17
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with guest historian, Kathryn Warner, the tempestuous reign of E...
Bernard Cornwell and Agincourt | A Slice of Medieval #16
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with guest author, Bernard Cornwell, Agincourt, archers and all ...
Nicholaa de la Haye | A Slice of Medieval #15
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historical novelist Derek Birks chats to historian Sharon Bennett Connolly about her new book about Nicholaa de la Haye, King John's Right Hand Lady. ...
Vikings and Berserkers | A Slice of Medieval #14
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss with guest author, Angus Donald, his bestselling Fireborn Series...
Henry III & Simon de Montfort | A Slice of Medieval #12
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the epic duel between Henry III and Simon de Montfort with gues...
Edward the Elder | A Slice of Medieval #11
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss Edward the Elder - a much overlooked king of Wessex whose reign ...
Edward I and Eleanor | A Slice of Medieval #10
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks are joined by special guest, historical novelist, Anna Belfrage, to disc...
The Earl of Warwick: Hero or Villain? | A Slice of Medieval #9
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the career of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and the part he p...
Saxons with Matthew Harffy | A Slice of Medieval #8
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks talk with guest historical fiction author, Matthew Harrfy, about his bo...
Before 1066 | A Slice of Medieval #7
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the succession problems of late Anglo-Saxon England and their ef...
William Marshal with Elizabeth Chadwick | A Slice of Medieval #6
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks talk to bestselling novelist, Elizabeth Chadwick, about all things Willi...
King John | A Slice of Medieval #5
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks discuss the last years of King John and the impact on English history co...
Guess Who's Coming to a Medieval Christmas Dinner | A Slice of Medieval #4
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From a plethora of listener suggestions, historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks try to decide which medieval l...
Richard I with guest Ben Kane | A Slice of Medieval #3
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon Bennett Connolly and Derek Birks are joined by bestselling historical novelist, Ben Kane to discuss the life and times of Richard I and how he ...
Heiresses during the Wars of the Roses | A Slice of Medieval #2
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon Bennett Connolly and Derek Birks discuss how 'teenage' heiresses influenced the course of the Wars of the Roses, how central they were to its e...
The Anarchy | A Slice of Medieval #1
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly and historical fiction author, Derek Birks combine in this first podcast about the Anarchy. Music by Adriel Fair l...
The Wars of the Roses 46 - The end of the House of York?
24 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Perkin Warbeck continues to present a problem for Henry VII, desperate to secure the future of his new dynasty. Production music courtesy of www.epi...
The Wars of the Roses 45 - Perkin Warbeck
09 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A new imposter threatens Henry VII new regime but this gets help from other states. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 44 - The King from Ireland
26 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A new threat to Henry emerges in the form of a pretender in Ireland aided by the Earl of Lincoln. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Production music courte...
The Wars of the Roses 43 - Not Another King...
12 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What problems faced the new king, Henry Tudor, after Bosworth? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 42 - Bosworth, the second part...
10 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Battle of Bosworth, part two Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Image Attribution - Bill Sibley CC BY–SA 2.0
The Wars of the Roses 41 - Bosworth, the first part...
03 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Battle of Bosworth, Part One... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Image Attribution - John Taylor CC BY 2.0
The Wars of the Roses 40 - A Welshman came calling...
13 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The moment has come: Henry Tudor lands in England with a few men and a few promises of support - but will it be enough? Production music courtesy of ...
The Wars of the Roses 39 - Fake news...
22 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
By Christmas 1484, Richard III is still childless and his opponent, Henry Tudor, already has a bride lined up. What should Richard do? Production mu...
The Wars of the Roses 38 - The Waiting Game...
08 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After the failure of the 1483 revolts, Henry Tudor returns to Brittany whilst Richard III seeks to establish firmer control over the troublesome south...
The Wars of the Roses 37 - A Stormy Autumn...
25 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Richard III is king, but in the deep south trouble is brewing and Henry Tudor waits in Brittany... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 36 - Kingslayer?
11 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Richard III has taken the throne of England, but what is to be done with his two nephews? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 35 - When is a King not a King?
26 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Why did loyal Richard of Gloucester seize the throne from his 12 year old nephew? Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 34 - Off With His Head!
12 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
May 1483 and Richard, Duke of Gloucester takes measures to weaken any potential opponents... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 33 - 1483 The Game Begins...
30 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Edward IV has died and the scramble for the throne begins... Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 32 - Edward, Prince of Wales
15 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
One of the central figures in the crisis of 1483 is the young king, Edward V. I take a look at what we know about the boy. Production music courtesy...
The Wars of the Roses 31 - Gloucester, the Loyal Brother
02 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We look at the role of Richard, Duke of Gloucester during Edward IV's second reign. Production music courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Wars of the Roses 30 - Trouble with the In-laws??
15 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
During Edward IV's second reign much criticism has been levelled at the queen's Woodville family. Is it justified? Production music courtesy of www....
The Wars of the Roses 29 - 1470s A Surfeit of Brothers...
02 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After the peace, comes the division of the spoils and the Duke of Clarence was not happy with his share. But then when was he ever happy? Production...