The British History Podcast

496 – That’s Me In The Corner

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time since William the Conqueror, there was going to be a primatial council at Westminster Abbey.   This was a HUGE deal.   Like… ...

495 – Power Struggles: Part Two

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, let’s return to 1101 and 1102, because Henry’s fight with Anselm, and fight between Henry and the Pope (and the fight between Anselm and the P...

494 – Power Struggles: Part One

01 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In early February of 1102 Queen Matilda was giving birth.  The post 494 – Power Struggles: Part One first appeared on The British History Podcast.

493 – The Price of Peace

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Treaty penned at Alton had avoided outright war, but it wasn’t truly official.  It needed to be finalized at Winchester. The post 493 – The P...

492 – The War for Perception

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In 1668, John Dryden became England’s very first Poet Laureate.  But he had a rival.  No, not just a rival.  A nemesis. This man’s name was Tho...

Project 1095

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Much respect to u/AnnieCamOG for coming up with this title. The post Project 1095 first appeared on The British History Podcast.

491 – All Hats On Deck

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Duke Robert Curthose was back in Normandy, having  reclaimed the Duchy unopposed… and now he was looking to assert his claim on England. The post 4...

490 – Messengers from France

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

King Henry’s first Christmas Court in the closing days of 1100 had felt…off.  The post 490 – Messengers from France first appeared on The Briti...

489 – From Normandy With Love

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, let’s face it, last year was a lot.  Rampant corruption, threats of war, tyrannical leaders, actual war, a greedy feckless aristocracy, rulers ...

Bonus Episode: The Authoritarians

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

By popular request, we’re releasing the full member’s episode on The Authoritarians. The post Bonus Episode: The Authoritarians first appeared on ...

488 – The Year 1100

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We did it, it’s the year  1100…which means it’s time for us to take a moment and  place our story in the broader context of global human histo...

487 – Stealing a Wife From God

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Edith, the daughter of King Malcolm Canmore, has appeared from time to time in our story and (by this point) she was about 20 years old… and many of...

Pilgrimage Sample

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to hit REI and get some gear… because we’re going on a journey of self discovery in this sample of the newest Member’s Episode. The ...

486 – Stealing a Crown from your Brother

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The cart carrying the body of King Rufus eventually reached the cathedral at Winchester. And if we are to believe Malmesbury,  blood had been drippin...

Tech Issues, We Got Em

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

That moment when DIY turns into DIWHYHASGODFORSAKENME The post Tech Issues, We Got Em first appeared on The British History Podcast.

The First Crusade Sample

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zee runs us through the events and it’s… a lot. The post The First Crusade Sample first appeared on The British History Podcast.

485 – What Happened?

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It was a calm August afternoon in Winchester.   The Royal Palace (or potentially the Conqueror’s castle… our scribes aren’t precise when discu...

484 – Final Destination: The New Forest

04 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, when we left off, Rufus threw a big “look at me” celebration… and the prevailing response appears to have been “yeah, man. We see you.” ...

483 – Standing on Ceremony

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The final two years of the 11th century feel like someone was trying to tie up a bunch of plotlines before the start of season 12. Things are moving f...

482 – Eye for an Eye

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alright.  When we left off, I mentioned that while Rufus was in Normandy, things in England had been getting interesting in his absence. Let’s star...

481 – Operation Baguette Storm

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When we left off, Rufus and Robert of Belleme were marching upon Maine.  Specifically, Count Helias’ fortress at Danguel. This fortress made milita...

480 – All Gas, No Brakes

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alright, so when we left off Edgar (the eldest living son of Malcolm Canmore) had claimed the throne of Scotland.  But, in classic medieval style, th...

479 – Be Like Water

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For years, Normandy had been wracked with internal conflict, war, and political unrest.  The Duchy had nearly been the end of Duke Robert countless t...

A Quick Update on the Show

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t panic, we aren’t quitting. But we are making a change that might affect you. The post A Quick Update on the Show first appeared on The Briti...

Medieval Rise and Grind Sample

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It turns out hustle culture is nothing new. The post Medieval Rise and Grind Sample first appeared on The British History Podcast.

478 – A Fire Sale for the Faithful

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s September of 1096, and Duke Robert was setting out on Crusade, intent on taking the main pilgrim road to Rome and Norman Italy.  Joining him w...

477 – Deus Did Not Vult: The People’s Crusade

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone in England was angry with Rufus. He was fining, taxing, and now torturing his way through the country.  And Rufus was mad at everyone in Eng...

Lords and Landlords Sample

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

And the full version even includes a drinking game! You can hear the full episode by signing up for membership. The post Lords and Landlords Sample fi...

476 – The Crackdown

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 1096, Robert de Mowbray, the former Earl of Northumbria, was living in Windsor.  And he better get comfy, because his majesty seemed quite happy t...

Medieval Urbanization Sample

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We strive in this one to prove you can be urban without being urbane. You can hear the full episode by signing up for membership. The post Medieval Ur...

475 – The Fall of Mowbray

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Night fell… and gradually, everything within Bamburgh and the Malvoisin went quiet.  Sure, there were the occasional patrols, and the occasional mu...

474 – Malvoisin, the Evil Neighbor

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rufus was marching North to directly challenge de Mowbray and anyone foolish enough to follow  him.  And of course he was.  There was only one resp...

473 – Stage Management

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So, when we left off, Anselm finally had his Pallium, and Rufus got… well… Rufus got all the independence and freedom from Church interference tha...

472 – Radicals

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have spent a lot of time with the situation between Anselm and Rufus, and all their messy interpersonal drama, but we haven’t really discussed th...

471 – How To Lose Friends and Irritate People

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It was January of 1095 and Rufus was still at war with his eldest brother, Duke Robert. A  war that could have been avoided if the Red King had simpl...

470 – Tough Treaty

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As I’ve mentioned a few times… we are discussing one of those periods of history where everything was kind of happening all at once.  This presen...

469 – Robert of Rhuddlan

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the space of less than a year, the Norman barons had surged deep into Wales and were further entrenching themselves using castles and other fortifi...

468 – Regicide’s Back On The Menu Boys

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

King Malcom Canmore hit his breaking point. The post 468 – Regicide’s Back On The Menu Boys first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Medieval Childhoods

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you think that video games are too violent, wait until you hear about Face Slap. The post Medieval Childhoods first appeared on The British History...

467 – Saint Anselm

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, I know at the end of that last episode I kinda sorta promised you a fight. And we are definitely going to have one. But we are pausing real quick ...

466 – The Bachelor

19 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All of those promises Rufus made to be a better man had finally convinced God.  After about two months of being bedridden, the King finally recovered...

465 – Anselm Arrives

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rufus was once again the only brother in England. The post 465 – Anselm Arrives first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Medieval Education Sample

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come get schooled. The post Medieval Education Sample first appeared on The British History Podcast.

464 – Rufus’ Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Campaign

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t really know precisely what Henry got up to once he fled Mont Saint Michel. What few records we have are incomplete and some contradictory. ...

463 – Finding Out

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After Robert kicked Henry out of Rouen, the Duke tried to restabilize his position in Normandy. And his first move was to make an alliance with Robert...

462 – Defenestration Nation

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably heard the phrase “it takes money to make money,” and while usually the person telling you that is just trying to sell you someth...

461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve been spending a lot of time with Rufus and Robert. And that was the way things were back in the 11th century, too.  Rufus and Robert got the ...

460 – The White Tower

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The White Tower, or more recently, the Tower of London. If you’ve visited London you likely to...

459 – Lashing Out

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With Count Henry and Robert of Belleme imprisoned under his tender care, Bishop Odo had free rein to guide the impressionable Duke Robert in whatever ...

458 – Henry’s Story

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The last two episodes have been focused on how King William Rufus handled the aftermath of the rebellion, and the political moves being made.  But Ru...

457 – The Bachelor King

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

William the Conqueror had not set his sons up for success, and at the heart of it was land. Obviously, the way he distributed those lands in his Will ...

Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve gotta be honest, some of these spells seem a bit rude. The post Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil first appeared on The British History...

456 – Law and Order: Durham

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

William Rufus’ first year as King had probably not gone down as he hoped. And as Bishop Odo and his co-conspirators boarded their ships and sought s...

Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Got a jealousy problem and a spare leek? Boy, do we ever have a cure for you. The post Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin first appeared on The ...

455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Word of Rufus’ army, and the destruction of the rebel forces at Tunbridge, had no doubt reached Pevensey and its commander, Robert of Mortain… and...

454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was Easter of 1088.  This was, typically, a  time when the most powerful figures of England would gather at Court.  But this wasn’t a typical ...

453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Primogeniture, the practice of handing all wealth and power from father to the eldest son, had done a lot to consolidate power along single family lin...

Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joining the Sisterhood of the Travelling Uterus for this one. The post Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition first appeared on The British...

452 – Odo? Oh Yes.

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Somewhere around the time  William the First was bursting out of his tomb like roasted chestnut and  William the Second was making it rain with his ...

451 – The Lucky Few

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You know, I almost titled the last episode  “The Gang Goes To A Funeral” but the trouble was that the gang /didn’t/ go to the funeral. All of t...

450 – Begin With A Bang

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was early September of 1087, and for weeks…nearly two months, in fact… people had been discussing William’s impending death, and worrying abo...

449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Strap yourselves in. These kids are something else. The post 449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys first appeared on The British History Podcast.

448 – The Death of William the Conqueror

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The story of William and the conquest has been a long road, and I’ve heard from some of you that this season has been challenging to listen to.   ...

Medieval Medicine Sample

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

That’s right, just like big pharma, we’re giving out a free sample. The post Medieval Medicine Sample first appeared on The British History Podcas...

447 – The End of the Conquest

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If the last few episodes have seemed a little confusing, then you’re hearing them right. Europe at the end of the 11th century was a rapidly changin...

446 – Death and Taxes

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we left off, things were looking pretty bad for William and William’s hope of a legacy. Maine was once again in rebellion against Normandy. But...

445 – Feeding Frenzy

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matilda was dead and now things were coming apart at the seams. The post 445 – Feeding Frenzy first appeared on The British History Podcast.

444 – Holy Beef

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Based on the e-mails I have been getting, some of you are having a hard time understanding why on god’s green earth did Odo think he could just trot...

443 – We’re Bigger Than Jesus

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we delve into the tumultuous reign of King Gruffydd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and the political intricacies of William’s relationship with...

442 – Mynydd Carn

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Norman interventionism into their neighbors was only just beginning… and the events at Mynydd Carn gave them just the excuse they needed. The post 4...

441 – God Bothering

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions rise as rebellion and violence sweep through Northumbria. As news of the uprising reaches the south, King William, though initially absent, t...

440 – This is Fine

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

King Malcolm and the Scots have been raiding the northern reaches of England, leaving the Northumbrians to deal with the aftermath. Meanwhile, William...

439 – Juggling Responsibilities

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

William, the Duke of Normandy and King of England, has been humiliated by his son Robert. Despite years of mocking and disrespect from William, Robert...

438 – Robert’s Rebellion

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a fit of rebellion, Robert, the eldest son of William the Conqueror, marches out on his own, defying his father and seeking adventure. However, rea...

437 – Everyone’s Pissed

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Crown Prince Robert and his knights had been humiliated by Rufus and Henry and the royal hall erupts into chaos. This unprecedented public disgrace ch...

436 – Taking the Piss

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

William the Conqueror, preferring Normandy over England, spends his later reign focusing on continental politics and property disputes, often resolvin...

435 – Trials and Tribulations

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the turmoil of William the Conqueror’s reign, Waltheof, the last English-born Earl, becomes entangled in a complex web of loyalty, rebellion, and...

434 – The Boys

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As William the Conqueror’s sons grow, their future roles and the weight of their lineage come into sharp focus. Robert, William’s eldest, faces di...

433 – North Wales: I Love Mess

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1075, King Bleddyn of Gwynedd and Powys, a formidable leader aiming for Welsh unification, finds himself embroiled in a complex web of power strugg...

Bonus Episode on Courtliness

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s a 15 minute sample of what we’re talking about on the Member’s feed. The post Bonus Episode on Courtliness first appeared on The British ...

432 – The Revolt of the Earls

11 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1075, Earl Roger and Earl Ralph lead a significant rebellion against King William, spurred by personal grievances and political ambitions. This ins...

431 – The Gang Has A Wedding

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1075, amidst the backdrop of William’s strained relations with England and his noble court, a grand wedding intertwines political machinations wi...

430 – Is It Good To Be King?

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As King William navigates the complexities of ruling England, he faces the challenges of governance, church reforms, and foreign affairs with mixed ou...

429 – Power Brokers and Power Breakers

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1072, the landscape of power in England and Normandy is tumultuous, with William’s conquest still facing resistance. King Malcolm III of Scotland...

428 – Tightening the Grip

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Five years post-Hastings, England remains embroiled in resistance against William’s rule, witnessing widespread rebellions across its towns and citi...

427 – Hereward: Back Into the Mist

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thirty thousand pounds.  That’s what the Gesta claims Hereward charged the Normans for the return of their warlike Abbot Turold. Thirty thousand. I...

426 – Everyone Has Their Limits

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1071, amidst the backdrop of Norman conquest and resistance, the narrative unfolds around the tragic fall of the English nobility and the calamitou...

425 – Hereward: The Fall of Ely

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1071, the betrayal by Abbot Thurstan to William, revealing Ely’s defenses, marks a pivotal moment in Hereward’s resistance. Despite starvation ...

424 – Hereward: ft. Judas Priest

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the siege of Ely intensifies, the story takes unexpected turns with witchcraft, cultural beliefs in the power of water as a spiritual portal, and H...

423 – Hereward: The Lion, The Witch, and the War Hero

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

William’s efforts to conquer Ely, hindered by the resourceful Hereward, climax with a bold yet flawed strategy involving commandeering all boats for...

422 – Hereward: The Man, the Myth, The Legend

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hereward the Wake, embodying the essence of a folk hero, engages in a daring operation to infiltrate King William’s camp, armed with only his wit an...

421 – The Wake at Ely

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

King William’s siege of Ely, motivated by Hereward’s defiance, epitomizes the struggle between Norman conquest and English resistance. William’s...

420 – The Wake and the Earl

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hereward’s raid on Peterborough and subsequent alliance with Danish forces highlight a critical phase in his resistance against Norman oppression. S...

419 – The Wake at Peterborough

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hereward the Wake, a figure of enigmatic life and legendary prowess, reemerges into the historical narrative with stories filled with feuds, exile, an...

418 – God’s Chosen

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following the Harrying of the North, King William’s grueling campaign through the Pennines during winter reflects the harsh conditions faced by his ...

417 – The (far more than four) Horsemen

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the aftermath of William the Conqueror’s devastating Harrying of the North, King Malcolm III of Scotland seizes the opportunity to raid Northern ...

New Member’s Episode on the Wild Hunt

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

416 – The Harrying of the North

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1069, William the Conqueror’s brutal campaign, known as the Harrying of the North, devastates Yorkshire and surrounding areas. This scorched-eart...

415 – Cry Me a River

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1069, William the Conqueror faces a strategic nightmare as his march north is stymied by natural obstacles and a well-coordinated Danish-led resist...

414 – The Uprising

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 1069, the victory at York ignites widespread rebellion across England, challenging Norman dominance. The English, bolstered by alliances with the D...