The British History Podcast
The British History Podcast is a chronological retelling of the history of Britain, focusing on the lives of the people rather than dry dates and battles. It explores their desires, fears, and flaws, and how these shaped the island's history. The podcast is hosted by Jamie Jeffers.
Episodes
An Offa Interview with Rory Naismith
Today we have a special episode with the return of Professor Rory Naismith! You will remember him from his interview on Anglo Saxon Economics and Money, and today he is back to talk with us about his new book on Offa, King of the Mercians. Professor Rory Naismith is the Professor of Early Medieval History […]
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501 – Bishop Serlo’s Pop Up Hair Salon
For months, messengers had been arriving from Normandy carrying news of the disorder and chaos that was gripping the Duchy. Now, normally, this would have been good news for King Henry. It was no secret that the King wanted to reunite his father’s cross channel empire under himself… nor was it a secret that he […]
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500 – 500th Episode AMA Extravaganza
We answer SO many questions. So… so many questions.
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499 – William of Mortain and How Some People Never Have Enough Wealth
Some families are just…the worst. You know how it is, there’s the one or two in there that are half decent, but mostly you avoid them too because the rest of the family is just awful.
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498 – Power and Predictability
The death of Duke Robert’s chief ally, William of Breteuil, and the succession crisis it kicked off, was destabilizing the duchy of Normandy. And while I’m sure it was a relief that King Henry and Robert of Meulan had brokered a sort of resolution to the crisis… everyone watching knew their intrusion into Norman […]
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497 – That’s Me In The Spot. Light.
It was 1103 and things were a mess. And…when are they not? But a major reason for this mess was (oddly) William of Breteuil. Now, as you might recall, William of Breteuil was the firstborn son of the Conqueror’s close friendWilliam fitz Osbern… and, thanks to this proximity to power, he was one of the […]
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496 – That’s Me In The Corner
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… enormous. Anselm had been trying to hold a major reform council for years, but King Rufus had refused. Reform, as you may remember, wasn’t something that the red king was […]
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495 – Power Struggles: Part Two
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 Pope) were …amazingly….only half of the story.
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494 – Power Struggles: Part One
In early February of 1102 Queen Matilda was giving birth.
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493 – The Price of Peace
The Treaty penned at Alton had avoided outright war, but it wasn’t truly official. It needed to be finalized at Winchester.
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492 – The War for Perception
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 Thomas Shadwell, and I can’t overstate how much Dryden hated him.
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Project 1095
Much respect to u/AnnieCamOG for coming up with this title.
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491 – All Hats On Deck
Duke Robert Curthose was back in Normandy, having reclaimed the Duchy unopposed… and now he was looking to assert his claim on England.
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490 – Messengers from France
King Henry’s first Christmas Court in the closing days of 1100 had felt…off.
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489 – From Normandy With Love
Ok, let’s face it, last year was a lot. Rampant corruption, threats of war, tyrannical leaders, actual war, a greedy feckless aristocracy, rulers weaponizing the legal system, rulers completely disregarding the legal system, rulers making grandiose promises they had no interest in actually delivering on, international intrigue, at least one incredibly suspicious death, and finally […]
The post 48
Bonus Episode: The Authoritarians
By popular request, we’re releasing the full member’s episode on The Authoritarians.
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488 – The Year 1100
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 history. Now, as always, this won’t be exhaustive… nor ultra detailed. Our only intent is to break the myopia that’s inherent in any history podcast and give you […]
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487 – Stealing a Wife From God
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 those years had been weird ones.
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Pilgrimage Sample
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.
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486 – Stealing a Crown from your Brother
The cart carrying the body of King Rufus eventually reached the cathedral at Winchester. And if we are to believe Malmesbury, blood had been dripping from it from the forest all the way into the Cathedral. Though, at some point it must have stopped. I mean, even if no one… ya know… sorted it out, he would have run out of blood eventually.
The First Crusade Sample
Zee runs us through the events and it’s… a lot.
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485 – What Happened?
It was a calm August afternoon in Winchester.
The Royal Palace (or potentially the Conqueror’s castle… our scribes aren’t precise when discussing the location, but probably the Palace)... either way, Winchester would have been full of activity, but nothing out of the ordinary. Just Royal functionaries carrying out their duties while the King was away, and townsfolk going about their business.
484 – Final Destination: The New Forest
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.” And that wasn’t even the worst part of his year.
483 – Standing on Ceremony
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 fast, everybody is suddenly in different countries, and inevitably…some of these characters aren’t having their contracts renewed.
482 – Eye for an Eye
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 start with Bishop Walkelin.
481 – Operation Baguette Storm
When we left off, Rufus and Robert of Belleme were marching upon Maine. Specifically, Count Helias’ fortress at Danguel. This fortress made military incursions and raids into Maine insanely difficult. Which Rufus and Robert found deeply inconsiderate, so it would have to be brought down or, at the very least it would have to be occupied by good honest Normans who wouldn’t interfere with the King
480 – All Gas, No Brakes
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, the way that Edgar had gone about that was anything but simple. Edgar had taken the throne from his Uncle, King Donald III, and to pull that off Edgar had the help of another uncle Edgar the AEtheling - who happened to be the guy he was named after -
479 – Be Like Water
For years, Normandy had been wracked with internal conflict, war, and political unrest. The Duchy had nearly been the end of Duke Robert countless times… and if there was a single defining characteristic of Normandy under Robert, it would be “chaos.”
A Quick Update on the Show
Don't panic, we aren't quitting. But we are making a change that might affect you.
Medieval Rise and Grind Sample
It turns out hustle culture is nothing new.
478 – A Fire Sale for the Faithful
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 were his retainers, soldiers, and supporters… including high ranked figures like Bishop Odo of Bayeux, Count Robert of Flanders, and Stephen of Aumale (who was the forgettable guy that de Mowbray had tried to install on the throne of England).
477 – Deus Did Not Vult: The People’s Crusade
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 England. Which was why he was fining, taxing, and torturing his way through the country.
Lords and Landlords Sample
And the full version even includes a drinking game! You can hear the full episode by signing up for membership.
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476 – The Crackdown
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 to keep him there as a permanent resident.
Medieval Urbanization Sample
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.
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475 – The Fall of Mowbray
Night fell… and gradually, everything within Bamburgh and the Malvoisin went quiet. Sure, there were the occasional patrols, and the occasional muffled voice as two people shared a moment, or simply tried to keep themselves awake while on watch… but for the most part, there was no sound except for that of the waves lapping the shore.
474 – Malvoisin, the Evil Neighbor
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 response this King was ever going to have to de Mowbray’s instigation. War.
473 – Stage Management
So, when we left off, Anselm finally had his Pallium, and Rufus got… well… Rufus got all the independence and freedom from Church interference that he could have hoped for. Even better, his Bishops were on the same page as him and were supporting the King’s independence from Rome.
472 – Radicals
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 the true elephant in the room. Radicalism.
471 – How To Lose Friends and Irritate People
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 simply kept his word… or even just apologized.
But he wasn’t interested in doing either of those things, so people were dying in Normandy.
470 – Tough Treaty
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 presents a challenge when trying to create a clear narrative that you can follow, while also staying true to the order of events.
469 – Robert of Rhuddlan
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 fortifications.
468 – Regicide’s Back On The Menu Boys
King Malcom Canmore hit his breaking point.
Medieval Childhoods
If you think that video games are too violent, wait until you hear about Face Slap.
467 – Saint Anselm
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 to cover some SERIOUSLY good gossip…and possibly a murder?
466 – The Bachelor
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 from his mysterious illness.
And now that the Divine had delivered its side of the bargain… well, there was really no point to any of those promises anymore. So Rufus immediately set about invalidating all his penitential acts.
465 – Anselm Arrives
Rufus was once again the only brother in England.
Medieval Education Sample
Come get schooled.
464 – Rufus’ Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Campaign
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. But from those records we /are/ able to glean some details… and when we take the accounts in total, what immediately becomes clear is that, just because Henry was in exile, it didn’t mean he had accepted his defeat. He had plans and he set them in mot
463 – Finding Out
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 of Belleme.
462 – Defenestration Nation
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 something you don’t need….there is some truth to it. At least in the way our economy works. It’s also true of how feudal economies worked.
461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide
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 attention, while Henry… the youngest, and apparently most forgettable brother… was often left out. And this reality was made most clear when their father died… and, despite holding vast territories, the Conqueror didn’t bother to give Henry a single hi
460 – The White Tower
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 took time to go see it.
459 – Lashing Out
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 direction he wanted. And he had a direction in mind.
458 – Henry’s Story
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 Rufus didn’t exist in a vacuum… and across the Channel, his brothers were also making moves.
457 – The Bachelor King
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 had been a bit of a disaster, as it had set his two eldest sons up for war.
Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil
I've gotta be honest, some of these spells seem a bit rude.
456 – Law and Order: Durham
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 sanctuary in Normandy…Rufus could only return to court and count the rest of his problems.
Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin
Got a jealousy problem and a spare leek? Boy, do we ever have a cure for you.
455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies
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 I think it’s highly likely that the messengers also reported that the King’s army had turned north, towards Rochester. Bishop Odo’s stronghold.
454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever
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 year.
453 – Odo’s Rebellion: The Cold War
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 lines. But it created all manner of problems for …well, pretty much everyone else.
Medieval Medicine Sample: Trotula Edition
We’re joining the Sisterhood of the Travelling Uterus for this one.
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452 – Odo? Oh Yes.
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 dead dad’s money….something was turning in western culture as a whole.
451 – The Lucky Few
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 them decided they had somewhere else to be.
450 – Begin With A Bang
It was early September of 1087, and for weeks…nearly two months, in fact… people had been discussing William’s impending death, and worrying about what would happen next. And for good reason.
This family, which ruled over Normandy, had a history of infighting and civil wars, especially during times of succession.
449 – Chapter Ten: The Boys
Strap yourselves in. These kids are something else.
448 – The Death of William the Conqueror
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.
I get it. No matter how awful William is he never seems to face any real consequences…
Medieval Medicine Sample
That's right, just like big pharma, we're giving out a free sample.
447 – The End of the Conquest
Europe at the end of the 11th century was a rapidly changing world and it is all going to have a profound impact on the history of Britain. I want you to really have a good understanding of what is going on here, and to do that I have been forced to go back and forth between simultaneous stories.
446 – Death and Taxes
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 this time half of France seemed to be looking for an excuse to join them. Denmark was preparing an invasion of England … and even William’s brother-in-law, Count Robert […]
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445 – Feeding Frenzy
Matilda was dead and now things were coming apart at the seams.
444 – Holy Beef
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 down to Rome and become the new Pope.
The truth is he was less crazy than we might think, and I’m going to take a moment to explain the situation a little better. Partly because this becomes important to our story later on and partly because it’s hi
443 – We’re Bigger Than Jesus
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 Matilda and his ambitious half-brother, Bishop Odo.
It is an intricate web of power struggles, betrayals, and shifting dynamics between church and state that will only grow more complex and dangerous.
442 – Mynydd Carn
Norman interventionism into their neighbors was only just beginning… and the events at Mynydd Carn gave them just the excuse they needed.
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441 – God Bothering
Northumbria was back at it again. The Continental Bishop turned Earl was dead. Most of his men lay slain at Gateshead, or BBQed in that Church. And any left alive were locked inside Durham Castle.
440 – This is Fine
King Malcom and the Scots had spent the last several months raiding the northern reaches of England. They had murdered the English with impunity, took even more as slaves. But eventually they decided they had their fill and returned back to their homeland. And they took with them anything that hadn’t been nailed down.
439 – Juggling Responsibilities
There was no getting around it. William had been humiliated.
The Duke of Normandy and King of England had spent years mocking his son. He’d even recruited the upper crust of Norman society into using the cruel nickname “short pants” to describe Robert. When his son had rebelled, William doubled down on the disrespect, and started calling him Robin (a diminutive comment that was also a clear r
438 – Robert’s Rebellion
The little guy's rebellion was about to get pretty big.
437 – Everyone’s Pissed
The hall exploded into chaos.
The knights sitting outside of the firing line stared in shock, trying to process what was happening. Men stuck closer in tried to dive out of the way. The unlucky knights… the men standing right next to Robert when his brothers’ opinions came raining down… Well, they were screaming for vengeance. They wanted blood.
And it’s hard to blame them.
They were, after
