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The History of England

The History of England

David Crowther 512 Episodes Jul 26, 2026

A chronological retelling of the story of England, starting from the end of Roman Britain. The host aims to be honest and rigorous while covering major events and daily life, language, and cultural forces. The podcast is ad-free for supporters and offers additional content through membership.

Episodes

450 Beat Your Drums
450 Beat Your Drums Jul 26, 2026 47:11 At the parliament on April 1685, Scotland demonstrated how loyal subjects should treat their king - an example which was duly followed by their southern neighbours soon afterwards. Yet despite this enthusiastic reception, within weeks James faced two rebellions. In Western Scotland the Earl of Argyl raised the fiery cross to summon the clans, and in South West England the Duke of Monmouth was join
449 King James II of Great Britain
449 King James II of Great Britain Jul 11, 2026 45:46 The reign of James II and the Glorious Revolution was a central part of the national story built by Whig historians. But since the 20th century the picture has been heavily revised with new perspectives, such as the view from all three kingdoms, a more nuanced view of James and his intentions, criticisms of the idea of a bloodless revolution, how much the voice of the people mattered - and was it
AAG 1666-1685 How Merrie is your Monarch?
AAG 1666-1685 How Merrie is your Monarch? Jun 27, 2026 1:07:48 The Dutch raid on the Medway effectively brought the Second Anglo Dutchto an end, and also the honeymoon period. From 1667 to 1681, Charles sought to play off factions in parliament, to keep his freedom of action, enhance royal power where he could and court the French - their friendship, and bribes. The public announcement of James' catholicism in 1677 became the driving factor in an increasingly
AAG 1660-1666 Restoration
AAG 1660-1666 Restoration Jun 14, 2026 59:00 The settlements following the Restoration didn't turn out exactly as the Three Kingdoms or indeed Charles imagined, but nonetheless for the moment king and his parliaments were in a honeymoon period. Soon to be challenged by Plague, Fire and War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
448 Not So Merrie
448 Not So Merrie May 31, 2026 48:23 After dismissing parliament of Oxford in 1681, Charles pursued alliance with the Tories and emasculation of the Whigs and Dissenters at all political levels. He pursued a strategy with determination and consistency he had rarely shown at any other point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
English Objects with the Three Ravens
English Objects with the Three Ravens May 24, 2026 40:31 Eleanor and Martin of the Three Ravens podcast and I have one (probably last) walk round some objects that we think make us lie back and think of England.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
447 The Exclusion Brouhaha
447 The Exclusion Brouhaha May 17, 2026 46:58 In 1680 and 1681, Shaftesbury led an increasingly shrill and effective campaign, asppeling to popular opinion to force Charles into calling a new parliament. There he could be forced to learn about the power of the exlusionist movement which could be brought to bear. But Charles would learn a different lesson, and at Oxford in 1681, would start his own campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
446 The Popish Plot
446 The Popish Plot May 3, 2026 40:57 In 1678 a fantasist and charlatan, Titus Oates, made a series of wild and dramatic accusations of a Catholic plot to assasinate the king. A series of extraordinary co-incidences seemed to confirm his accusations, and the public mood became hysterical. The fevered atmosphere gave wings to a new political objective - to exclude James from the succession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f
445 Carnage
445 Carnage Apr 19, 2026 44:43 In 1677, Danby finally seemed to have cracked Charles' problem with parliament - until a diplomatic game of will-he-won't-he in the Anglo Dutch war rose to the level of farce, and derailed everything. In the middle of it all - a 15 year old girl was pushed weeping into a highly significant marriage for which she had no wish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
444 Danby's New Way
444 Danby's New Way Apr 5, 2026 45:58 Thomas Osborne, Earl of Danby had a plan as Charles' new 'Prime Minister', to repair the damage from the disastrous Third Anglo Dutch War. To rebuild his master's prestige on the pillars of financial stability, and Anglican alliance, and alliance with the Dutch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
443 Charles' Great Game
443 Charles' Great Game Mar 29, 2026 45:33 In 1672, Charles sought to put the Treaty of Dover into operation; to join Louis XIV in making war on the Dutch Republic. The plan was to replace de Witt's government with William of Orange as Stadholder, capture key Zealand ports for England, and secure further financial support from Louis. And thus have a free hand with parliament. All that was needed was victory at sea for the Anglo French flee
Roifield and David's Stories of England in 50 Objects
Roifield and David's Stories of England in 50 Objects Mar 15, 2026 22:53 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 invit

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