Gone Medieval

Five centuries before Christopher Columbus set foot in America, the Vikings had already crossed the Atlantic. Using new dating techniques, scientists studying timber buildings at L’Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of Canada’s Newfoundland, have established the Norse settled in AD 1021, 471 years before Columbus’s first voyage. While it’s already known the Vikings landed in North America, exactly when they settled has remained an estimate, until now. Cat was joined by Dan Snow to speak to archaeologist Birgitta Wallace about this breakthrough research: discover how a long-ago Solar storm provided vital information for the study, the significance of the date, and what's left to be discovered in the future. You can read more about the evidence <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03972-8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Over 100 years of conflict, two warring nations, five monarchs on either side and countless casualties in a dispute over claims to the throne: in this episode, our very own Matt Lewis unravels the numbers. He takes us through the biggest turning points of the Hundred Years’ War chronologically, and gives us some insight into the personalities involved on the English and French sides. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The Medieval period saw the advancement of many countries, evolving to the provinces in Europe that we know today; Scotland is no different. In this episode, Cat is joined by Dr. Adrian Maldonado, an Archeologist and Glenmorangie Research Fellow at National Museums Scotland. With the birth of kingdoms such as Alba, Strathclyde, Galloway, and the Norse Earldom of Orkney, what can the artefacts and materials tell us about the emergence of Scotland?</p><br><p>Adrian Maldonado is the author of 'Crucible of Nations: Scotland from Viking-age to Medieval kingdom', published by NMSE - Publishing Ltd</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

In October 1066, William the Conqueror led his army to victory over Harold Godwinson and his Anglo Saxon forces. This was to begin the Norman invasion of England, inspire the famous Bayeux Tapestry and result in thousands of deaths. Many Many have argued that William's Conquest had the pope's support, with a supposed papal banner being carried by the Normans into battle. But is this true? And why else might this have been written into history? Daniel Armstrong is a PhD student at St. Andrews and Royal Historical Society Centenary Fellow at the Institute of Historical Research. He takes us through the evidence and explores the possible reasons for such a story. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The European eel is now categorised as a critically endangered species, but 1000 years ago they flourished in abundance, and were an important aspect of Medieval life. In this episode, Cat is joined by Medieval historian Dr. John Wyatt Greenlee, also known to many as the ‘Surprise Eel Historian’. We examine the cultural history and significance of Eels in England. From a delicious meal to being used as a form of currency, just how vital was the presence of Eels in the Middle Ages to Britain? <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The National Archives can be seen as any medieval historian's candy store. It's filled with an amazing variety of materials, from the Magna Carta to mummified rats. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Principal Records Specialist at The National Archives (TNA), Dr. Euan Roger. Euan takes us through the fascinating ancient documents, materials, and upcoming endeavours that the TNA has to offer, even including a riddle. Can you help us make sense of this early Tudor puzzle? <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic, was said to be discovered in 1427 by Portuguese explorer Diogo de Silves. However, new studies of the land suggest the Portuguese may not have been the island's first inhabitants. The key to these studies? Mice. Similarities have been found between Azorean and northern European mice. In this episode, Cat is joined by Ecology and Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Jeremy Searle from Cornell University. We delve into this unexpected location of Viking occupancy, exploring Jeremy's research on the land and the mice who can tell us more about our complex history. What can mice tell us about the movement of people in the past? <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most prominent pieces of medieval art. Depicting the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England, the tapestry tells a story through detailed embroidery. But what can we learn about the Norman Conquest and the people being it through this skilful art? In this episode, Matt is joined by David Musgrove. David helps us explore the lavish narrative behind the embroidery and the circumstances behind it.David Musgrove is the co-author of The Story of The Bayeux Tapestry: Unravelling the Norman Conquest, published by Thames and Hudson Ltd. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

In September 2014, a metal detectorist discovered the rarest collection of Viking-age objects ever found to date in Britain. The Galloway hoard displays a remarkable variety of material and treasures, not only from the United Kingdom but as far as central Asia. In this episode, Dr. Martin Goldberg, the Senior Curator of Early Medieval and Viking Collections at the National Museums Scotland joins Cat. Discussing the extraordinary hoard, we delve into the range of objects. What can it tell us about medieval Scotland? <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Medieval manuscripts can shed light on some of the most important events of the past. But what about the physical manuscripts themselves? And what can they tell us about the people who made them? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by author Mary Wellesley as they examine the extraordinary work of the people behind the text.</p><br><p>Mary Wellesley is the author of Hidden Hands: The Lives of Manuscripts and Their Makers, published by Quercus Publishing.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How we bury the dead has changed drastically throughout history, from grave goods to bed burials. But just how drastic are the changes in burial practices? In this episode, Cat is joined by archaeologist Dr. Emma Brownlee. Emma has studied an astonishing 33,000 graves across England and Europe and will be taking us through her research of these medieval graves. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Richard III of England is one of medieval history's most controversial figures. He is known to many as a tyrant, a sleazy, greedy king who even murdered his nephew. But how much of this is true? This episode of Gone Medieval is a little different, as our very own Ricardian Matt Lewis takes us through the story of Richard III. Did England need saving from this alleged horrid king?</p><br><p>Matt Lewis is the author of Richard III: Loyalty Binds Me, published by Amberley Publishing.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The word 'medieval' is often used to describe backward ideas and opinions, but why is this the case? The middle ages was a time of life-changing advancements in the world of science. Cat is joined by Seb Falk, a historian, broadcaster, and lecturer at the University of Cambridge, as they debunk misconceptions about medieval science and the church.</p><br><p>Seb Falk is the author of The Light Ages: A Medieval Journey, published by Penguin.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

People of a multitude of cultures, religions, and cultures around the world have long traveled vast distances as forms of pilgrimage. But why would people undergo a pilgrimage? And why do some send people in their honour? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Architectural Historian Emma Wells as they discuss the practice that some might consider the beginning of tourism. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

From ghost town to ceremonial, ecclesiastical and economic hub: how did London develop in the Saxon era, and how is that crucial to what London has become. Rory Naismith is the author of ‘Citadel of the Saxons: The Rise of Early London’ and a lecturer at Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge. In this episode with Cat, he takes us through the story of London from its decline after the Roman period to its eventual reemergence.  <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Witchcraft has a plethora of negative connotations attached to it. Being accused and found guilty of this in the Middle Ages could be fatal, but could it also be used as a political tool that even members of the royal family could not avoid? Matt is joined by author and Historian Gemma Hollman to explore the development of the idea of witchcraft, and its use against women. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

It's often assumed that women played a passive role in Medieval society. But did women hold more power than we know? When a richly furnished grave at a Viking burial site was recently discovered to be the final resting place of a woman, not a man, it stunned many archaeologists and challenged the stereotypes of women in Viking society. In this episode, Cat is joined by Dr. Clare Downham from the University of Liverpool, as we discuss the political and military power that women held in the 10th Century. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The leopard coin, which is considered the last 'unsuccessful' was re-called shortly after release. But did this coinage make more of an impact than we know? Matt is joined by Dr. Helen Geake, archaeologist and Finds liaison officer in Norfolk for The Portable Antiquities Scheme to discuss the significance of the discovery. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Vikings are remembered fundamentally as seafaring people, and how could they be so if not for their ships? In this episode, Cat speaks to a world expert on Viking ships, Professor Jan Bill, who introduces us to the incredible remains of a Viking ship discovered in a field in Gjellestad, Norway, in 2017. With the excavations nearly complete, Jan and Cat discuss the remarkable proportions of this Viking ship, the technology used to reveal it, and what it tells us about medieval seafaring as a whole. Jan is a Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at the University of Oslo and curator of the Viking Ship Collection at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo since 2007. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

With Christianity dominating Europe, the Church became one of the most powerful institutions in Britain during the Medieval period and its places of worship played a crucial role in the focal points of people's lives, from birth to death. But as populations declined in areas within the UK, so did the number of attendees, leaving several churches neglected. This is where 'The Friends of Friendless Churches' charity comes into importance. Formed in 1957, this organisation helps to preserve these sites. In this episode, Matt is joined by Rachel Morley, director of 'the Friends', to discuss some of the buildings they care for and their architectural significance. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Many of us use Bluetooth technology every day, but know nothing or little of its namesake. And there is little to be known of the King of Denmark Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, except that he is credited with introducing Christianity to Denmark. In this episode, Søren Sindbæk explains what we do know of Bluetooth, and about his remarkable archaeological discovery of Danish Ring Forts. Søren is a Professor at the University of Aarhus. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

In Britain, you’re never too far from a castle. These landmark structures are key to the history of the country, the rise and fall of great powers being marked upon their walls. In this episode, Dan Spencer takes a closer look at the use of castles in the Wars of the Roses both as defensive garrisons and as headquarters. Dan is a military historian and leading expert in the study of early gunpowder weapons, artillery fortifications and castles. He also takes Matt through the developing use of guns during this period, and the everyday health and safety mishaps which came from operating them. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Making sacrifices to the Gods is common practice in religion, even today. From symbolic to physical offerings, this is something that has happened for millennia. But did human sacrifice ever take place? And what do we even mean by human sacrifice? In this episode, Cat is joined by Archeologist Marianne Moen from the University of Oslo as we assess what it meant to make the paramount sacrifice in early medieval Europe. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

King Arthur of Camelot, we've all heard stories about him, but who exactly was he? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Senior Lecturer of Early Medieval European History, Katherine Weikert. Exploring King Arthur's impact and power, we delve into why such an elusive king became a historic anchor. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

His 38 years as king make him one of the longest ruling monarchs in English history, and yet he is remembered as unsuccessful, naive and overly harsh on his opponents. In this episode, Levi Roach discusses the rule of Æthelred the Unready. Was he as much of a failure as his nickname suggests? And what does that nickname actually mean? Levi, from the University of Exeter, is the author of 'Æthelred the Unready'. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Giving birth in the middle ages was a dangerous time for women. It had no regard for class, wealth, or status. It could even have been more dangerous for richer, Nobel women. Matt is joined by author Michèle Schindler, to take us through the realities and some of the weird and wonderful stories around conception, infertility, and giving birth. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

For thousands of years, the building of walls has played an essential role in shaping the world as we know it; from being used to monitor populations to controlling trade, they have often acted as borders of entire nations. In this episode, Howard Williams takes us through some of the most famous walls in medieval history and explores how two of the best-known linear earthworks in western Britain, Offa's Dyke and Wat's Dyke, have served to separate England and Wales. Howard Williams is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Chester. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Taxes are now an established aspect of our lives, but scattered across Britain’s countryside are reminders of their earliest days, when farmers were obliged to offer 10 percent of their produce to the church: these are tithe barns. In this episode, Joseph Rogers explains how we can spot a tithe barn, what they were built for and how they have survived to the present day. Joseph is the author of Tithe Barns and Britain’s Greatest Bridges. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

When we think of great Medieval battles, many people imagine the Battles of Hastings or Agincourt. Another clash, however, between the kings of England, Dublin, Scotland and Strathclyde late in AD 937, also had far-reaching consequences and resulted in alliances of a scale unseen before. For this episode, we're joined by historian and author Michael Livingston to delve into the location of the battle, the events that ensued and why, generations later, the Battle of Brunanburh is known to many as 'The Great Battle'. Michael Livingston is a historian, a professor of medieval literature, and author of 'Never Greater Slaughter: Brunanburh and the Birth of England'. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Born in 1415 as the youngest of the 1st Earl of Westmorland's 22 children, Cecily Neville led one of the Medieval periods' most captivating lives. The wife of Richard, Duke of York, and the mother of two kings of England—Edward IV and Richard III, her life was filled with promise and power from the very beginning. In this episode of Gone Medieval, fact meets fiction! Matt is joined by author Annie Garthwaite, as they delve into her debut novel 'Cecily'. With extracts from Annie's newly released book, we examine the mind and life of an aristocratic medieval woman, mother, and wife. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How did Viking remains find themselves under a house in Orkney? In 2015, human remains were unearthed on the northeast coast of Papa Westray. The graves were stumbled upon by sheer luck, with further investigations revealing the finds to be remains of Viking age burials. Cat is joined by field archeologist Lindsey Dunbar, who served as a project manager for the rare discoveries. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What was the role of a queen in the Medieval Age? Was she there to strengthen the position of her family and build alliances to protect the interests of England? To stand idly by as her husband took decisions for the nation, then took mistresses for himself? Or could she have a more active role? In this episode with Dr Joanna Laynesmith, we explore the vital historical discipline of medieval queenship, looking at the role of the four women crowned queen of England during the last half- century of the medieval period. Joanna is the author of ‘The Last Medieval Queens: English Queenship, 1445-1503’.  <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Approximately 1.35 billion people use it, either as a first or second language, so English and the way that we speak it has a daily impact on huge numbers of people. But how did the English language develop? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Cat spoke to Eleanor Rye, an Associate Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of York. Using the present day language, place names and dialects as evidence, Ellie shows us how English was impacted by a series of migrations. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Founded in the late 11th century after the Norman conquest of England, the town of Ludlow is critical to Medieval history. From an impressive castle built to defend the borders of England against the Welsh, to a fortified town brimming with industry and commerce, to an archaeological gold mine, it offers incredible insight into the lives of people in Medieval England. In this episode, Matt speaks to the Resident Archaeologist at Ludlow Castle, Leon Bracelin, about his favourite finds. They delve into the fine details of the lives of former residents of Ludlow for a remarkably close look at Medieval England. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Runes give us a unique understanding of the Vikings in their very own words. While the Latin alphabet became widely adopted in northwestern Europe during the medieval period, in some places this happened late and it wasn’t the only language used. So if we want to get into the minds and lives of the Vikings we need to turn to runology. Cat is joined by Judith Jesch, Professor of Viking Studies at the University of Nottingham, as well as a specialist in runology and the Old Norse language. Judith takes us through the world of runes, from runic love notes, to inscriptions on footwear, to whether or not they were used for magical powers. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How different is battlefield archaeology compared to other disciplines? Do local legends ever help track down evidence in a field? And why are potato fields in particular sometimes problematic for archaeologists... Sam Wilson, a specialist in battlefield and conflict archaeology, joins Matt to talk through his specialist work and explain more about some of his incredible discoveries. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Fashionable footwear in the Middles Ages was not just uncomfortable, but downright dangerous. It turns out fashionable people paid the price for their love of very pointy shoes with painful bunions, according to new study on a series of medieval cemeteries in Cambridge. Cat is joined by archaeologist Dr Jenna Dittmar, who talks us through this insightful research, which saw 177 skeletons analysed as part of University of Cambridge’s After the Plague project. Find out why these ‘Blackadder-style’ pointy shoes became so popular, and what sort of injuries they caused. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

When we think of the heart of England, we often think of the city of London. But in Medieval times, Northampton held this title and it solidified royal roots as a result. It’s geographical advantages made it an ideal location for countless important meetings in history and a Midlands base of choice for many. For this episode, Matt was joined by historian and author Mike Ingram to talk about the history and significance of Northampton. From famous feuds and executions to rebellions and the destruction of the town. Was Northampton a victim of it’s own importance? Mike Ingram is the author of Northampton: 5,000 Years of History. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

From Danish Archers using him as target practice to a wolf towing his perfectly severed head, King Edmund has a wealth of tales attached to his name and a healthy cult following… but how much of these tales are true? Cat is joined by Dr Francis Young, a historian and folklorist specialising in the history of religion and supernatural belief, author of Edmund: In Search of England's Lost King. We take a look into the fascinating life and death of Edmund the Martyr. Can we find the lost King? <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>During the night of the 25 November in 1120, a routine crossing of the English Channel went catastrophically wrong. The White Ship disaster saw approximately 300 people perish, including King Henry I’s only legitimate son and heir. Charles Spencer talks to Matt Lewis about the tragedy, which caused a dynastic disaster and uncertain turmoil in England and Normandy, 900 years ago. Find out the consequences of that fateful night, what was discovered during about a recent dive in the search for the White Ship, and why it’s believed Henry I is buried under a school in Reading.</p><p>Earl Spencer’s book, The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream, is out now.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

To go berserk, meaning out of control with anger or excitement: the phrase originates from stories of the Berserkers, but what do we really know about them? Dangerous to friend or foe, the Berserkers are said to have fought feuds in the nude or even to have taken magic mushrooms in battle, but how much of this is true? Joined by Dr. Roderick Dale, a specialist in Old Norse and Viking Studies, we debunk the myths and legends, deciphering the facts from fiction.. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Born in 1340 as the younger brother of the Black Prince, John of Gaunt's life is captivating. John was a brave leader, first setting foot on the battlefield at the age of 10. Later, as one of the richest men in the country, he would uphold chivalric values, support early religious reform and champion a renaissance of art and literature in England. Matt is joined in this episode by Helen Carr, a historian, TV producer and author of the biography of John of Gaunt 'The Red Prince'. Helen takes us through the incredible life of this diplomat, brother and son. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Despite being a key part of society and everyday life, medieval sexuality was probably left out of your history lessons at school. But how much do we really know about these very private aspects of life in the Middle Ages? Dr Cat Jarman is joined by historian Dr Eleanor Janega from the London School of Economics, who tells us all about medieval sex toys, religious rules, sex workers and more. Please be aware there are adult themes in this episode.</p><br><p>Eleanor’s book, The Middle Ages: A Graphic History, is out now</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

It’s no secret that Africa’s early history is documented quite differently from its European counterparts, relying instead on elements such as oral traditions and art. Anthropologist and historian, Luke Pepera, studies the true histories, mythologies, and cultures of Africa. He joins Matt in this episode to explore what these materials can tell us about Medieval Africa. They delve into the identities and societies of the continent, examining its international connections, trade transport, and wealth, and how all of this is reflected in the life of Mansa Musa. To hear more from Luke, check out this documentary on History Hit: https://access.historyhit.com/videos/africa-written-out-of-history <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

1228 years ago, on June 8 793, Vikings attacked a monastic settlement on the island of Lindisfarne. This raid had such an impact across Europe that despite there being no archaeological evidence for it, only literary sources, it is still remembered today. In this episode, Cat speaks to Dr David Petts from Durham University. They discuss why the Vikings chose to raid Lindisfarne, the community that they would have found there, and how the attack impacted upon Northumbrian Christendom and the wider world. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

From spiral stairs, to tunnels leading to pubs and brothels, to witch markings; join us as we find out the truth about medieval buildings. Matt is accompanied by archaeologist and architectural historian James Wright to debunk the myths. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Long before Atlantic trade routes became established East Africa had strong connections with the wider world, trading across the Indian Ocean and into Asia. Professor Mark Horton has been leading research projects in East Africa for over forty years. In this episode he describes the resources traded in East Africa and the cultural transformations that went along with them. Mark is Professor of Archaeology & Cultural Heritage and Director of Research at the Royal Agricultural University. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

In many ways, Empress Matilda can be seen as a pawn of the men in her world. Sent away aged eight to match with the Holy Roman Emperor, she represented status for her father and money for her intended. However, Matilda was independent, intelligent, educated and authoritative. Join Dr Catherine Hanley as she takes Matt through the early life of Matilda, her ascension to Empress and her changing position in the succession to the English throne. Catherine is a medieval historian, author and writer of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

It's not often a discovery shocks archeologists, but the revelation that the Cerne Abbas Giant could've been created in the late Saxon period has surprised many. In this episode Cat Jarman speaks with the person who was in charge of dating the 180 ft giant with the 30 ft erect penis, Martin Papworth from the National Trust. Find out how they went about testing the Dorset landmark, why so many people assumed it was created in the 17th century, and what challenges popped up during the project. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

After seizing the throne from Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, the drama in Henry VII's life had only just begun. In this second episode with Nathen Amin, he and Matt Lewis explore the Simnel, Warbeck and Warwick plots against Henry Tudor. <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>