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Rex Factor

Rex Factor

320 episodes — Page 5 of 7

S2.34 David II

After the glories of Robert the Bruce, there was a lot to live up to for David II - which would not be easy, given that he was only a few years old, facing an adult dynastic rival in the form of Edward Balliol and a resurgent England under the mighty Edward III determined to get revenge for past defeats. Throw into the mix a new generation of nobles with little respect for royal authority and a nation ravaged by war and it all amounted to a rather tricky prospect. Could David II follow in his father's footsteps or would it be back to the bad old days for Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 3, 20171h 20m

S2.33 Robert the Bruce

Things have been torrid for Scotland under the rule of England's Edward I, but finally there is hope in the form of Robert the Bruce (and, frankly, in Edward II). Will this legend of Scottish history - the king of Bannockburn and the Declaration of Arbroath - defeat the English and win independence for Scotland? More importantly, will he be worthy of the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 20, 20171h 22m

News and Previews

We're back! Apologies for the absence but as you'll find out we have a very good reason. Our next episode on Robert the Bruce will be a biggie so we thought it would be better to get a quick episode out to update you on our news, including the launch of our long-awaited merchandise, plus some of your comments and a preview of our most recent special episode on Thomas Becket and as well as one of our new Privy Chamber bonus episodes that are available exclusive to Privy Councillors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 7, 201743 min

S2.32 William Wallace

Scotland was a conquered country in 1296, but if Edward I thought the Scots would go quietly then he had another thing coming! Almost from nowhere, William Wallace stepped onto the scene and led the resistance against English rule, becoming Guardian of Scotland. But could this unknown figure defeat Edward and liberate Scotland? Can the real William Wallace live up to the heroic legend of Scottish history? And is any of Braveheart actually true? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18, 20161h 19m

Aragorn (Lord of the Rings)

In a one-off bumper edition special episode we review Aragorn (AKA Strider, Elessar, etc.), one of the main characters in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. As a special birthday request, we decided to give Aragorn the usual Rex Factor treatment meted out to kings and queens, going over his life and reign before reviewing him by various factors before deciding whether he had the Rex Factor. One of us is a LOTR fan and the other is not, so will Aragorn be able to win both of us over? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 4, 20162h 22m

S2.31 John Balliol

After being chosen to be King of Scots in 1292, John Balliol had a tough job on his hands. He had not been raised for kingship, the nobility were divided and, most worryingly of all, Edward I of England had established himself as feudal lord of Scotland and was determined to make this clear to all concerned. Could Balliol restore Scotland's prosperity and remain independent from England or would the task be too big for him to face? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 20161h 12m

S2.30 Margaret the Maid of Norway (The Great Cause)

A largely forgotten figure in Scottish history, Margaret the Maid of Norway's "reign" would be a pivotal turning point in Scottish history. After Alexander III died in accident in 1286 without an heir, his only descendent was Margaret, his three year-old granddaughter who had never set foot in Scotland. A special group known as the Guardians of Scotland sought to preserve the peace of the kingdom for Margaret, but at the cost of involving King Edward I of England, who would prove to be something of an ogre in Scottish history, starting by presiding over "The Great Cause' to determine the future of the Scottish succession. Would Edward take this chance to snatch the kingdom? Would the Guardians preserve the peace? Would Margaret make it to Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 26, 20161h 16m

S2.29 Alexander III

Alexander III was only just approaching 8 years when his father died in 1249, resulting in a divisive minority and the king of England, Henry III, playing an increasingly strong role in Scottish affairs. As king, Alexander would need to restore order among his barons, finish his father's work in subduing the Western Isles and assert his independence against Henry III and (far more ominously) the looming black cloud on the horizon of Scottish history that is Edward I. A tough job, but was Alexander III up to the task and worthy of the Rex Factor? (Parental Guidance - there may be some juicy scandal!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 18, 20161h 14m

S2.28 Alexander II

Alexander II seems to have been something of a man on mission, determined to remove all the grey areas in Scotland by imposing his authority across the whole country. Previously rebellious or non-Scottish areas like Moray, Caithness and Galloway were firmly on the royal radar while Norway would now have to worry about their control over the Western Isles. Throw in an invasion of England after King John repudiated Magna Carta and you have a very busy reign, but has Alexander II bit off more than he can chew? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 20161h 14m

S2.27 William the Lion

William the Lion's life and reign was defined when as a teenager in 1157 he had the earldom of Northumbria taken away by Henry II. From then on, it was his life's ambition to get it back but he had the mighty Plantagenets standing in his way. With trouble brewing in Galloway, Moray and Caithness, it would not be an easy task, but with a name like William the Lion, could it be possible? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 16, 20161h 16m

S2.26 Malcolm IV

After the successful reign of David ended in 1153 with Scotland in possession of most of northern England, Scotland was at the peak of its medieval powers. Unfortunately, the new king was a 12 year-old boy faced with numerous regional threats and an England reunited under the rule of Henry II, a king even more powerful than his Norman predecessors. Could Malcolm see off the challenges of Gaelic warlords, a Plantagenet powerhouse and a distinctly unimpressive epithet? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 20161h 3m

S2.25 David I

David came to the throne in 1124 as the last of Malcolm III and Saint Margaret's six sons following a period of internal fighting and short reigns. However, unlike his brothers, David had luck on his side. He won favour and wealth in England as a protege of Henry I and then took advantage of the Anarchy in England to pursue Scottish interests in Cumbria and Northumbria, whilst also introducing far-ranging reforms. But how successful would he be in his efforts, would he be too Norman for Scottish tastes and will he get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 25, 20161h 14m

S2.24 Alexander I

Alexander's peaceful succession in 1107 marked a move away from the chaos of the preceding decade of internal conflict but that's not to say that Alexander himself would have an easy time of it. Pressured by his younger brother, David, and the powerful King of England, Henry I, Alexander struggled to find his own niche but looked to make big reforms to the Scottish church that would wrest some independence back from the interference of England. Would Alexander be a fresh start for Scotland or just another nearly man? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 18, 20161h 8m

S2.23 Edgar

The death of Malcolm III in 1093 led to something of a succession crisis in Scotland and by 1097, Malcolm's brother (Donalbain) and one of his sons (Duncan II) had not done a very good job of ruling the country. Next up was Edgar, backed by the English king, William Rufus, and his namesake uncle, Edgar the Aetheling, Edgar sought to re-establish stability in Scotland, but would he be the king to get things back on track? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 20161h 2m

S2. 22 Duncan II

The death of Malcolm III and his queen, Margaret of Wessex, sent Scotland back into the chaos of dynastic conflict. Malcolm's brother, Donaldbain, stole the throne in 1093 but there were many sons of Malcolm ready to challenge him and first up was Duncan II. In Duncan's favour, he was a well-trained knight, brought up at the Norman court and backed by the King of England, William Rufus. On the downside, he was a well-trained Norman knight, brought up at the Norman court and backed by the King of England. Would the Scots accept this Anglo-Norman figure, or would Duncan be sent packing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 5, 201646 min

S2.21 Donald III (Donaldbain)

The death of Malcolm III in 1093 (as well as his son and queen) left a power vacuum in Scotland. Despite having 5 sons, it was Malcolm's brother, Donald III (Donaldbain in Shakespeare's Macbeth), who decided to take advantage and steal the throne. After thirty years of stability under Malcolm, Donald III took Scotland back to the chaotic years of dynastic wars of succession. With the English king, William Rufus, keen to have his own man on the throne, Donald would have to use all his craftiness to hold on to his crown - but could he outlast his rivals? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 22, 20161h 6m

S2.20 Malcolm III

With the reign of Malcolm III, Scotland emerges from the dark ages and into the chaos of 1066 and the Norman Conquest of England. With his marriage to the Saxon princess (and future saint) Margaret, Malcolm is set on a collision course with the Normans and the battle for dominance in Cumbria and Northumbria. Margaret is one of the extraordinary figures of the age and together Malcolm and Margaret oversee reforms in church and at court that have a lasting impact on Scottish history. But for how long can Malcolm try his luck with the Normans and will it be enough to earn him the Rex Factor? (Please note that we are using new microphones - haven't quite figured out the settings yet so the audio is a bit quieter than usual and we also need to get pop filters!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 18, 20151h 12m

S2.19 Lulach

Macbeth's death at the hands of the future Malcolm III did not mark the end of the Moray dynasty, for into the breach stepped Lulach. Sandwiched between two of the more notable of Scotland's medieval monarchs and equipped with a less than flattering nickname, expectations for Lulach are probably not high but could there be a little more to him than there first appears? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 201545 min

S2.18 Macbeth

Yes, Macbeth was a real king! But, was he the murderous, tyrannical villain as depicted by Shakespeare or has the bard done the real-life Macbeth a disservice? In this episode, we look at Shakespeare's version of Macbeth before considering the real life biography of 'The Scottish King' and then decide whether he has the Rex Factor. We also consider why it was that Shakespeare chose to write about Macbeth at all and why he characterised him as he did. (Please note that the episode image and the audio excerpt at the start of the episode are the property of Studio Canal for the 2015 film, Macbeth) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 8, 20151h 12m

S2.17 Duncan I

William Shakespeare portrayed Duncan as a good, kind and elderly king murdered by the scheming Macbeth in his bed. But was this the true story? After Malcolm II wiped out most of his family tree to ensure that Duncan would succeed him as King of Scots, great things were certainly expected of Duncan in 1040, but with rivals to the south (Northumbria) and the north (Moray) would he be up to the job? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 9, 201559 min

S2.16 Malcolm II

A decade after the assassination of his father, Kenneth II, Malcolm II finally came to the throne in 1005. Faced with enemies from within his own family, the territory of Moray and the presence in England of the most powerful man in Europe, Cnut, things weren't going to be easy for Malcolm. However, having waited so long to become king, he wasn't about to give it up without a fight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 20151h 2m

S2.15 Kenneth III

The dynastic conflict continues in Scotland when Kenneth III comes to the throne in 997. Team Red is no more but Kenneth (Team Purple) still has to face the challenge of Malcolm (Team Blue) to hold on to the throne. Find out who comes out on top in the final showdown! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 18, 201539 min

S2. 14 Constantine III

After the stability of Kenneth II, in 995 Constantine III usurped the throne and restarted the dynastic conflict of the Alpin dynasty. Scotland now had three men vying for the throne: Constantine III (Team Red), Malcolm (Team Blue) and Kenneth (Team Purple), but who would come out on top? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 11, 201541 min

S2.13 Kenneth II

The dynastic conflict at the heart of the Scottish monarchy continues with Kenneth II's accession in 971. Kenneth (Team Blue) is taking on Olaf (Team Red) in a bid to win dominance, but will Kenneth be able to succeed where the previous monarchs have failed and draw a line under the succession problems once and for all? Plus we bid a sad farewell to the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba while welcoming back an old friend of the podcast... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 30, 20151h 2m

S2.12 Cuilean

The dynastic warfare continues in Scotland, with Cuilean usurping the throne in 967. The rival branches of the Scottish royal family continue to dispute the throne and the violence continues. Will Cuilean be able to deliver a good reign for team red or is the merry-go-round set to continue? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 10, 201533 min

S2.11 Dubh

Dubh (or Duff) comes to the throne in 962 and marks the beginning of a period of dynastic conflict in Scotland. The system of an alternating succession has made family ties rather distant and rival claimants rather numerous, and Dubh must taken on his distant cousin, Cuilean, to be king. But who will come out triumphant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 201535 min

S2.10 Indulf

Indulf became the King of Scots in 962 and while there is not a lot written about him, there's quite a bit for us to get our teeth into. Edinburgh, Vikings and an unintentionally amusing account of Indulf's demise all await... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 17, 201542 min

S2.9 Malcolm I

Malcolm has to wait a long time to become king and when Constantine II finally abdicates in 943, there's a lot going on. The death of the Saxon king Athelstan has left a power vacuum in Northumbria and Malcolm is very much at the centre of events, making new alliances and facing off against the legendary Viking Erik the Bloodaxe. Will Malcolm come out on top or will the Vikings once again prove the undoing of a Scottish king? If you find yourself losing track of who is who and where is where, have a look at our handy glossary for the episode: https://rexfactor.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/malcolm-i-podcast-glossary/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 3, 20151h 1m

S2.8 Constantine II

After a succession of short and unsuccessful reigns, Constantine II's reign would be crucial in the formation of the Scottish nation. Coming to the throne in 900, his intray included a country still divided by internal strife, facing invasion from the Viking grandsons of Ivar the Boneless while to the south the new country of England was growing under Edward the Elder and then, most ominously, Athelstan. Could Constantine succeed where others had failed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 8, 20151h 2m

S2.7 Donald II

After the Alpin dynasty was sent packing by Giric and/or Eochaid, it came roaring back in 889 with Donald II, winning back the throne after a decade in Irish exile. However, it's one thing to defeat Giric but there are still the tricky issue of Vikings on the horizon - could Donald finally see off the Scandinavian party poopers or would yet another Scottish king be laid low before his time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 7, 201531 min

S2.6 Giric and/or Eochaid

After the memorably unmemorable reign of Aed (#RememberAed) came to an end in 878, things get rather uncertain in Scotland. So, this week we review Giric...or Eochaid...or is it Giric AND Eochaid? Who is really wearing the crown and will they deserve the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 9, 201531 min

S2.5 Aed

The year 877 was not an easy time for Aed to come to the throne. After a decade of Viking raids, Aed's brother, Constantine I, had been killed and the kingdom was in a precarious position. It would take a strong and skillful ruler to overcome such difficulties, but is Aed that man? #RememberAed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 15, 201520 min

S2.4 Constantine I

It's Vikings o'clock in this episode, with saga legends like Olaf the White, Ivar the Boneless and the Sons of Ragnar swarming across Britain. The Great Heathen Army of the 860s-70s has its mind on conquest and the action is ceaseless across Ireland, England and Scotland. Battles are fought, kings are slain, kingdoms fall and everything is in flux. Constantine has his own particular strategy but will it pay off? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 28, 20151h 2m

S2.3 Donald I

After Kenneth MacAlpin started a new, Scottish dynasty in wake of a Pictish defeat to the Vikings, it was left to his brother, Donald I, to carry on where he left off. Donald seems largely to have done this but sadly the annals of history have not found an awful lot to say about him but nevertheless a few key questions do arise. Who was his mother? What's going on in Dalriata? And, perhaps most pressingly, what's happened to his trousers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 12, 201534 min

S2.2 Kenneth MacAlpin

The new series starts properly in this episode as review our first monarch, Kenneth MacAlpin. After the leading Picts were wiped out by the Vikings in 839, Kenneth emerged from the murky past to take the throne of both the Picts and the Scots. But Kenneth is a man of mystery: where did he come from? How did he take the throne? What happened to the Picts? And why does he smell of fish? But most importantly, does he have the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 25, 20151h 2m

S2.1 Scottish Backgroundy Stuff

Rex Factor is back! After reviewing all the monarchs of England, now we turn our attention to Scotland. Before we get onto the kings and queens, however, we provide some background to the history of Scotland: stone houses, Hadrian's Wall, Vikings, Saint Columba and the Loch Ness Monster - and much more besides! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 12, 20151h 5m

Questions and Answers (Part 2/2)

In the second part of our question and answers podcast, we continue to answer the questions sent in to us by the audience. Next time, we'll be back with a new series on the kings and queens of Scotland from Kenneth MacAlpin to James VI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 3, 201452 min

Questions and Answers (Part 1/2)

While we get ourselves prepared for the new series of Rex Factor (the Kings and Queens of Scotland), we invited you to send in any questions you have about us, the podcast, or history in general. We wanted to get through as many questions as possible and had great fun answering them, so rather than editing the episode down we decided to split it in half, so this is the first part of the Q&A podcast. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 21, 201455 min

Ask Us Anything

Rex Factor will soon be returning for a new series reviewing all the Kings and Queens of Scotland but before we start the new series, we're going to have a Question and Answers podcast to bridge the gap. This is your chance to ask us any questions you might have had while listening to the podcast: specific questions about a king or queen, other characters or events you have enjoyed, questions about Ali and Graham and the 'behind the scenes' of Rex Factor - whatever you like, this is your chance to ask! You can send us your questions on Facebook, Twitter (@rexfactorpod), on our blog (rexfactor.wordpress.com) or email us ([email protected]). If you do want to ask us any questions then please send your questions to us by Thursday 18 September as we will be recording our responses the next day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 27, 20147 min

S1.78 The Grand Final Results

So, after four years we have finally reached the conclusion. The votes have all been counted, the results are in.We have reviewed all the kings and queens of England from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II and you have voted for who you want to win. In today's episode, we reveal your favourite dynasty, our plans for the future and, of course, the Rex Factor Champion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 2, 201450 min

S1.77 The Grand Final

After four years reviewing all the kings and queens of England from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II we have reached the end - the Grand Final. The three contenders for the Rex Factor crown are Alfred the Great (the founding father), Henry II (the Plantagenet top seed) and Elizabeth I (the iconic Tudor queen). In this episode, we compare them across all the factors but the winner will be determined by you - click the link below to vote on which monarch you want to be crowned Rex Factor champion. http://www.eSurveysPro.com/Survey.aspx?id=56d91477-ef36-4c2b-9862-aae59f75cfd0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 1, 20141h 6m

S1.76 The Semi-Final Results

We're almost at the end - the Semi-Finals feature 9 of the 18 Rex Factor winning monarchs but after this just three will make it through to the Grand Final. Listen now to find out who is still standing, with sword held aloft, on the Rex Factor mountain... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 14, 201453 min

S1.75 Play-Offs: Semi-Final C

In the third and final semi-final, our very first monarch, Alfred the Great, is up against the two Edwards - grandfather and grandson, Edward I and Edward III. But who deserves a place in the final? Will it be Alfred for saving Anglo-Saxon England from the Vikings? Edward I for conquering Wales with his magnificent castles and his reforms to the law and Parliament? Or Edward III for the Arthurian glories of Crecy and the Hundred Years War? Only one can go through to the final, so use the link below to vote for your favourite - the deadline for voting is Thursday 12 June: Survey Link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 27, 20141h 19m

S1.74 Play-Offs: Semi-Final B

Semi-Final B sees a fascinating mix of characters: the pious, all-conquering Saxon and first king of all England, Athelstan; the relentless, zealous, French-conquering hero of Agincourt, Henry V, and the vibrant splendour of a Tudor golden age in Elizabeth I. Only one can go through to the Grand Final, so make sure you vote for your favourite in the link below: Survey Link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 20141h 17m

S1.73 Play-Offs: Semi-Final A

Things are hotting up now in the play-offs as we move on to the semi-finals. Semi-Final A is a real humdinger, with the top scoring monarch in Henry II up against two of the most iconic figures in Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. This time only one will progress into the Grand Final, so make sure you vote for your favourite monarch in the link below! Survey Link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 25, 20141h 12m

S1.72 The First Round Results

Things get real in the play-offs as 9 of the 18 Rex Factor winners are eliminated from the competition. The results are revealed for Groups A, B and C in the first round - the scores from Ali, Graham and the combined votes of the public at large will be put together and the top three in each group will go through to the semi-finals. For more about the play-offs, check out our blog: http://rexfactor.wordpress.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 201448 min

S1.71 Play-Offs: Group C

In the last of the first round ties, Group C is a fascinating battle between medieval (William the Conqueror, Edward III & Henry V) vs. the modern (William IV, Victoria & George V). William conquered England after the Battle of Hastings, while Edward III & Henry V enjoyed military glories against France in the Hundred Years war. William IV saw the beginnings of a constitutional monarchy, helping to usher in the Great Reform Act, while Victoria was at the centre of Britain at her imperial height. George V established the Windsor dynasty amidst the turbulence of the First World War and interwar years. As ever, YOU can help decide who goes through - click on the link below and vote for your THREE favourites: Group C Survey The survey will close on 31 March 2014 so make sure you vote before it's too late! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 17, 20141h 31m

S1.70 Play-Offs: Group B

Group B is a heavyweight affair of empires and conquerors. Cnut, a Viking, is one of a very small number of leaders to have conquered England, as well as presiding over a North Sea Empire, Henry II established the Angevin Empire (England and the 'left' of France), while Richard the Lionheart set his sights on Jerusalem and Edward I on Wales. Elizabeth I did not conquer but she presided over a golden age and saw off the Spanish Armada while William III set in motion the Glorious Revolution. Once again, YOU can help decide who goes through - click on the link below and vote for your THREE favourites: Group B Survey Link The survey will close on 31 March 2014 so make sure you vote before it's too late! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 8, 20141h 31m

S1.69 Play-Offs: Group A

So the play-offs finally begin. There are three rounds and in the opening round we have three groups of six, which for Group A consists of Alfred the Great, Athelstan, Henry I, Edward IV, Henry VIII & Charles II. In this episode, we look at all the monarchs together, factor by factor, and debate who should come out on top. But who goes through will be determined by voting, so once you've listened to the episode, click on the link below and vote for your THREE favourites: Group A Survey Link The survey will close on 31 March 2014 so make sure you vote before then to have your say. If you have any problems with the survey, email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 1, 20141h 30m

S1.68 The Play-Off Draw

After 67 episodes, three and a half years and numerous broken bones (all belonging to Ali) we have reviewed all the Kings and Queens of England from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II. We were left with 18 monarchs standing tall and proud atop the Rex Factor mountain but no mountain is big enough for England's greatest monarchs so we are going to decide who is the greatest of them all. In this episode, we explain how the play-offs will work, how the monarchs will be drawn and how YOU will help us decide! While the play-offs are underway, check out our new blog https://rexfactor.wordpress.com for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 11, 201427 min