The British History Podcast

<p>William’s efforts to conquer Ely, hindered by the resourceful Hereward, climax with a bold yet flawed strategy involving commandeering all boats for a siege. The narrative weaves through a series of mishaps, including an incendiary sabotage by Hereward, resulting in a disastrous loss for the Normans. This account not only highlights the cunning and resilience […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/423-hereward-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-war-hero/">423 – Hereward: The Lion, The Witch, and the War Hero</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Hereward the Wake, embodying the essence of a folk hero, engages in a daring operation to infiltrate King William’s camp, armed with only his wit and courage. Disguised as a potter, he navigates through enemy lines, gathering intelligence on the King’s plans. Despite the threat of exposure and the dire consequences of his mission, Hereward’s […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/422-hereward-the-man-the-myth-the-legend/">422 – Hereward: The Man, the Myth, The Legend</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>King William’s siege of Ely, motivated by Hereward’s defiance, epitomizes the struggle between Norman conquest and English resistance. William’s frustration peaks as he witnesses Hereward not just surviving but thriving, bolstering his legend. The king’s attempts to storm Ely through a makeshift causeway and incentivized bravery culminate in a disastrous and almost comical failure, as […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/421-the-wake-at-ely/">421 – The Wake at Ely</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Hereward’s raid on Peterborough and subsequent alliance with Danish forces highlight a critical phase in his resistance against Norman oppression. Seeking to protect the Abbey’s wealth from Norman plunder, Hereward’s actions inadvertently lead to the town’s devastation and capture of monks, complicating his mission. This episode reflects the complex interplay of politics, loyalty, and strategy, […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/420-the-wake-and-the-earl/">420 – The Wake and the Earl</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Hereward the Wake, a figure of enigmatic life and legendary prowess, reemerges into the historical narrative with stories filled with feuds, exile, and resistance against Norman oppression. After a period of political turmoil, he returns to England to avenge the injustices against his family by the Normans, showcasing his military skill and leadership. Hereward’s actions […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/419-the-wake-at-peterborough/">419 – The Wake at Peterborough</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Following the Harrying of the North, King William’s grueling campaign through the Pennines during winter reflects the harsh conditions faced by his army, marred by low morale, severe weather, and logistical nightmares. Despite these challenges, William’s strategic manipulation and insistence on pushing forward underscore his determination to consolidate power. The campaign, marked by extreme violence […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/418-gods-chosen/">418 – God’s Chosen</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of William the Conqueror’s devastating Harrying of the North, King Malcolm III of Scotland seizes the opportunity to raid Northern England, capitalizing on the chaos and destruction. Amid the scorched earth and displacement caused by William’s campaign, Malcolm’s forces engage in systematic pillaging, exploiting the vulnerability of the English countryside. The narrative […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/417-the-far-more-than-four-horsemen/">417 – The (far more than four) Horsemen</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In 1069, William the Conqueror’s brutal campaign, known as the Harrying of the North, devastates Yorkshire and surrounding areas. This scorched-earth strategy aims to quash northern rebellions, leading to widespread destruction, famine, and a significant reduction in population. The campaign, criticized even by contemporaries for its ruthlessness, leaves a lasting impact on the region, altering […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/416-the-harrying-of-the-north/">416 – The Harrying of the North</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In 1069, William the Conqueror faces a strategic nightmare as his march north is stymied by natural obstacles and a well-coordinated Danish-led resistance. The rebels’ tactical use of geography, destroying bridges and leveraging seasonal weather, forces William into a difficult position. Amidst a backdrop of widespread rebellion and a lack of local support, William’s attempts […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/415-cry-me-a-river/">415 – Cry Me a River</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In 1069, the victory at York ignites widespread rebellion across England, challenging Norman dominance. The English, bolstered by alliances with the Danes, leverage this triumph to inspire uprisings, symbolizing a significant shift in resistance against Norman control. This period highlights a critical juncture where experienced leadership emerges, altering the dynamics of English resistance. The narrative […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/414-the-uprising/">414 – The Uprising</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In the fall of 1069, King Swegn of Denmark launches an invasion of England with a massive fleet, motivated by ambition and the lure of wealth rather than revenge for Hastings. Despite the impressive size of the invading force, their raids along the English coast face unexpected resistance, leading to a series of repelled attacks […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/413-the-d/">413 – The D</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Harold Godwinson’s sons, continuing their family’s tradition of piracy, return to England with a fleet from Ireland to challenge the crown. Despite the questionable success of this approach in the past, they inflict generational damage on the southern English coast, highlighting a mix of political motivation and opportunistic plunder. The campaign, however, ends disastrously for […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/412-the-b-word/">412 – The B Word</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>The 1069 turmoil in the North of England sees a chaotic blend of failed leadership, noble mismanagement, and dramatic confrontations with King William. A successful rebellion quickly disintegrates into a farcical retreat as English nobles, initially seizing the moment, falter spectacularly in their strategic endeavors. William, seemingly untroubled, returns to his southern domain, throwing an […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/411-tell-it-to-st-peter/">411 – Tell it to St. Peter</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In 1069, William the Conqueror’s sudden assault on York with a formidable army takes the city by surprise, exploiting strategies learned from previous battles. The city’s defenders, comprising mostly non-combatants, are thrown into chaos, highlighting the harsh realities of warfare on civilian populations. The narrative further delves into the political complexities of the time, including […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/410-the-f-word/">410 – The F Word</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In 1068, a pivotal moment unfolds in Northumbria, where the assassination of Earl Robert at Durham sparks a large-scale rebellion against Norman rule. This event signifies a shift in English resistance, transforming disparate uprisings into a coordinated army ready for rebellion. The construction of a castle in Durham underlines the strategic shift, emphasizing preparedness and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/409-the-first-sparks/">409 – The First Sparks</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Happy New Year! It was 1069… nice… and as the new year dawned…things in England were getting a bit weird.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/408-kerosene/">408 – Kerosene</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>I feel for the English commoners in the late 1060’s. They had nothing to do with the arrival of the Normans… everything they suffered was the result of the actions of the nobles. Exclusively. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/407-robbing-the-hood/">407 – Robbing the Hood</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>In early 1068… as William was preparing for the tactical Coronation of Matilda… the three sons of Harold Godwinson were in Ireland. They had come to meet with King Diarmad of Dublin and prepare an invasion force to re-take England.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/406-kings-rook-takes-pawn/">406 – King’s Rook Takes Pawn</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Here is the beginning of Hereward the Wake. And to tell this story, we have to begin with the legend, because nothing in this story is straightforward. Probably because at least some of it is true. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/405-hereward-the-wake-the-bourne-identity/">405 – Hereward the Wake: The Bourne Identity</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Gytha and her supporters had fled into the Severn Estuary, and it was the final nail in the coffin of the Exeter rebellion. With no help coming, they were forced to negotiate a peace. But this wasn’t exactly a victory for William, either. He’d been on the throne for scarcely over a year, and he’d […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/404-the-coronation-of-queen-matilda/">404 – The Coronation of Queen Matilda</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Exeter stood in open defiance against William and his army.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/403-the-siege-of-exeter/">403 – The Siege of Exeter</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Earl Osulf II of Bamburgh was a Northumbrian, and he had earned his seat ruling over the region North of the Tyne in true Northumbrian fashion. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/402-fire-sale/">402 – Fire Sale</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Last week we left off with Dover with some good old fashioned french on french violence… Count Eustace had attacked and attempted to seize the Southern Town… and lost. In fact, he had lost so badly that his poor young nephew (who had never fought in battle before but, trusting his uncle, joined him on […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/401-norms-and-normans/">401 – Norms and Normans</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Feudalism had officially come to England, courtesy of the Normans…</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/400-william-this-is-fine/">400 – William: This is Fine</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>1067 was a time of incredible change within England. Fortresses were being constructed everywhere. Existing fortresses were seized and then manned by foreign mercenaries. Estates and farms in the surrounding areas were being seized and handed over to many of these same foreigners.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/399-into-the-wild/">399 – Into the Wild</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Do you remember the holy man who asked Edgar the AEtheling to confirm him as the Abbot of Peterborough, just after the Battle of Hastings? Well, that guy’s name was Brand. The previous Abbot of Peterborough, Leofric, had actually marched to Hastings with Harold. But Leofric didn’t make it. So the job fell to Brand, […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/398-william-winning-friends-and-influencing-people-is-for-suckers/">398 – William: Winning Friends and Influencing People Is For Suckers</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>It was Christmas Day of 1066 and England was crowning it’s new King. In celebration, the King’s men…heavily armed and backed by divine authority, were going from building to building… taking whatever they wanted, doing whatever they felt like to the people inside, and then lighting it all on fire. The first act of Norman […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/397-william-the-devil-inside/">397 – William: The Devil Inside</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Duke William was experienced at wielding terror. Whether he was at home or on campaign, William often employed terror tactics. The people of France were well aware of this, and now the English were learning his skill first hand. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/396-king-william-i-of-england/">396 – King William I of England</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>It was autumn of 1066 and after weeks of deliberation, political wrangling, and arguing the English nobility had finally selected their next King. This may seem like a long time, considering there was a whole invasion happening at the time. And it was. But, to be fair, the politics were very confusing.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/395-rearranging-the-deck-chairs-on-hms-england/">395 – Rearranging the Deck chairs on HMS England</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>The Battle of Hastings had been brutal – even for the Normans. The invading army had suffered terrible losses.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/394-godwinsons-revenge/">394 – Godwinson’s Revenge</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Here is how you probably heard the story of the Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror boarded a ship, won a battle at Hastings, and was crowned King. Kingdom. Conqueror. Conquered.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/393-to-kill-a-legend/">393 – To Kill a Legend</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Chaos. The orderly rhythm of attacks… and the steady wall of the war hedge had dissolved, and it was replaced by a raging melee.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/392-the-night-is-dark-and-full-of-terrors/">392 – The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>A New Shoptalk Just Dropped</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/a-quick-update-from-zee/">A Quick Update From Zee</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>The King is dead. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/chapter-9-the-normans/">Chapter Nine – The Normans</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Stamford Bridge had been a nightmare. Thousands of dead… untold numbers of wounded. And the fallout was just beginning. All over Britain, all over Europe, families would slowly be learning the fate of their loved ones. Word was spreading across England and up to Orkney. Out to Flanders, and Norway.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/391-the-battle-of-hastings/">391 – The Battle of Hastings</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>King Harold, his Huscarls, and the fyrd of Wessex were driving north as fast as they could.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/390-stamford-bridge/">390 – Stamford Bridge</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>The shores of Saint Valery must have been quite the sight. Looking at the records, which discuss the size of this fleet and other notes that let us estimate the size of the original fleet launched from the River Dives, and comparing those to the records of the fleet following it’s mooring at Saint Valery…historians […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/389-the-tyrant-and-the-muddy-crossing/">389 – The Tyrant and the Muddy Crossing</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>We left off in the Court of Harald Hardrada. And you probably feel like you know a lot about this man by now. There’s the stories about the empress, and his time as a Varagian, and about his reputation as a seductive warrior poet. And all of the “oh my god this guy is hot” […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/388-the-stupid-before-the-storm/">388 – The Stupid Before The Storm</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>War was coming. That much was clear.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/387-the-douche-is-cast/">387 – The Douche is Cast</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>William had secured his promises. Each Baron and lesser noble of Normandy swore to serve him faithfully and take part the invasion of England. And William made sure the nerds wrote every single oath down on paper.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/386-gods-messenger/">386 – God’s Messenger</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Ok nerds, take this down. Dear Harry, I was saddened to hear of King Edward’s death. but, I am writing to inform you that my beloved cousin promised me the throne a while back. Don’t worry if this is news to you, it was a secret so I understand if you are a little surprised. […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/385-the-audacity-of-boats/">385 – The Audacity of Boats</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Edward was dead. Harold was King. Edith was sidelined. And as far as the Vita Edwardii was concerned, this was the moment where the wheels came completely off the wagon.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/384-king-harold-godwinson/">384 – King Harold Godwinson</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Christmas of 1065 would have been a grim affair. And as 1066 approached, the Court was likely consumed with anxiety. The King was childless and the throne was being eyed from all sides by foreign dynasties and, according to sources like William of Poitiers, the King had been terribly ill for quite some time. Poitiers […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/383-the-death-of-king-edward/">383 – The Death of King Edward</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>A 14th century monk made it weird. Or Wyrd? I dunno… it’s weirdly wyrd, though.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/2021-halloween-special/">2021 Halloween Special</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>It was 1065. And King Edward was falling ever more ill.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/382-bros-before-thrones/">382 – Bros Before Thrones</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>After the traitorous murder of King Gruffydd, Harold returned to England victorious… and as for Wales. Well, their King had been assassinated and their lands were carved up between rival nobles who were subservient to England.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/381-weekend-at-williams/">381 – Weekend at William’s</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Up in the hills of Snowdonia, pinned between the sea and the English midlands, King Gruffydd fought against the invading forces of the Godwinsons. And he was giving the English such a hard time that even the Life of King Edward admits it in the record.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/380-everybody-is-killing-everybody-else-and-nobody-is-talking-about-it-part-3/">380 – Everybody Is Killing Everybody Else And Nobody Is Talking About It: Part 3</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>

<p>Earl AElfgar and his alliance with King Gruffydd of Wales was likely the one true barrier that stood between Harold Godwinson and the throne of England.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/379-everybody-is-killing-everybody-else-and-nobody-is-talking-about-it-part-2/">379 – Everybody Is Killing Everybody Else And Nobody Is Talking About It: Part 2</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com">The British History Podcast</a>.</p>