The English Heritage Podcast

This week we’re joined by English Heritage historians’ team leader Dr Andrew Hann and senior properties historian Dr Steven Brindle to discuss the story of Sutton Scarsdale Hall in Derbyshire. We'll cover the decline of this Georgian mansion, the issues that affected many of England’s grand country houses and the work of charities such as English Heritage to save them for the nation. To learn more about Sutton Scarsdale Hall or to plan a visit, go to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/sutton-scarsdale-hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we approach midsummer, we’re joined by English Heritage senior properties historian Jennifer Wexler to answer your questions about the summer solstice at Stonehenge. Discover why the solstice is important, how Neolithic people understood and celebrated it and how living traditions can help us to understand the function of the site. We’ll also reveal where the idea of creating stone circles came from, what happened to Stonehenge’s missing stones and more. To learn more about Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark Pride month this June, we’re taking a look at LGBTQ+ history and the private lives of four rulers who had same-sex relationships with their ‘favourites’. Joining us to discuss Roman Emperor Hadrian, Edward II, James I and Queen Anne are interpretation manager Nick Collison, head properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee, queer historian Kris Reid and curator of collections & interiors (Osborne House & Isle of Wight) Dr Christopher Warleigh-Lack. To discover more LGBTQ+ history at our sites, go to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/lgbtq-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re discovering just how far Roman influence spread through Britain, as we explore the stories of three fascinating forts in spectacular locations in northwest England’s Lake District. Joining us to discuss the stories and functions of Ravenglass Roman Bath House, Hardknott Roman Fort and Ambleside Roman Fort in Cumbria are English Heritage properties historian Dr Andrew Roberts and free sites coordinator Lauren Emslie. To find out more about the Romans in the Lake District, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/romanlakedistrict Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re joined by English Heritage historian Dr Rebecca Preston and Professor of real estate practice law, Carrie de Silva to reveal the stories of two 20th-century women who have recently been honoured with London blue plaques. During their lifetimes, both Irene Barclay and Lady Marjory Allen contributed to improving people’s lives through their surroundings – Barclay as a convention-breaking housing reformer and Allen as a landscape architect and pioneer of children’s adventure playgrounds. To learn more about our blue plaque scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by senior properties historian Paul Pattison and independent historian and author of Mission France, Dr Kate Vigurs, ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We’ll reveal the story of the biggest landing by land, sea and air the world has ever seen, including how long it took to plan, the roles of Operation Neptune and Overlord and how the initial assault on northern France on 6 June 1944 helped to bring about the end of the Second World War. To learn about Operation Fortitude South and the D-Day Deception, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/history-and-stories/d-day-deception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re discussing the lives, loves, work and legacies of two unconventional artists from the early 20th century. Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant were part of the Bloomsbury group of writers, intellectuals, philosophers and artists in London – a group it was once said ‘lived in squares, painted in circles and loved in triangles’. They rejected the past, embraced their present and expressed themselves in new ways on canvas, cementing their place in art history. Joining us to talk us through their stories and the London blue plaque that commemorates their achievements are English Heritage blue plaques historian Dr Rebecca Preston, art critic, author and current blue plaque panel member Andrew Graham-Dixon, and writer and historian Rosemary Hill. To learn more about the London blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Major Lunar Standstill (MLS) – an astrological phenomenon which takes place once every 18.6 years, when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along the horizon – is due to occur in 2024 and 25. It is believed that at least one MLS was marked during the early phase of Stonehenge and some academics believe there may be a connection between this and the placement of the Station Stones at Stonehenge. Joining us to discuss the theory and the project putting it to the test are English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Jennifer Wexler, emeritus professor of archaeoastronomy at the University of Leicester Clive Ruggles and senior lecturer in archaeological modelling at Bournemouth University Dr Fabio Silva. To learn more about Stonehenge or find out how you can get involved, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/lunar-standstill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by English Heritage curator of collections and interiors Dickon Whitewood and jouster, author and scholar of arms and armour Tobias Capwell to answer all the questions we received about medieval knights and jousts from English Heritage members and followers on our social media accounts. Join us to discover the rules of a joust, what a frog-mouth helmet is, the weight of a suit of armour, the practicalities of going to the toilet while wearing one and much more. To learn more about the history of tournaments, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/brief-history-of-knights-tournaments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by two English Heritage curators of collections, Eleanor Matthews and Louise Cooling, to mark the acquisition of a painting by Dutch artist Jan Wijnants, which has a close link with Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire. Join us to discover the story of this and some of the other Dutch masterpieces that can be seen at both Brodsworth Hall and Kenwood in London. To learn more about Brodsworth Hall and Gardens or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth-hall. To learn more about Kenwood or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re in Kent to take a peek into the hidden history of Walmer Castle, one of Henry VIII’s Device Forts on England’s southeast coast, where visitors are being invited to explore the private apartments of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports for the first time. We’re joined by curator of collections and interiors Kathryn Bedford to discover the history of the castle, why the Lord Warden was stationed here and what the job involves. Plus, we meet the children of a former Lord Warden to find out what it’s like growing up in one of England’s iconic fortresses. To learn more about Walmer Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/walmer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nine hundred years after a community of monks settled in the ‘vale of nightshade’ on the Furness peninsular, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter and site manager Juliet Fellows to look back at the history of Furness Abbey – once the largest and wealthiest monastery in north-west England. Discover how the abbey became so successful, why it was a prime target during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries and how we’re bringing its story back to life for visitors today. To learn more about Furness Abbey or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/furnessabbey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re heading to the Isles of Scilly – a small cluster of islands off the tip of Cornwall in the south-west of England. Today, this peaceful archipelago is treasured for its natural beauty and holiday charm, but, in centuries past, the islands were on the frontline of Britain’s military defence. We’re joined by senior properties curator Win Scutt and author of Defending Scilly Dr Allan Brodie to explore the islands’ military history and the heritage sites left behind as a result. To discover more about the historic sites of the Isles of Scilly, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/historic-sites-of-scilly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re discussing the story of Bridget Atkinson, a Cumbrian woman who amassed a huge collection of shells from across the globe during the 18th century. We’re joined by English Heritage Collections Curator Dr Frances McIntosh, Principal Curator at the Natural History Museum Dr Tom White, Bath Spa University lecturer Matthew Law and family researcher Richard Atkinson. They reveal who she was, how she collected her shells despite rarely leaving her home county and how a family connection led to a selection of her recently rescued treasures going on display in the Clayton Museum at Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. To plan a visit to see Bridget’s shells for yourself, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/chesters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Turner Prize-nominated artist and photographer, Ingrid Pollard, to discuss her new art installation, titled 'There is Light in the Fissures', at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland. Discover what inspired her artwork and what you can expect to find during a visit as a result. Plus, we chat to English Heritage's Chris Osborne who reveals the plans for other thought-provoking creative installations at English Heritage sites across the country. To find out more about our creative programme plans, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/creative-programme/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, as we approach Mother's Day here in the UK, we're joined by senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland and senior lecturer in history at the University of Derby Dr Ruth Larsen to examine how mothers raised their children in the past. Join us as we look back at life for mothers and those who helped them between the 16th and 19th centuries, drawing on the stories of people who lived and worked at English Heritage properties. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including baby loss and miscarriage, that some listeners might find uncomfortable. For inspiration for a family day out with your mum, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/familydaysout/mothers-day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britain was part of the Roman Empire for over three-and-a-half centuries. Following the invasion under the emperor Claudius in AD 43, the province was part of a political union that covered most of Europe. But what happened in Britannia when rule from Rome ended in the early 5th century? Cameron Moffett, English Heritage's curator of collections for the West Midlands, and Dr Roger White, honorary senior lecturer in archaeology at the University of Birmingham, explore the end of an empire. To learn more about Roman Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/romans. To learn more about Wroxeter Roman City or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wroxeter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we head to Gloucestershire for a stroll along a section of Offa's Dyke — the great earthwork boundary dyke built along the Anglo-Welsh border by Offa, King of Mercia, and one of the most remarkable structures in Britain. We're joined by professor in archaeology Keith Ray, who reveals when and why Offa's Dyke was built, who the Mercians were, how they used the structure, and how the dyke is protected and maintained today. To learn more about Offa's Dyke or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/offas-dyke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by senior historian for the blue plaques scheme Howard Spencer and writer and performer Mark Farrelly to explore the life and legacy of filmmaker, artist and activist Derek Jarman, who died 30 years ago and was commemorated by a London blue plaque in 2019. Join us to discover the story of Jarman's career, his role as a gay rights activist and the new touring show that has been created to document his colourful life. To learn more about Derek Jarman's blue plaque, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/derek-jarman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valentine's Day is on its way and romance is most definitely in the air, so we're focusing our attention on a selection of the love stories that played out at English Heritage sites. Joining us to discuss the true romances formed at Osborne on the Isle of Wight, Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Eltham Palace in London are collections curator Eleanor Matthews and properties historians team leader Dr Andrew Hann. To learn more about Victoria and Albert's time at Osborne, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborne. To learn more about life at Brodsworth Hall, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth. To learn more about life at Wrest Park during the First World War, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park/history/wrest-park-at-war. To learn more about the history of Eltham Palace, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hidden among the collections at Corbridge Roman Town on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland are a series of dodecahedra (12 sided objects) made of copper alloy that have been puzzling archaeologists since the 18th century. Each one is slightly different, but have common features, with a hole in the centre, decoration and knobs on each corner. We're joined in the studio by collections curator Dr Frances McIntosh to discuss these rare Roman objects, the theories about their use and the new exhibition they have inspired. To learn more about the dodecahedra at Corbridge Roman Town, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/corbridge-roman-town-hadrians-wall/dodecahedron-exhibition/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're joined by senior properties historian Dr Steven Brindle and historian John McNeill to discuss the story of Old Sarum in Wiltshire — one of the most eclectic and important sites in southern England, with over 2,000 years of history. Continuously occupied since Roman times, it uniquely combines a royal castle and cathedral within the remains of an Iron Age fortification. Join us to discover how it was once the setting of the Oath of Sarum under William the Conqueror and the location of Salisbury's original Cathedral before becoming a rotten borough. To learn more about Old Sarum or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldsarum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're tracing the fascinating story of an almost forgotten currency. In early medieval England, eels were exchanged for goods and services and to settle debts. We're joined by medievalist and cartographic historian Dr John Wyatt Greenlee to reveal how these once abundant fish powered the medieval economy, why they were coveted as both a food and currency and what caused their eventual fall from favour. To learn more about Meare Fish House or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/meare-fish-house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined in the studio by senior properties historian Michael Carter to take a look at the annual traditions and events that mark the early part of the year — some we still celebrate today, while others have slipped into obscurity. Join us to discover the origins of Plough Monday, St Hilary's Day, Candlemas, Ash Wednesday and more. Plus, we reveal why we have leap years and why these take place on 29 February. To learn more about Candlemas and why you shouldn't take your Christmas decorations down until 2 February, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/leaving-up-christmas-decorations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're honouring the life of a 17th-century composer, who lived and worked at Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire. George Jeffreys was both a steward and in-house musician for the Hattons — a wealthy family who became entangled in the Civil Wars. But now, his music and memory have been reborn, thanks to a new album recorded on-site at Kirby Hall. We're joined by curator of collections Dickon Whitewood, musicologist and performer Professor Jonathan Wainwright and Solomon's Knot artistic director Jonathan Sells to discover Jeffreys story and listen to his music in the place it was created. To learn more about Kirby Hall or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kirby-hall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're in Kent in southeast England to meet English Heritage properties historians Dr Jennifer Wexler and Dr Alastair Oswald and visit an ancient sacred site with a fascinating story. Kit's Coty House and its neighbour, Little Kit's Coty House, are the remains of two megalithic 'dolmen' burial chambers. Discover who built them, how they were used and why this is a great time to visit on the 150th anniversary of Kits Coty House becoming a scheduled monument. To learn more about Kits Coty House or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kits-coty-house-and-little-kits-coty-house/history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined in the studio by properties historian Dr Will Wyeth, senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland and properties historian team leader Dr Andrew Hann to answer all the questions we received about the history of Christmas from English Heritage Members and followers on our social media accounts. Join us to discover how the origins of Christmas date back over 2,000 years, when geese were first swapped for turkeys on the dinner table, how Boxing Day got its name and much more. To learn more about the history of Christmas, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're joined by senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter to find out how people in the past entertained themselves during the cold and dark midwinter — and the festive mischief they got up to at this time of year. Join us to learn about Christmas irreverence through the ages, the curious traditions of boy bishops, the Bean King and the Lord of Misrule, and the English Heritage sites where these festivities took place. To learn more about the Lord of Misrule, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/members-magazine/2021/the-lord-of-misrule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Christmas party season gets into full swing, we're taking a look back at the history of alcoholic drinks through the ages. From mead to mulsum, beer to brandy, and wine to whisky — they're all on the menu in our figurative festive pub. Joining us to raise a glass and explain all are English Heritage curator of collections Cameron Moffett and drinks expert and writer Jane Peyton. To learn more about mead and find some mead cocktail recipes, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/search-news/mead-resurgence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're joined by English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter to reveal the story of St Milburga, who was a princess, the second abbess of Wenlock Priory, and a woman of international renown. Discover the story of her royal roots, her rise to Christian renown and the miraculous cures attributed to this little-known saint. To learn more about St Milburga, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wenlock-priory/history/st-milburga. To plan a visit to Wenlock Priory, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wenlock-priory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re exploring the secrets to living a healthy life in Roman Britain. The Roman’s well documented love of bathing was one aspect of this, along with exercise, ancient medical science, religion and even superstition. Joining us to shine a light on Roman medicine and healthcare are English Heritage properties historian Dr Andrew Roberts and curators Cameron Moffett and Dr Frances McIntosh. Content warning: this podcast contains graphic descriptions of historic medical procedures that some listeners might find uncomfortable. To learn more about baths and bathing in Roman Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans/roman-bathing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re looking back at the story of the man who brought free healthcare to the UK in the years after the Second World War. Aneurin Bevan – also known as Nye Bevan – was the founding father of the National Health Service or NHS, which 75 years on, remains at the heart of British life. Joining us to discuss Bevan’s life and legacy, and the London blue plaque commemorating his achievements, is senior historian for the blue plaques scheme, Howard Spencer. To learn more about our London blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re holding our noses to tackle the history of toilets through the ages, from latrines, privies and reredorters to garderobes and even thunderboxes! Joining us to flush out the stories of long drops, dung gatherers and the first public conveniences are senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and historical archaeologist Dr Ian West. To learn more about toilets through time, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/top-10-toilets-through-time. To find out more about Joseph Bazalgette and the location of his blue plaque, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/joseph-william-bazalgette/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us to discover the story of one of England’s wealthiest and most powerful medieval noblewomen, Isabella de Fortibus (1237–1293). Married at an early age before becoming a wealthy young widow and heiress, she was pursued by many ambitious suitors hoping to acquire her wealth and lands while she lived at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. And it’s here that we begin our story with our guests, English Heritage senior properties curator Sam Stones and documentation officer Dr Therron Welstead. To learn more about Carisbrooke Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/carisbrooke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re making history at Stonehenge, as our most famous prehistoric site hosts its first ever Festival of Neolithic Ideas on 11 and 12 November 2023. Joining us to tell us more about the event and how our understanding of Stonehenge and its Neolithic builders is continuing to develop are English Heritage properties historian Dr Jennifer Wexler and head of learning and interpretation Dr Dominque Bouchard. To learn more about Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge. To find out more about the festival of Neolithic ideas, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/stonehenge-festival-of-neolithic-ideas/ To listen to some of the other prehistory podcasts we mention in this episode, go to https://soundcloud.com/englishheritage/sets/stonehenge-and-prehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the nights grow long and Halloween approaches, we’re discussing the dark and sinister history of Farleigh Hungerford Castle near Bath. Home to the Hungerford family for over 300 years, it’s a place where you can see Britain’s best collection of human-shaped lead coffins, explore a creepy crypt and learn about murder, disaster and scandal – one part even linked to witchcraft. Joining us to explain more is historian and author of the English Heritage guidebook to Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Charles Kightly. To learn more about Farleigh Hungerford Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/farleigh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re shifting our attention to Portchester Castle in Hampshire on England’s south coast. Situated at the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour, this site has a history stretching back as far as the Romans. The later castle was also a place for thousands of international prisoners during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, including 2,000 black soldiers. Joining us to talk about how the prisoners came to be here, what prison life was like for them and how their stories are being brought to life today are English Heritage’s head of learning and interpretation, Dr Dominique Bouchard, education visits officer, Laura Bosworth, and associate director at Soho Theatre, Lakesha Arie-Angelo. To learn more about Portchester Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/portchestercastle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties curator Roy Porter and curator of collections and interiors Kathryn Bedford to answer all the questions we received about the Battle of Hastings from English Heritage Members and followers on our social media accounts. Join us to discover the conflict behind the battle, how the Normans managed to transport their cavalry from France and if Harold really did get killed by an arrow to the eye. Plus, we reveal how life changed for the average person in England following the battle and what might have happened if William the Conqueror had lost. To learn more about the origins, events and legacy of the Battle of Hastings, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/1066-and-the-norman-conquest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re tracing the story of a historic heist. But it’s not the one from the 1660s involving the Crown Jewels and the Tower of London that some people might recognise. This raid dates back more than 700 years to 1303 and the reign of King Edward I, taking place in unlikely surroundings. Helping us piece together the story are English Heritage’s head properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee and medieval historian Sally Dixon-Smith. For more information about Chapter House and Pyx Chamber or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chapter-house-and-pyx-chamber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re celebrating a historic landmark for the London Blue Plaques scheme after our 1,000th plaque was unveiled to commemorate the work of the Women’s Freedom League. To help us understand more about the plaque and the league’s role in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, we’re joined by English Heritage’s blue plaque historian Howard Spencer, historian Susan Skedd and writer and historian Jill Liddington. For details of our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week you find us Audley End in Essex, where we’re joined by English Heritage landscape advisor and historian, Louise Crawley and PHD student, Helen Brown, to learn how our historic gardens were designed to stimulate different senses. Join us to discover how sensory experiences can help to understand the past, how sensory experiences in the past differ from those we have now and what you should look out for during a visit to one of our historic gardens today. For details of our historic gardens or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/historic-gardens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a new school year gets underway, we’re joined by senior properties historian Michael Carter to discover what education was like in the Middle Ages and how it compared to today’s classrooms. Discover the different forms of medieval schools, the role of the monasteries as educators and how the educational opportunities differed for boys and girls. We’ll also reveal what the curriculum comprised, what a medieval school day looked like and where you can find out more today. For details of the school visit opportunities at our historic sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/school-visits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re talking about King Henry V, who is famous for his victory over the French at the 1415 Battle of Agincourt, his military abilities during the Hundred Years’ War with France and the Shakespeare play named after him. Joining us to reveal more about this celebrated medieval king and the time he spent at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire are head historic properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee and emeritus professor of medieval history at the University of Southampton Anne Curry. To discover more about the history of Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden or plan a visit, go towww.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re heading behind the scenes at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens as the finishing touches are put on the major project to conserve and transform this historic country estate in Northumberland. Joining us to talk us through the project – which was partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund – and the history that has been brought to life as a result are national project manager Cheryl Moore, properties historians' team leader Dr Andrew Hann and senior gardens advisor Dr Michael Klemperer. To discover more about Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think of our most famous prehistoric site, Stonehenge, we don’t automatically think of flowers. But in 1842, the site played host to a huge dahlia exhibition, attended by around 10,000 people. Joining us to reveal the story of this event and how it is being recreated over four days this autumn are English Heritage landscape advisor and historian Louise Crawley and archivist for the National Dahlia Society David Brown. To learn more about the history of Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Paul Pattison and senior properties curator Roy Porter to answer all the questions we received about the English Civil Wars and Restoration from English Heritage Members and followers on our social media. Join us to discover the origins of the war, if the Roundheads always intended the country to become a republic and the role of Scotland, Ireland and Wales in the conflicts. We’ll also reveal if Oliver Cromwell really did cancel Christmas, how Charles II evaded the Parliamentary soldiers and what provided the turning point between the execution of Charles I and his son being crowned king. To learn more about the origins, events and legacy of the English Civil Wars, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/the-english-civil-wars-history-and-stories/the-english-civil-wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by broadcaster and author Anita Anand and historian Susan Skedd to reveal the story of Indian princess, campaigner for women’s votes and goddaughter of Queen Victoria, Sophia Duleep Singh. Join us as we reveal how she came to be part of the British royal family, her role in the Suffragette movement and the story behind her blue plaque at her former London residence near Hampton Court. For more details about Princess Sophia Duleep Singh’s blue plaque, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/sophia-duleep-singh. With thanks to The Taylormade Trio who you can hear performing at the unveiling of Sophia’s plaque, in May 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland to look back at the remarkable life and achievements of this former duchess, philosopher, poet, playwright, science-fiction pioneer and socialite on the 400th anniversary of her birth. Discover how Margaret Cavendish became one of the most published women of the 17th century, how she came to live at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire and what you can learn about her during a visit today. For more details about Bolsover Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Erroll Flynn and Sean Connery are just a few of the actors who have performed as Robin Hood on the big screen. But who was this legendary English outlaw, whose name continues to be recognised worldwide centuries later? Helping us to understand the story of Robin Hood and his connection to English Heritage sites you can visit today are our two guests: English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and professor of late medieval and Reformation history at the University of Liverpool, Dr Martin Heale. To plan a visit to the English Heritage sites referenced in this episode, go to: Whitby Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/whitby Rievaulx Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulxabbey Roche Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/roche-abbey Rufford Abbey: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rufford-abbey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by two English Heritage curators of collections and interiors, Louise Cooling and Peter Moore, to paint a picture of one of the greatest portrait artists of the 18th century, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Discover the story of his life and art, the Reynolds paintings you can find on display at Kenwood in London today and how we’re celebrating the 300th anniversary of his birth. To discover more about Kenwood or plan a visit to see its art collection yourself, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices