The English Heritage Podcast

Today, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Michael Carter to discuss the story of Anglo-Saxon England’s conversion to Christianity and the key people behind it. Many of you will have heard of St Augustine, but what about St Hild, Hadrian or Milburga, or even Queen Bertha? Join us to discover the role these medieval missionaries played and the sites you can visit today to find out more. To discover more about England’s top abbeys or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/travel-guides/top-abbeys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re on the banks of the River Rye in North Yorkshire to discover how its precious water helped to sustain the monks who lived here for just over 400 years. This relationship between the monks and the river – and the ingenious ways they managed the water – is the focus of a new exhibition being hosted at the abbey. Joining us to explain more are English Heritage Collections Curator Susan Harrison, Ryevitalise Programme Manager for the North York Moors National Park Authority Alexandra Cripps, and Ryevitalise Graduate Niamh Byrne. To discover more about Rievaulx Abbey or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulxabbey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been to an historic site and wondered about the people who lived there? Or the people who died there? Or maybe even those who are buried there? St Peter's Church at Barton-on-the-Humber in north Lincolnshire is home to a large collection of human bones stored in its ossuary. Joining us to reveal the story of the church, its ossuary, and the human remains housed here are Senior Curator Kevin Booth and Human Skeletal Biologist at Historic England, Dr Simon Mays. To discover more about St Peter’s Church or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-peters-church-barton-upon-humber Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Professor Ronald Hutton to investigate the mysterious white horses and giant chalk figures that adorn hillsides across England. Find out who created them, when and why they were created and the stories behind many of England’s most famous hill figures, from the Uffington and Westbury White Horses to the Cerne Abbas Giant and the Long Man of Wilmington. To discover more about the Uffington White Horse or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/uffington-castle-white-horse-and-dragon-hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re joined by English Heritage’s Head of Learning and Interpretation Dr Dominique Bouchard and Properties Historians' Team Leader Dr Andrew Hann to talk about a landmark case presided over by Lord Chief Justice, William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, who lived at Kenwood in north London. He was also a dissenting voice against slavery. Mansfield's ruling in the Somerset v Stewart case in 1772 paved the way for the abolition of slavery in Britain and beyond. To discover 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 returning to one of our favourite topics of conversation on the podcast: castles. Joining us to discuss the evolution of Britain’s fortresses, before revealing his top five English Heritage castles, is John Goodall – a historian, the architectural editor of Country Life magazine and author of a new book called The Castle: A History. To discover more about our castles or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Dr Frances McIntosh to discuss the story of the Edwardian archaeologists who discovered Corbridge Roman Town and the new exhibition that has been created to celebrate their work. Corbridge – or Coria to use its original name – was a major settlement two-and-a-half miles south of Hadrian’s Wall in the north-east of England, and the ground-breaking excavations carried out here more than a hundred years ago uncovered one of the most important Roman collections in Britain. To discover more about Corbridge Roman Town or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/corbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re marking a new chapter in the story of Marble Hill, an eye-catching early Georgian villa set in 66 acres of parkland near the River Thames in Twickenham, south-west London. As it reopens following an 8-million-pound project to revive the house and grounds, we explore the history of this riverside Palladian home, its builder Henrietta Howard, its collections and its garden. Joining us to pick up the story are Senior Properties Historian Dr Megan Leyland, Curator of Collections and Interiors Dr Tessa Kilgarriff and Landscape Advisor Emily Parker. To discover more about Marble Hill or plan a visit, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/marblehill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back for the final instalment of our four-part mini-series on the story of Hadrian’s Wall on its 1,900th anniversary. From the end of Roman control in Britain to the medieval period and the rediscovery of the wall by early archaeologists, we’re looking at the legacy of Hadrian’s Wall. We also consider how the remains of the Wall and its forts are being conserved for future generations. Joining us to guide us on this journey back to the present day are Properties Historian Dr Andrew Roberts and Curator of Hadrian’s Wall Dr Frances McIntosh. To discover more about Hadrian’s Wall or to plan a visit, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first in a three-part mini-series on feasts that were enjoyed at English Heritage sites through the ages. To get us started, we’re headed back in time to visit Lullingstone Roman Villa in Kent. Giving us a flavour of what a Roman feast at Lullingstone would have looked (and tasted) like is Curator of Collections and Interiors Dr Kathryn Bedford. This series is brought to you by Côte at Home, who offer a wide range of luxury chilled meals and French wines, delivered direct to your door, from the kitchens of the Côte Brasserie restaurants. To get a free bottle of French red or white wine with your first order over £60, go to www.coteathome.co.uk and use the promo code EH-RED or EH-WHITE at checkout. To learn more about Lullingstone Roman Villa or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/lullingstone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re concluding our two-part mini-series on the Wars of the Roses as we chart Richard III’s role in the final phases of the conflicts. He remains one of the most controversial kings in English history – accused of murdering his nephews to protect his throne. But who was the real Richard III? We’re joined by Curator of Collections & Interiors, Dickon Whitewood to find out. To discover more about Richard III’s childhood home, Middleham Castle, or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/middleham-castle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re back on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire for the third instalment of our Hadrian’s Wall mini-series. Discover what happened to the Wall following the death of Emperor Hadrian in AD 138 and how life along it evolved until the end of Roman rule in Britain. Joining us to pick up the story are Properties Historian Dr Andrew Roberts and curator of Hadrian’s Wall and the North East region Dr Frances McIntosh. To discover more about Hadrian’s Wall or to plan a visit, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ranger’s House is an elegant Georgian villa on the boundary of Greenwich Park and Blackheath, which houses The Wernher Collection, a world-class art collection amassed by the 19th-century businessman, Sir Julius Wernher. However, in more recent times, its façade has become famous as the star of Netflix period drama Bridgerton. We’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Megan Leyland and Head of Commercial Development Kingston Myles to learn about the history of Ranger’s House and how it was reinvented on-screen as Bridgerton House. To discover more about Ranger’s House or to plan a visit, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/rangershouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edmund was King of East Anglia in the 9th century before becoming England’s original patron saint. Today, very little is known about his life, but the legends of his grisly death developed into a cult centred on his shrine at Bury St Edmunds Abbey, which was founded by King Cnut in 1020. As the cult grew, so did the abbey, which became one of the largest monastic sites in the country. We’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle and Interpretation Manager Jessica Freeland to learn about Edmund’s reign, death and canonisation, along with the plans to share his story with visitors to the abbey today. To discover more about Bury St Edmunds Abbey or to plan a visit, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bury-st-edmunds-abbey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle to answer all of your questions about the Victorian period. Discover what the Victorians liked to eat and drink, their attitudes to child labour, how they expressed themselves through clothing, art and architecture, and Queen Victoria’s lifestyle at Osborne. To discover more about Osborne or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Standing tall in the centre of historic York for almost 800 years, Clifford’s Tower has undergone a transformation to conserve its walls and create a multi-sensory celebration of its stories. Joining us to explain more are Head Properties Curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee, Senior National Project Manager Rachael Baldwin and Interpretation Manager Ruth Haycock. To discover more about Clifford’s Tower or to plan a visit to see it for yourself, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new tour launching this summer explores the LGBTQ+ history behind a number of objects in the Wernher Collection at Ranger’s House in Blackheath, London. We’re joined by Senior Interpretation Manager Nick Collinson, Properties Historian Andrew Roberts and Young Producer Katie Burke to find out how and why they created the tour, and to reveal the LGBTQ+ history connected to a selection of the objects included. To discover more about Ranger’s House or to plan a visit to take the tour, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rangershouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Second World War saw a number of England’s country houses requisitioned by the military to play their part in the war effort. We’re joined by Curator of Collections and Interiors Eleanor Matthews, Properties Historians' Team Leader Dr Andrew Hann and Collections Manager David Hanks to discuss how Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Belsay Hall in Northumberland were reinvented as a barracks, offices and training facilities as the war raged. To discover more about Brodsworth Hall, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth To discover more about Wrest Park, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest To discover more about Belsay Hall, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re continuing our four-part mini-series on Hadrian’s Wall by looking at what life was like for the soldiers stationed at Housesteads Roman Fort in Northumberland. Lying half-way along the wall near Hexham in Northumberland, Housesteads is Britain’s most complete example of a Roman fort. It was built within 10 years of the wall’s initial construction, and for nearly three centuries was able to house 800 infantrymen. Joining us for a march through the history of Housesteads are Senior Properties Historian Paul Pattison and Curator for Hadrian's Wall Dr Frances McIntosh. To discover more or plan a visit to Housesteads Roman Fort, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/housesteads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the beginnings of modern archaeology in the early 20th century, women have made significant contributions to preserving and understanding our cultural heritage. However, their work has often been neglected. Many of them faced institutional sexism, worked in areas that were undervalued, or had their work attributed to male colleagues. We’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Curator Dr Frances McIntosh to take a look at the work of a number of pioneering female archaeologists who worked on sites now cared for by English Heritage, and consider how their investigations have enriched our understanding of the past. To discover more about the archaeologists discussed in this episode, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/six-groundbreaking-female-archaeologists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Less than 100 years after the Black Death, England was again uprooted by dramatic upheaval. The Wars of the Roses, fought between the two powerful houses of York and Lancaster, pitted families against each other. The series of conflicts – which took place between 1455 and 1485 – spanned multiple different reigns, involved numerous foreign kingdoms, and heralded changes in English politics, social order and battlefield technology. In this first episode of our two-part series, we’re joined by Curator of Collections and Interiors Dickon Whitewood to discuss what the Wars of the Roses were, how they started and the early battles that ended with Yorkist triumph. To discover more about medieval warfare, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/medieval/war Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle and Professor Lindy Grant from the University of Reading to look back at the remarkable life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. One of 12th century Europe’s richest and most powerful women, she became Queen of France as the wife of King Louis VII and then Queen of England as the wife of Henry II. Discover the story of her remarkable rise to power, her imprisonment following a plot to remove her second husband as king and her return to power as queen dowager. To discover more about Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/eleanor-aquitaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A quest to discover the origins of several mysterious Indigenous American objects in the collection at Audley End House led Curator of Collections and Interiors Peter Moore on a fact-finding mission across the Atlantic. We’re joined by Peter and Curator of The Seneca Art & Culture Centre Michael Galban to reveal what they learned about the objects, how these came to be at Audley End and a surprising connection between the collections at Audley End House and the Seneca Art & Culture Centre. To arrange a visit to Audley End House and Gardens to see its collections, including the indigenous American objects discussed in this episode, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ten years after the Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage (ARCH) was established, we’re joined in the studio by Historic England’s Head of Heritage Crime Strategy, Mark Harrison, to learn about the different kinds of heritage crime, its impact on our historic sites and what is being done to tackle it. Plus, we speak to Property Curator Win Scutt to reveal what has been happening at English Heritage to stop illegal metal detecting and catch criminals in the act. To learn more about ARCH, go to www.historicengland.org.uk/advice/caring-for-heritage/heritage-crime/prevent/get-involved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Stonehenge Curator Heather Sebire to answer all of your questions about the Neolithic period. Discover what Neolithic people ate, how they navigated their way across the British Isles and if they ever got married. Plus, learn the secrets of our most famous Neolithic monument, Stonehenge. To learn more about the history of Stonehenge, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark the 1,900th anniversary of the building of Hadrian’s Wall, we’re starting a new, four-part podcast series, piecing together the story of Britain’s most famous relic of Roman rule. In this first episode, we’re joined by Properties Historian Dr Andrew Roberts to take a look at the story of Hadrian himself, ahead of the former emperor’s birthday on 24 January. Discover the story of his rise to become the Roman ruler, why he ordered the building of the wall along the northern frontier of the empire, and his vision for it. To learn more about Hadrian’s Wall and the stories of the sites we care for along it, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following on from episode 130, in which we discussed the events and people behind the Battle of Hastings, we’re now shifting our attention to the turbulent years that followed. We often think of 1066 as a big turning point in English history, but it actually took another six years for the Norman Conquest to take hold. Joining us to talk through William the Conqueror’s coronation and the measures he took to assert his authority are Senior Properties Curator Roy Porter and Curator of Collections and Interiors for the South East, Kathryn Bedford. To learn more about the Norman Conquest, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/1066-and-the-norman-conquest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Christmas now behind us, we’re joined by Professor of History at the University of Bristol, Ronald Hutton, to look at the origins of some of England’s other winter traditions. Discover the origins of Plough Monday, Wassailing, Mummers’ plays, Valentine’s Day, Shrove Tuesday and Kissing Friday. For more inspiration for things to do with English Heritage in January, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/top-5-things-to-do-in-january/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the centenary of the death of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, we’re joined by senior historian Howard Spencer to discuss Shackleton’s adventures and the blue plaque that commemorates his achievements at his former London home. We also discuss the exploits of five other polar explorers honoured by blue plaques for their commitments to mapping the globe and pushing the limits of human endurance. To learn more about English Heritage’s blue plaque 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 joined by Properties Historians Team Leader, Dr Andrew Hann, to unwrap the history of Christmas party season at four of our English Heritage sites. Discover how their rich and powerful former residents celebrated, what was on the menu at festive feasts, and how the guests were entertained. 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 Steven Brindle to discuss the history of The Order of the Knights Templar. Discover how they were established, their role in the crusades, the secrets of their military success, and the English Heritage sites linked to them that you can visit today. For more details about Bristol Temple Church, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/temple-church For details of Knights Templar Church in Dover, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/knights-templar-church-dover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the days become shorter and darker, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian, Dr Susan Greaney, and Senior Historic Property Curator for Stonehenge, Heather Sebire, to discover how the winter solstice was marked at Stonehenge thousands of years ago. For more details about Stonehenge or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Built in the 1720s, Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain. We’re joined by Properties Historian Andrew Roberts and Volunteer Manager, Sophie Hearn to learn about the history of the furnace, its place within England’s steel-making history and how its story is being brought back to life for visitors today. For more details about Derwentcote Steel Furnace or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/derwentcote-steel-furnace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dunstanburgh Castle, a huge and jagged ruin on the Northumberland coast, was almost entirely the creation of one man – Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Little known today, he was immensely wealthy, powerful and controversial. He fell out with rivals, supporters and family, was executed for treason, and nearly made a posthumous saint. We’re joined by Head Historic Properties Curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee to discover the story of Dunstanburgh and what its landscape and buildings can tell us about Thomas's extraordinary career. For more details about Dunstanburgh Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dunstanburgh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 30th anniversary of the death of Queen frontman Freddy Mercury, we’re joined by English Heritage’s blue plaque historian Howard Spencer to discover the story behind Mercury’s blue plaque in Feltham, West London, along with those commemorating a supergroup of other rock and pop stars at their former residences across the capital. From Mercury to Marley and Lennon to Hendrix, discover the stories of these late greats and the places they called home. For more details about our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/blue-plaques Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we mark Remembrance Day, we’re joined by historian Dr Fiona Reid and English Heritage audience development manager Rachel Morrison to look back the armistice, remembrance, and how the red poppy became a symbol of those who gave their lives in conflicts since the First World War. We’ll also find out how and where the commemorative poppies are made today – 100 years since the first poppy appeal – and what’s happening at Marble Hill in London to commemorate its wartime history. For more details about Marble Hill or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/marblehill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re getting to know the Romans of Britain, or to use Latin, ‘Britannia’. But who were the Romans living and working in Britain at that time? Where had they come from? And how did their way of life fit in with existing British culture? Joining us to answer these questions and more are English Heritage Properties Historian, Dr Andrew Roberts and curator, Cameron Moffett. To learn more about life in Roman Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re investigating some of the medieval beliefs and practices that existed to keep illness and death at bay in the Middle Ages. At a time when good health was far from guaranteed, discover how many people turned to England’s monasteries as the healthcare providers of the day, while others put their faith in magic, miracles and the supernatural. Joining us to reveal more are senior properties historian, Dr Michael Carter and Professor Catherine Rider from the University of Exeter’s Department of History. To watch our video about medieval medicine, go to youtu.be/fuEuaSmDOec Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As English Heritage launches an appeal to repair and restore the 13,000 historic windows at their sites, we’re joined by senior estates manager Nicola Duncan Finn, senior properties historian Steven Brindle and properties curator Kristian Kaminski to find out what is happening and why. Discover the stories of the windows that witnessed and illuminated some of our most renowned history, from the attempted escape of Charles I and the revolutionary experiments of Charles Darwin to the final days of Queen Victoria. Plus, learn why over one million pounds’ worth of repairs will be needed in the next five years and the traditional techniques and skills required to save them. To learn more about the historic windows appeal, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/windows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're joined by food historian Dr Annie Gray to discover the story of a delicious everyday foodstuff: butter – and some of the historic dairies where it was produced. Learn when it was first produced, when and why it became a staple food and who the biggest butter lovers in English history were. Plus, discover the stories of the butter-producing dairies and farms at Kenwood, Audley End, Wrest Park, Osborne, Brodsworth Hall and Boscobel House. To watch our video about how to make butter the Victorian way, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV7hop4m0YQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the historic journey of two refugees from slavery and campaigners for its abolition, who escaped from America to England. Ellen and William Craft ended up in London – and now, more than 170 years after they arrived, a blue plaque marks their former home in Hammersmith. Joining us to discuss their journey to England and abolitionist campaigns are English Heritage’s senior historian for blue plaques, Howard Spencer, and Dr Hannah-Rose Murray, a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in the history of enslaved people. To learn more about the Crafts, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/ellen-and-william-craft/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re discussing how art is being used to explore the link between Brodsworth Hall and the transatlantic slave trade. The property and its gardens near Doncaster in South Yorkshire will be hosting a collection of five sculptures created by artist Carl Gabriel and inspired by the story of Peter Thellusson, a former owner of the estate who made his fortune from goods connected with slave-based production and the slave trade itself. Joining us to explain more are senior interpretation manager Joe Savage and historian, archivist and researcher John Angus Martin. To learn more about Brodsworth Hall and Gardens or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re gearing up for the Battle of Hastings. Or at least, its re-enactment next month by 500 history enthusiasts in the location where this key turning point in English history took place. Of course, many of us know the story, including that unforgettable date: 1066. But what happened in the build-up to the battle, and who had the strongest claim to be king? Joining us to answer these questions and more are senior properties curator Roy Porter and curator of collections and interiors Dr Kathryn Bedford. To learn more about the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/1066-and-the-norman-conquest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the nights draw in and the leaves start to turn, we’re joined by Professor of History at the University of Bristol Ronald Hutton, to discuss some of the traditions that come with autumn. Discover the history behind Bonfire Night and Halloween, along with less well-known events such as Harvest Home and Lammas – and the origins of the word ‘autumn’ itself. For the best English Heritage gardens to visit during autumn, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/historic-gardens/english-heritage-gardens-in-autumn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re discussing a new archaeological excavation that is hoped to help expand our understanding of Roman occupation in the south-east of England. Richborough Roman Fort in Kent is perhaps one of the most symbolically important Roman sites in Britain, as it marked both the beginning and the end of Roman rule. And given that it witnessed these dramatic events, it seems only fitting that archaeologists will be revisiting the remains of its amphitheatre for clues about Richborough’s past. Joining us to discuss the excavation and the site’s history are senior properties historian Paul Pattison and senior archaeologist for Historic England Tony Willmott. To learn more about Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/richborough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by English Heritage interpretation manager Nadine Langford and landscape advisor Emily Parker to discuss the vital role Charles Darwin’s home in Kent played in helping him to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection. Much of his garden at Down House was used to conduct experiments, which were arguably just as important as his observations on his Beagle voyage. Discover how Darwin transformed the garden into a living laboratory, the experiments he conducted and how these are being brought to life through a new visitor experience. To learn more about Down House or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re taking a dip into the history of the most Roman of daily rituals: bathing. This practice of personal care left its mark across a number of English Heritage sites. These include the baths in the forts along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England and the vast bathing complex in the Roman city of Wroxeter in Shropshire. Joining us to discuss how and why the Romans bathed – and to give us a tour of some of the bathhouses they built to do so – are Properties Historian Dr Andrew Roberts and Collections Curator Cameron Moffett. To learn more about English Heritage Roman sites or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/our-places/roman-sites Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re putting your questions on England’s monasteries to senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and Janet Burton, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. These remarkable religious buildings were centres for incredible wealth and power throughout much of England's history until Henry VIII began the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. Discover what life was like for the monks and nuns who lived worked and worshipped at them, how they amassed such wealth, what happened to the monks and nuns after they were closed and much more. To learn more about English Heritage’s monastic sites or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/monasteries-and-abbeys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by curator Michael Hunter to discover the story of Osborne’s Swiss Cottage – a little Alpine-style chalet with its own gardens and museum at Queen Victoria’s palatial former home on the Isle of Wight. This was the royal children’s private world, where they could play at being adults and learn the skills Prince Albert believed would make them better rulers. To learn more about Osborne and the Swiss Cottage or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we have an explosive episode in store as we look into the history of English Heritage’s artillery collection – and how it was used to defend the nation. We’ll also hear about the conservation work being undertaken to ensure these rare guns and cannons survive for future generations to admire. Providing the expert firepower are senior properties historian Paul Pattison, curator of collections Ian Leins and senior collections conservator Beth Stanley. To learn more about English Heritage’s cannon and the appeal to save them, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals/save-our-cannons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices