The English Heritage Podcast

This week we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Howard Williams, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Chester, to discuss the early medieval period of British history that followed the collapse of Roman state control of lowland Britain and ended with the Norman conquest of 1066. This was a time of migrations and far-reaching contacts, Christian conversion, kingdom formation and expansion, and Viking raids and settlement. But archaeological evidence tells us so much more about these fascinating centuries. Discover what happened after the Romans left Britain, who replaced them, why this period is often referred to as ‘The Dark Ages’ and why this problematic description is now being phased out. To learn more about life in early medieval England, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/early-medieval/ To read Howard’s open-access publication Digging into the Dark Ages: Early Medieval Public Archaeologies, visit https://www.archaeopress.com/ArchaeopressShop/Public/displayProductDetail.asp?id=%7BDE9A5B19-7AAD-4FA7-A097-060E0525533D%7D Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the world finally gets to enjoy the Tokyo Olympics, we’re taking a look at some of the British athletes of Olympics past, who have been honoured with blue plaques at their former London homes. Joining us to introduce this diverse array of sporting greats are two historians for the blue plaques scheme, Howard Spencer and Dr Rebecca Preston. To learn more about the blue plaques 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 curator Kevin Booth and senior properties historian Nick Holder to discover the story of one of England’s best-preserved medieval buildings, its former owners, and its changing uses over the centuries. We also reveal what has been happening behind closed doors to prepare it to be reopened to visitors under English Heritage’s stewardship and what to look out for during a visit. To learn more about Gainsborough Old Hall or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/gainsborough-old-hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back in the studio with senior properties curator Dr Mark Douglas to mark the 950th anniversary of Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire. Towering above the river Swale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the castle is one of the finest and most complete Norman fortresses in the country, with a history stretching from the Norman Conquest to the First World War. Listen to discover why it was built, what life was like here through the ages and how it became home to the Richmond Sixteen. To learn more about Richmond Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/richmond-castle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 300th anniversary of the creation of these barracks that served as a base for soldiers from the Civil War to the First World War, we’re joined by senior properties curator Dr Mark Douglas to discover why they were built, the regiments that were stationed here and what daily military life would have been like. Plus, we meet award-winning artist Chloe Cox to discover how the story of one First World War soldier who lived here has been immortalised in a painting as part of a national portrait exhibition. To learn more about Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berwick-upon-tweed-barracks-and-main-guard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re looking back at a fairly recent chapter of Stonehenge’s long history and the story of a little girl, whose father was the custodian of the stone circle in the 1930s. Jean Grey, now 90, has recently shared her recollections of living near the site and we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian, Dr Susan Greaney, to discover what life would have been like at our most famous prehistoric monument at that time. To learn more 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

As we approach Father’s Day in the UK on Sunday 20 June, we’re looking at how the ‘father of evolution’ enjoyed work and family life at his home. Charles Darwin lived at Down House in Kent for 40 years until his death in 1882 at the age of 73. In that time, he conceived his theory of natural selection – and also became the father to 10 children. Joining us to discuss family life with the Darwins is Curator of Collections and Interiors Dr Tessa Kilgarriff. 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

This week, we’re looking ahead to the start of a new 4-year archaeological excavation by Newcastle University and Historic England at Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Joining us to reveal what is happening, where they will be excavating, and how you can see it for yourself, are Tony Wilmott, senior archaeologist at Historic England, and English Heritage’s collections curator for Hadrian’s Wall and the North East region, Dr Frances McIntosh. To learn more about Birdoswald Roman Fort or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/birdoswald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by senior properties historian Paul Pattison and curator of collections and interiors Dickon Whitewood to get to know some of the real-life knights connected to English Heritage castles. Discover the stories of Hubert de Burgh at Dover Castle in Kent and Hadleigh Castle in Essex, John Lovell at Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire and Thomas Hungerford at Farleigh Hungerford Castle in Somerset. To find out more about the history of knights, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/brief-history-of-knights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re focusing on a new exhibition of portraits, which have been commissioned to celebrate the lives of six people of the African diaspora, whose stories have contributed to England's rich history. One of the figures featured in these new portraits is Omoba Aina, later renamed Sarah Forbes Bonetta. The daughter of a West African ruler, Sarah was captured and enslaved by King Gezo of Dahomey (present-day Benin) at the age of five. In 1850 she was presented as a ‘diplomatic gift’ to Captain Frederick Forbes of the H.M.S. Bonetta and brought to England, where Forbes introduced her to Queen Victoria. The queen was so taken with the young child that she paid for her education and became her guardian. Joining us to discuss her life and the artwork her story has inspired are English Heritage’s properties historians’ team leader, Dr Andrew Hann and artist Hannah Uzor. To discover more about the new portrait exhibition, Painting our Past: The African Diaspora in England, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/painting-our-past Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by English Heritage properties senior national project manager, Reuben Briggs, and head of collections conservation, Amber Xavier-Rowe, to reveal what’s happening at two of English Heritage’s major conservation projects at Marble Hill House in Twickenham, London, and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland. Plus, we reveal the plans for English Heritage’s new conservation camper, which will be touring a number of English Heritage’s conservation projects (including these two) over the months ahead, to provide a pop-up workshop space where visitors can learn about the conservation work taking place. To discover more about English Heritage’s conservation in action, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/conservation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is National Croquet Week, and to celebrate, we’re taking a look back at the lawn games and sports that have been played at our historic sites. From croquet and bowling lawns, to cricket pitches, tennis courts, and even golf courses, our sites have hosted a surprising variety of sports, with many continuing to be played today. Joining us to reveal more are English Heritage landscape advisor, Emily Parker, and sport historian Simon Inglis. To read more about the history of lawn games at our sites, go to https://blog.english-heritage.org.uk/sports-at-our-historic-places/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re heading back to the late 18th and early 19th century, when Europe was ravaged by the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic War, named after French military general and self-appointed emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. On the bicentenary of his death, we’re joined by senior properties historian, Paul Pattison, and keeper of the Wellington Collection at Apsley House, Josephine Oxley, to discuss Napoleon’s life, legacy and defeat – and the heritage sites built here in England to defend against his threats of invasion. To learn more about the Wellington Collection at Apsley House, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by English Heritage Properties Curator Roy Porter and Senior Properties Historian Paul Pattison to trace the series of events, imprisonments and escapes that led up to the execution of King Charles I. The Stuart king remains the only British monarch to have been tried and executed for treason, marking one of the most gruesome chapters in the English Civil War – and we are picking up the story in 1646, when the Scots handed Charles over to the English Parliament. To discover more about Charles I’s imprisonment at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/carisbrooke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we approach St George’s Day on 23 April, we’re investigating the origins of dragon myths. George, of course, is England’s patron saint and as the legend goes, he slew a deadly fire-breathing dragon. While these legendary beasts might not be real, there's nothing mythical about their place in cultures throughout history, and around the world. Joining us to delve into the origins of the dragon myth is Professor Carolyne Larrington, who is a professor of medieval European literature at the University of Oxford. To read more of Carolyne’s thoughts on dragon myths, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/articles/dragons-and-their-origins/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re marking a slightly unusual milestone in the long history of Stonehenge, because this year marks a hundred years since the closure of the Stonehenge aerodrome. Of course, there’s no obvious trace of this when you visit the famous stones today. But in the early 20th century, just a few hundred yards from the monument’s southern edge was a large First World War aviation training complex. We’re joined by Senior Property Curator of Stonehenge, Heather Sebire, and Martyn Barber from Historic England’s Aerial Investigation and Mapping Department to discover why it was here, how it was used and if there is any truth to the story that the stones were used for target practice! To learn more about the Stonehenge aerodrome, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-stories/first-world-war-aerodrome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. However, the Hall’s fortunes declined in line with those of its owners. We’re joined by senior properties historian Megan Leyland, interpretation manager Nadine Langford and curator of collections and interiors Dickon Whitewood to discover the story of the Hall, its former owners, servants and guests – and the new project to bring these to life for visitors. To discover more about Kirby Hall or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/kirby-hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by senior properties historian Michael Carter to discuss the 1,400 year-long history of Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, in Northumberland, which has been a hub of early Christianity, a monastery, a site of pilgrimage to its former bishop, Saint Cuthbert, and a victim of a devastating Viking raid. It was also the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the most spectacular manuscripts to survive from Anglo-Saxon England, which was thought to have been created in Cuthbert’s honour. To discover more about Lindisfarne Priory or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/lindisfarne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the completion of the five-year long Tintagel Castle Archaeological Research Project, we are joined by Properties Curator Win Scutt and Archaeologist Jaqueline Nowakowski to find out about the project and what it has revealed about Tintagel’s early medieval history. Discover why English Heritage decided to launch the project, what has happened over the last five years, the structures and key artefacts that have been discovered, and the analytical work that has happened since. To discover more about Tintagel Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/tintagel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All too often during Women’s History Month, stories of high-status women outshine those of unsung working women. In this episode, we’re joined in the studio by English Heritage’s senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland and properties historians’ team Leader Dr Andrew Hann to discover a selection of the working women who played their part in shaping the stories of English Heritage’s sites. Charting the rise of women in domestic service from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century – and taking in the stories of everyone from weeding women to governesses and cooks – this episode champions the extraordinary women whom history has overlooked. To discover more stories of women in history, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re looking at the colourful lives of a 17th century couple and their pleasure palace in Derbyshire. In the 1600s, William and Margaret Cavendish used Bolsover Castle as a place for entertaining and pursuing their personal interests. Today, this creative couple and their fairy tale mansion are the focus of a new project designed to bring their stories to life for visitors through theatrical costumes and interactive props. We’re joined by senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland, costume designer Sophie Fretwell and Illustrator Mel Northover to find out more. To discover more about Bolsover Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/bolsover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re travelling back to the 13th century to tell the story of the woman at the centre of the 1265 siege of Dover Castle. Eleanor de Montfort was the wife of the powerful earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort. He led baronial opposition to King Henry III, which spilled out into conflict in 1263. A year into the war, Henry and his heir Prince Edward were captured at the Battle of Lewes, and Simon become the de facto ruler of England. But Prince Edward escaped from captivity in May 1265 and began to turn the tide of the war. In August, Eleanor's husband and son were killed at the Battle of Evesham, and Eleanor was left isolated in her stronghold of Dover Castle. Joining us to pick up the story is English Heritage curator of collections and interiors for the south east region, Kathryn Bedford. To discover more about Eleanor de Montfort, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/eleanor-de-montfort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the 100th episode of the podcast we’ve made the journey over to Boscobel House and the Royal Oak in Shropshire to search out the story of the king who hid in an oak tree. Charles II will forever be linked to Boscobel House and the tree that saved his life. But how did a king end up seeking sanctuary here and what was the state of England at the time? We’re joined by site manager Daisy Lambert, garden supervisor Andrew Degg and national project manager Tracy Simmons to reveal the results of a major project to share one of England’s greatest adventure stories and create a great day out for visitors. To discover more about Boscobel House and the Royal Oak or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/boscobel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Responsible for caring for 1,300 artworks in properties across the country, along with 15 in situ painted decorative schemes and the nation’s largest collection of wall paintings, English Heritage’s paintings conservators have their work cut out. We’re joined by senior collections conservator Rachel Turnbull, to discover what goes in to caring for and restoring this fine art collection – and what art lovers can do to care for their own paintings at home. To discover more about the work of our painting conservators, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/conservation/paintings-conservation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Nick Holder and author Sara Cockerill to look back at the remarkable but largely untold story of Eleanor of Castile. Born in 1241, she was raised as a Spanish princess, before becoming queen consort to Edward I in England. Join us as we discuss her devoted relationship with her husband, and how she helped him to survive civil war, a crusade to the Holy Land and accumulate a large property empire for the English Crown. We also reveal how Eleanor’s legacy can be traced across a number of English Heritage sites that featured in her life, while her cultural influence in architecture, design and even gardening still survives to this day. To read about the Eleanor Cross in Geddington – one of 12 crosses Edward I erected at the places where Eleanor’s body rested during the journey south to Westminster Abbey after her death – go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eleanor-cross-geddington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by head properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee to discover a real-life Games of Thrones story involving one powerful family, two castles, five successive kings, rebellion and restitution. Listen on to learn about three generations of the powerful Bigod family, their royal rumbles and the rise, fall and rebuilding of their home at Framlingham Castle in Suffolk. To discover more about the history of Framlingham Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/framlingham To discover more about Orford Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine you're living in the 1800s, with the vision (and budget) to build a glorious new home. How would you go about making your grand design a reality? We’re joined by properties historian team leader Dr Andrew Hann and landscape advisor Emily Parker to discuss how Sir Charles Monck did just that at Belsay Hall in Northumberland, and the influence of his travels on his grand home and gardens. To discover more about the history of 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

So many English Heritage sites are ruined – famously lots of abbeys and castles, but also houses, parish churches and chapels, Roman villas and bath-houses – but this does not detract from their importance or the enjoyment of visiting them. We’re joined by head properties curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee and properties curator Sam Stones to discuss the challenges of conserving them, why English Heritage don’t rebuild them and how they help visitors to get the most out of them. To discover how you can play your part in helping English Heritage to protect and conserve the nation’s most vulnerable historic properties, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and interpretation assistant Nick Collinson to discover the story of the most important churchman in 12th century England. At the time of his death in 1167, Aelred of Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire was immediately regarded as a saint. During his life, he accomplished many things, serving as a royal steward, an emissary to the Pope and abbot of Rievaulx, as well as demonstrating his talent as an author, preacher and spiritual mentor to his monks. And today, as we will discover, he is also starting to be considered a medieval gay icon. To learn more about Rievaulx Abbey, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by curator of collections Cameron Moffett and curator of collections (Hadrian’s Wall & the North East) Frances McIntosh to discover what we know about the Romans’ beliefs in magic, superstitions and the ‘Evil Eye’. And we’ll look at the evidence for these at English Heritage sites, including the discovery of some rather surprising objects thought to protect the holder against bad luck. To read more about Hadrian’s Wall, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadrianswall To discover more about Wroxeter Roman City, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wroxeter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many of us prepare to hang up a new calendar for the year ahead, we’re joined by Professor Robert Poole to reveal the surprising history of our calendar. Discover how Britain switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in the 18th century, why the change was necessary to catch up with most of Europe, and the truth behind the 'calendar riots' of 1752. We’ll also discuss the problem with Easter and how the changes continue to affect us today. To read more about Lord Chesterfield, who introduced the legislation to switch to the Gregorian calendar while living at Ranger’s House in London, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rangers-house-the-wernher-collection/history-and-stories/lord-chesterfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by English Heritage Trustee Professor Ronald Hutton to discuss the pagan winter customs behind the Christmas traditions we take for granted today. Discover the ancient origins of winter feasting, Christmas carols, present giving, kissing under the mistletoe and more! To read 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

It’s traditional to eat a lot at Christmas, but did you know that winter has been a time of feasting for far longer? This week we’re joined by Properties Historians Team Leader, Dr Andrew Hann, and Properties Historian, Dr William Wyeth to discuss delectable dinners and diners through the ages, from prehistory to the near present. We’ll look at what was eaten, where and when, including at Stonehenge, medieval castles, a deserted village and grand residences such as Belsay Hall in Northumberland and Audley End House in Essex. To find out more about medieval Christmas food, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/medieval-christmas-food To read about the history of the Christmas pudding, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/2016/a-history-of-the-christmas-pudding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 850th anniversary of an event that shook medieval Europe, we’re joined by senior properties historian Steven Brindle to look back at the murder of Thomas Becket, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, and how it happened. We’ll also discuss how King Henry II, whose knights carried out this crime in 1170, tried to salvage his tattered reputation. And we’ll investigate how the building of Dover Castle’s Great Tower for the king can be traced back to Becket’s assassination. To find out more or plan your visit to Dover Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week expect winter chills as we’re joined by senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter to delve into stories of ghosts, ghouls and hauntings at our sites. Join us as we learn about the monks who loved a spooky story, medieval beliefs about death and the afterlife, remarkable revenants and the impact of the Reformation on people’s beliefs in ghosts. To discover some more spooky stories connected to English Heritage sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/halloween/spooky-stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here on the podcast we spend most of our time discussing the actions of people at the places where they worked or lived through the ages. But far less well known are the stories of the animals and pets that lived alongside them. This week, we’re joined by properties historians team leader Dr Andrew Hann, senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland and landscape advisor Emily Parker to discuss some of the remarkable animals that played their own part in making history at our sites, from dancing horses and talking parrots to ring-tailed lemurs and royal elephants! To learn about another story of exotic animals on an aristocratic estate, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chiswick-house/history-chiswick-menagerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney and Properties Curator Mark Douglas to reveal the story of a prehistoric site – and the man who unearthed it. Decades before Time Team turned its experts into much-loved celebrities, one archaeologist was making a name for himself through the new medium of television. That man was Sir Mortimer Wheeler. Discover the story of his dig at Stanwick Iron Age Fort in North Yorkshire which he carried out as part of the Festival of Britain in 1951. To learn more about Stanwick Iron Age Fort or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stanwick-iron-age-fortifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re delving into the hidden history of spies, intelligence personnel and secret agents with English Heritage’s senior historian for blue plaques, Howard Spencer. Find out about six men and women whose exploits were crucial to British intelligence and, for some, to our endeavours in World War Two. In the past, their lives, work and achievements were shrouded in secrecy. But today, their service, contributions and memory are honoured through blue plaques at their former homes in London. To read more of the stories behind our blue plaques, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/blue-plaque-stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that English Heritage cares for more castles than anyone else? That’s why we invited you to put your questions to our experts: head properties curator, Dr Jeremy Ashbee and properties historian, Dr William Wyeth. Join us as we discover the definition of a castle, why the Normans couldn’t stop building them and how they have changed over time. If you’ve ever wondered what a Motte and Bailey castle is or which was the most besieged English Heritage castle, this is the episode for you! To learn more about our mighty collection of castles, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your broomsticks and warm your toes by a bubbling cauldron as we explore the history of witches, witchcraft and witch trials in England with Diane Purkiss, Professor of English literature at Oxford University. Discover when stories of witchcraft really started to take hold in England, the meaning of the phrase ‘the witching hour’ and the purpose of the mysterious witch marks that have been found in historic buildings across the country. To discover some more spooky stories connected to English Heritage sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/halloween/spooky-stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by English Heritage properties historian Andrew Roberts and collections curator Frances McIntosh to discuss the story of Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, which remains the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Discover what life was like for the men stationed here, the importance of the cavalry and the story of John Clayton, who excavated the fort from 1843 until his death in 1890, helping to save this section of Hadrian’s Wall and unearthing many of the objects on display in the fort’s museum. To discover more about Chesters Roman Fort or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/chesters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every October, Black History Month celebrates the many achievements of black Britons throughout the centuries. But it also encourages us to look at Britain's dominant role in transatlantic slavery, and to understand the legacies of the trade that still shape our world today. We’re joined by Professor of History and Memory of Slavery at the University of Bristol, Olivette Otele, to find out more. To discover more about slavery connections to English Heritage sites, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/research/slavery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we continue to celebrate Black History Month with a journey through time – and the streets of London. We’re joined by curatorial director Anna Eavis and historian Steve Martin to discuss a president, a doctor, a nurse, two stars of stage and screen, and a footballer, who are all commemorated with English Heritage blue plaques at their former homes in the capital. To discover more about the black history celebrated through our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/blue-plaque-stories/londons-black-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by English Heritage’s poet-in-residence Jacob Sam-La Rose, emerging Poet Esme Allman and creative programme manager Caroline Moore to discuss a new month-long poetry programme taking place throughout Black History Month in October. This will see Jacob and a number of emerging African Caribbean poets write poetry inspired by the stories of English Heritage sites or their experiences of visiting them. To discover more about Jacob’s role as poet-in-residence, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/members-magazine/2020/introducing-our-new-poet-in-residence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Cathy Power and Sarah Murden to discuss the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate daughter of British naval officer Sir John Lindsay and an African woman named Maria Bell, who may have been enslaved. Dido spent much of her life at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath in North London where was raised by her great uncle, Lord Mansfield, who through the 1750s to 80s was the most powerful judge in England. To discover more about Dido Belle and Kenwood, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/dido-belle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’ve returned to the turbulent Tudor period in which King Henry VIII imposed his will against the Pope through the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This saw the suppression of approximately 900 religious houses across England and Wales and the execution of around 200 members of the religious orders and laymen. Joining us to discuss how this religious revolution came about – and what happened to the thousands of displaced monks and nuns in its aftermath – is senior properties historian Michael Carter. To discover more about our monasteries and abbeys, and 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

Following the publication of new research revealing where Stonehenge’s giant sarsen stones were extracted from, we’re heading out on the road to meet Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney to trace their journey to Salisbury Plain. Discover how Professor David Nash from Brighton University tracked the stones back to a specific location, how Stonehenge’s builders transported them and why the stones’ original location has eluded us for so long. To discover 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 by properties curator Mark Douglas to discover the stories of the English Heritage sites that played their part in defending England’s northern territories. Join us on an audio tour of the key defences through the ages, from Hadrian’s Wall to Carlisle, Norham, Berwick and Dunstanburgh Castles, and find out what happened to them during peacetime until war broke out across Europe. To discover more about our collection of castles, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scupper me skull and crossbones! This week, we’re casting off for an episode all about the history of piracy and, more specifically, the pirates of the English Channel. And while this might sound like an unlikely title for a film, history tells us that the waters between southern England and northern France were, in fact, a dangerous domain for cargo vessels for several centuries. Joining us to map out the history of piracy in English waters – and unmask its key figures – is senior properties historian Paul Pattison. To read more about the pirates of the English Channel, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/pirates-of-england/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Michael Carter to reveal the story of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and the English Heritage sites connected with him, from Berkhamstead, Tintagel, Launceston and Restormel Castles, which he owned, to Hailes Abbey, which he founded. Although his name might not be familiar, he was the second son of King John and the brother of Henry III and enjoyed great influence – not to mention a very eventful life. Listen on to discover how he became one of the richest men in Europe, joined the Barons’ Crusade, was made King of the Germans and was a claimant to the Holy Roman Empire. To discover more about the history of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and Tintagel Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/history-and-legend/richard-of-cornwall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices