The English Heritage Podcast

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

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