HistoryExtra podcast
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The HistoryExtra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.
HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past.
We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day.
Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens.
Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history.
Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.
Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.
Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past.
Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 18, 2024 • 38min
The golden age of the country house
Adrian Tinniswood, author and expert on British country houses before World War I, shares insights into the golden age of these stately homes. He discusses how industrialists and foreign elites transformed country houses into symbols of wealth and lifestyle. Tinniswood highlights whimsical architectural designs and the social dynamics among owners, from the aristocracy to America’s elite. He also touches on eccentric interior design and even the stories of resident ghosts, giving a captivating look into an era on the brink of change.
Nov 17, 2024 • 52min
Victorian schools: everything you wanted to know
Rosalind Crone, a Professor of History at The Open University, delves into the tumultuous world of Victorian education. She reveals how compulsory schooling transformed literacy in Britain, yet left many working-class and female students behind. Crone discusses the introduction of the Pupil Teacher Scheme, offering insights into how it redefined teacher training. Harsh discipline like corporal punishment is examined, alongside the shift to a more secular curriculum, illustrating the complex legacy of this pivotal era in education.
Nov 16, 2024 • 55min
Gladiators: everything you wanted to know
In this enlightening discussion, historian Alison Futrell, an expert on ancient Rome and gladiators, unravels the allure of these arena fighters. Discover who became a gladiator and their surprising societal status as ancient pop stars. Futrell debunks myths like the infamous thumbs gesture and sheds light on the rare fatalities in combat. Explore the rich cultural significance of gladiatorial events, from the grandeur of the Colosseum to local arenas, and delve into the complexities of their lives, training, and the legends of resistance like Spartacus.
9 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 41min
Nelson: a life of heroism and scandal
Dominic Sandbrook, a historian and co-host of The Rest is History podcast, explores the multifaceted life of Horatio Nelson—hero and scandal figure. He delves into Nelson's heroic naval achievements and the complexities of his affair with Lady Emma Hamilton. Sandbrook also discusses the challenges of translating such a nuanced character into children's literature, emphasizing the need for storytelling that captures both heroism and moral ambiguity. The conversation sheds light on Nelson's psychological motivations and the significant impact of his turbulent personal life.
Nov 14, 2024 • 27min
Medieval make do and mend
In this engaging discussion, Annette Kehnel, an expert in medieval innovations and author of 'The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability', dives into the fascinating world of medieval sustainability. She explores how waste was virtually nonexistent, with secondhand markets thriving. Discover the dynamic between new goods and the repair market, and how resourcefulness shaped community cohesion. Kehnel also reflects on what our ancestors might think of today’s environmental challenges, urging us to innovate and collaborate for a sustainable future.
Nov 13, 2024 • 38min
Thomas Cromwell: the triumph and tragedy of Henry VIII's right-hand man
Diarmaid MacCulloch, a renowned professor and biographer of Thomas Cromwell, dives deep into the life of Henry VIII's right-hand man. The discussion unveils Cromwell's meteoric rise to power, rooted in his connections with key figures like Anne Boleyn, and the crucial missteps leading to his downfall. MacCulloch highlights the intricacies of court politics, Cromwell's dignified final moments before execution, and the complex legacy he left behind. Through this exploration, Cromwell's morally ambiguous character and the dangerous landscape of Tudor politics come to life.
Nov 12, 2024 • 39min
Joseph McCarthy: life of the week
Nick Bunker, an author and historian known for his insights into mid-20th-century America, delves into the tumultuous life of Joseph McCarthy. He explores McCarthy's rise fueled by anti-communist fervor and the paranoia it ignited. The discussion reveals how McCarthy's Catholic roots shaped his political approach and highlights his infamous Wheeling speech that launched his campaign. Bunker also examines the tragic fallout for countless individuals during the McCarthy era and the eventual decline of a figure whose legacy continues to provoke debate today.
Nov 11, 2024 • 38min
Gladiator tales
Historian Guy de la Bédoyère reveals intriguing insights about gladiators and their influence on ancient Rome. He discusses how gladiators bolstered Julius Caesar's political rise and how Pompeii's riot in 59 AD led to a decade-long ban on the games. The evolution of these combat spectacles from Etruscan rites to political tools offers a glimpse into Roman culture. De la Bédoyère also uncovers the chaotic reign of Emperor Commodus, who blurred the lines between ruler and gladiator, showcasing the darker side of power.
Nov 10, 2024 • 48min
The Brontës: everything you wanted to know
Claire O'Callaghan, an expert on the Brontë sisters, takes us on a captivating journey into the lives of Emily, Charlotte, and Anne Brontë. She discusses how their imaginative childhood games inspired their literary masterpieces like 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights.' O'Callaghan sheds light on their struggles as governesses and the harsh realities they faced in 19th-century society. The emotional exploration of Charlotte's fleeting love story adds depth, while speculations about what might have been for the sisters enrich the narrative.
Nov 8, 2024 • 35min
Lord Lucan: the vanishing earl
In this engaging discussion, Laura Thompson, author of "A Different Class of Murder: The Story of Lord Lucan," delves into the infamous 1974 murder of nanny Sandra Rivett and the shocking disappearance of Lord Lucan. She explores the societal implications of class tensions in Britain, revealing how the case illuminated the era's aristocratic struggles. From the tragic details of the crime scene to the enduring fascination with Lucan's perceived villainy, Thompson highlights the lasting impact on modern perceptions of the British elite.
