Gone Medieval

Geoffrey Chaucer is perhaps medieval England’s most famous writer and poet. Now a new exhibition at the Bodleian Library in Oxford is setting out to give him greater breadth and depth than just The Canterbury Tales. To talk more about the ‘Father of English Literature’ with Matt Lewis is its curator Professor Marion Turner.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Professor Philip Slavin discusses the origins and impact of the Black Death in medieval times. Topics include the devastation caused by the pandemic, the link between the Great Famine and the plague, and the genomic research unraveling the mystery of the Black Death.

Over the previous three episodes in our special series, Gone Medieval has taken a close look at the three main contenders for the throne of England in 1066. From Harold Godwinson who sat on it, to Harold Hardrada who might have seemed the most likely to win it, and William the Conqueror, the hardened Duke of Normandy.In this episode, Matt Lewis explores the final clash of that seismic year. Who would wear the crown of England by the end of 1066 was still an open question and there was only one place that question could be answered. This is the story of the Battle of Hastings.This episode was mixed and produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the historical background of William the Conqueror and his ambitions for the English throne. Analyze Harold's decision to confront William instead of employing guerrilla warfare. Discover the strategic prowess of William the Conqueror and the exceptional warrior skills of Harold. Discuss the achievements of William the Conqueror and his intentions for establishing Pevency. Explore the significance of a medieval historical document and the challenges faced by individuals involved. Discuss the bold actions and strategic thinking of William the Conqueror, including his daring actions in the North. Explore the lasting impact of William the Conqueror on England's cultural, institutional, and physical changes.

Harald Hardrada, a legendary Viking warrior, invades England with 10,000 troops and 300 longships in September 1066. Learn about his military career, his claim to the throne, and his defeat at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Discover Harold's ambitions, motivations, and his legacy as the last Viking and the first meaningful king of Norway.

Delve into the scandalous and romantic side of King Arthur's story. Explore the complexity of his history and legacy. Learn about the unconventional birth conceptions and courtly love in the Arthurian legends. Discover the evolving portrayal of Arthur and Guinevere's relationship. Dive into the dangerous quests and conflicted love of Lancelot and Gwynebear. Explore the tension between Percival and Lancelot in the search for the Holy Grail. Plus, enjoy gratitude, podcast promotions, and a special discount offer.

How did medieval surgeons, doctors and monks understand the inner workings of the human body? Who performed the first scientific human dissections? How did artists depict human anatomy?In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis finds out more from Dr. Taylor McCall, author of The Art of Anatomy in Medieval Europe, which explores the deep connections between visual and medical culture during the European Middle Ages.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Eleanor Janega interviews Professor Levi Roach about Harold Godwinson, the Anglo Saxon Lord who became the king of England. They discuss Harold's diplomatic dealings in Europe, his overshadowed historical view, and the significance of his coronation. The chapter also explores the pressures and factors influencing a king's decision to engage in a battle and analyzes the impact of three kings on England.

Explore the secrets of the Tower of London, from its origins as a symbol of Norman control to its roles as a palace, zoo, and armory. Discover the daring escapes of prisoners throughout history, including Henry VI. Delve into the tragic relationship between Anne Boleyn and the Tower, and learn about its thousand years of history as a prison, mint, and royal palace.

Dr. Eleanor Janega and Professor Carol Rawcliffe discuss medieval health and fitness in this episode. They cover topics such as the four humors theory, diet, exercise, hygiene practices, public health initiatives, dietary advice, exercise for different social classes, health practices among friars and citizens, and the role of pigs in medieval cities.