Gone Medieval

Fashionable footwear in the Middles Ages was not just uncomfortable, but downright dangerous. It turns out fashionable people paid the price for their love of very pointy shoes with painful bunions, according to new study on a series of medieval cemeteries in Cambridge. Cat is joined by archaeologist Dr Jenna Dittmar, who talks us through this insightful research, which saw 177 skeletons analysed as part of University of Cambridge’s After the Plague project. Find out why these ‘Blackadder-style’ pointy shoes became so popular, and what sort of injuries they caused. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we think of the heart of England, we often think of the city of London. But in Medieval times, Northampton held this title and it solidified royal roots as a result. It’s geographical advantages made it an ideal location for countless important meetings in history and a Midlands base of choice for many. For this episode, Matt was joined by historian and author Mike Ingram to talk about the history and significance of Northampton. From famous feuds and executions to rebellions and the destruction of the town. Was Northampton a victim of it’s own importance? Mike Ingram is the author of Northampton: 5,000 Years of History. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Danish Archers using him as target practice to a wolf towing his perfectly severed head, King Edmund has a wealth of tales attached to his name and a healthy cult following… but how much of these tales are true? Cat is joined by Dr Francis Young, a historian and folklorist specialising in the history of religion and supernatural belief, author of Edmund: In Search of England's Lost King. We take a look into the fascinating life and death of Edmund the Martyr. Can we find the lost King? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the night of the 25 November in 1120, a routine crossing of the English Channel went catastrophically wrong. The White Ship disaster saw approximately 300 people perish, including King Henry I’s only legitimate son and heir. Charles Spencer talks to Matt Lewis about the tragedy, which caused a dynastic disaster and uncertain turmoil in England and Normandy, 900 years ago. Find out the consequences of that fateful night, what was discovered during about a recent dive in the search for the White Ship, and why it’s believed Henry I is buried under a school in Reading.Earl Spencer’s book, The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To go berserk, meaning out of control with anger or excitement: the phrase originates from stories of the Berserkers, but what do we really know about them? Dangerous to friend or foe, the Berserkers are said to have fought feuds in the nude or even to have taken magic mushrooms in battle, but how much of this is true? Joined by Dr. Roderick Dale, a specialist in Old Norse and Viking Studies, we debunk the myths and legends, deciphering the facts from fiction.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in 1340 as the younger brother of the Black Prince, John of Gaunt's life is captivating. John was a brave leader, first setting foot on the battlefield at the age of 10. Later, as one of the richest men in the country, he would uphold chivalric values, support early religious reform and champion a renaissance of art and literature in England. Matt is joined in this episode by Helen Carr, a historian, TV producer and author of the biography of John of Gaunt 'The Red Prince'. Helen takes us through the incredible life of this diplomat, brother and son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite being a key part of society and everyday life, medieval sexuality was probably left out of your history lessons at school. But how much do we really know about these very private aspects of life in the Middle Ages? Dr Cat Jarman is joined by historian Dr Eleanor Janega from the London School of Economics, who tells us all about medieval sex toys, religious rules, sex workers and more. Please be aware there are adult themes in this episode.Eleanor’s book, The Middle Ages: A Graphic History, is out now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s no secret that Africa’s early history is documented quite differently from its European counterparts, relying instead on elements such as oral traditions and art. Anthropologist and historian, Luke Pepera, studies the true histories, mythologies, and cultures of Africa. He joins Matt in this episode to explore what these materials can tell us about Medieval Africa. They delve into the identities and societies of the continent, examining its international connections, trade transport, and wealth, and how all of this is reflected in the life of Mansa Musa. To hear more from Luke, check out this documentary on History Hit: https://access.historyhit.com/videos/africa-written-out-of-history Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1228 years ago, on June 8 793, Vikings attacked a monastic settlement on the island of Lindisfarne. This raid had such an impact across Europe that despite there being no archaeological evidence for it, only literary sources, it is still remembered today. In this episode, Cat speaks to Dr David Petts from Durham University. They discuss why the Vikings chose to raid Lindisfarne, the community that they would have found there, and how the attack impacted upon Northumbrian Christendom and the wider world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From spiral stairs, to tunnels leading to pubs and brothels, to witch markings; join us as we find out the truth about medieval buildings. Matt is accompanied by archaeologist and architectural historian James Wright to debunk the myths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.