The History of England
David Crowther
This my re-telling of the story of England. I aim to be honest, and rigorous - but always loving of my country's history. It is a regular, chronological podcast, starting from the end of Roman Britain. There are as many of the great events I can squeeze in, of course, but I also try to keep an eye on how people lived, their language, what was important to them, the forces that shaped their lives and destinies, that sort of thing. To listen free of adverts, support the podcast, access a library of 150+ hours of shedcasts of me warbling on, and get new shedcasts every month, why not become a member at https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/become-a-member ? You know it makes sense... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 46min
443 Charles' Great Game
In 1672, Charles sought to put the Treaty of Dover into operation; to join Louis XIV in making war on the Dutch Republic. The plan was to replace de Witt's government with William of Orange as Stadholder, capture key Zealand ports for England, and secure further financial support from Louis. And thus have a free hand with parliament. All that was needed was victory at sea for the Anglo French fleet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 23min
Roifield and David's Stories of England in 50 Objects
They explore five objects that together sketch English identity ahead of St George’s Day. Conversations range from brown sauce and Cadbury chocolate to the Great British pub as a communal living room. They highlight road sign design, the Greenwich Observatory’s scientific legacy, and debates from the 1647 Putney discussions.
Mar 8, 2026 • 46min
442 The Treaty of Dover
After a half an episode on the really important stuff - Nell Gwyn, Aphra Behn and Restoration theatre, we reach possibly the most remarkable treaty any British monarch has made, ever. The Treaty of Dover. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 1, 2026 • 45min
441 The Duellist
A look at Charles II's post-Medway scramble for prestige and a convenient scapegoat. The fall of Clarendon and his exile are sketched alongside the rise of the Cabal ministers. A vivid detour into duelling culture culminates in the deadly Barn Elms confrontation. Political moves toward toleration, Scottish indulgence, and the threat of a standing army round out the intrigue.
13 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 49min
The Rage of Party with George Owers
George Owers, historian and author of The Rage of Party, explores late 17th–early 18th century British politics. He traces the rise of Whig and Tory identities from the Popish Plot and Exclusion crisis. He maps how the Glorious Revolution, war, patronage, and violent elections reshaped power, the Lords, Jacobitism, and the creation of Britain and modern finance.
Feb 8, 2026 • 42min
440 The Kingdom is Undone
In the wake of the Great Fire, Charles worked with parliament to prepare for the 1667 campaigning season in the Second Anglo Dutch war. But there was a problem, and the problem was money. In the end a plan was hatched to ride out the year, while a treaty was negotiated. And it seemed to be working. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 1, 2026 • 46min
439 London Reborn
'Where there's muck, there's brass', and that was certainly the case with rebuilding London from the mess of ash and rubble that remained. And developers like Nicholas Barbon knew how to make as much brass as possible, and as fast as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 19, 2026 • 57min
Crucible of Modernity with Dr Jeevun Sandher, MP
Dr. Jeevun Sandher, MP for Loughborough and a passionate advocate for modern democracy, delves into Britain’s pivotal role in shaping democratic ideals and economic growth. He discusses the Norman Conquest’s lasting influence, the significance of Magna Carta, and the evolution of Parliament. The conversation covers the Enlightenment’s impact on industrial innovation, the rise of the labour movement, and the transition from liberalism to social reform. Sandher reflects on how these historical changes culminated in the post-war welfare state and continue to influence contemporary societal structures.
Jan 12, 2026 • 35min
438 Burned to Sticks
The war with The Netherlands in 1665 ended on a low, with the Thames blockaded. Poor London - trade was devastated by war, trade was devastated by plague. Hopefully 1666 would be better, as the royal court rumbled back into town. Money was short, but still a fleet was sent out into the Channel, as the good people of London started to rebuild their lives and their businesses. Nothing could be as bad as 1665. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 4, 2026 • 39min
437 The Pale Horseman
In May 1665, worrying reports of plague cases crop up inside the walls of London; by June the summer heat was oppressive and it became clear - the plague had returned. Charles and his court left to terrorise Oxford while Londoners died; in plague-stricken Eyam, the villagers cut themselves off to protect their neighbours Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
