

The British History Podcast
Jamie Jeffers
The BHP is a chronological retelling of the history of Britain with a particular focus upon the lives of the people. You won’t find a dry recounting of dates and battles here, but instead you’ll learn about who these people were and how their desires, fears, and flaws shaped the scope of this island at the edge of the world. And some of those desires are downright scandalous.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 6, 2013 • 22min
103 – Edwin the Conqueror
This podcast delves into the challenges faced by Edwin and Raidwald in establishing their authority over the northern Anglian kingdoms. It explores Ethel Frith's sons' claim to power, the consequences faced by their supporters, and the disappearance of a woman from history. The chapter also explores the exile of prince Oswald and the alliances forged between dynasties, as well as the rising power of ruler Edwin in the North.

Oct 28, 2013 • 24min
102 – Have Exile, Will Travel
This podcast explores the challenges faced by Edwin during his exile, his journey from exile to East Anglia, the high stakes of warfare and the temptation faced by King Raidwald, tensions and preparations for war against Aethl Frith, and the pressure faced by younger warriors to live up to their ancestors' legacy.

Oct 21, 2013 • 26min
101 – I Ran (So Far Away): The Life and Times of Edwin of Deira
This podcast explores the significance of Northumbria in the overall narrative, the challenges faced by Edwin and his dynasty as they sought sanctuary, and the bias in how historical figures are perceived. It also examines the difficult decision faced by King Radewald of East Anglia and the role of advisors and chance in historical events.

Oct 8, 2013 • 22min
100 – There’s a New Barber In Town
The podcast explores the cultural and social significance of hair throughout history, including its impact on identity and social status. It discusses long hair among the upper classes, the meaning of haircuts, and the influence of Christianity on gender relations. The podcast also includes a book review of Seamus Haney's Beowulf.

Oct 1, 2013 • 30min
99 – False Starts
This podcast episode explores religious conversions and power dynamics in early Anglo-Saxon Britain, including the efforts of Augustine to expand Christianity, the pressures faced by King Saborte to convert, the factors contributing to Kent's wealth, the system of multiple kings in Kent, a period of war and religious conflict, and the consequences of King Sabert's death.

Sep 25, 2013 • 35min
98 – The Zeal of Augustine
The Pope's involvement in establishing the English Church, the persistence of paganism in Kent and its impact on fashion, the transition to a stratified society through Kent's laws, the clash between British Christians and the new archbishop, and early religious fault lines in the English church and King Aethelbert's concerns.

Sep 17, 2013 • 26min
97 – Augustine and Gregory Make a Diocese
Exploring the factors behind the conversion of Kent to Christianity and Augustine's achievements and challenges in establishing the Roman Catholic Church. A discussion on regulations concerning women's reproductive organs and the rules set by Augustine and the Roman Catholic Church regarding church attendance, sexual pleasure, and communion after visions.

Sep 9, 2013 • 21min
96 – The Conversion of King AEthelberht
The podcast explores the conversion of King AEthelbert to Christianity, discussing the reasons for conversion and the role of missionaries. It also delves into the connections between the Franks and the arrival of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon Britain. The host shares insights on the challenges faced by King AEthelbert and the cautious approach taken in testing the waters of Christianity. Additionally, the podcast touches on the intersection of history and law, discussing how the host's background in law influences their work.

Aug 5, 2013 • 21min
95 – Two Old Men and a Slave Boy
The podcast delves into Pope Gregory I's mission to convert the angles of Diera, the restoration of the church at Canterbury, and the efforts made to spread Christianity into Britain

Jul 29, 2013 • 1h 12min
94 – Dark Age Beliefs
Explore the diversity and fragmentation of life in Britain during the Dark Ages, the challenges faced in spreading Christianity in Wales and Anglo-Saxon England, limitations and biases in accounts of pagan rituals, the growth and influence of Christianity in Wales, the unique form of Latin used in early Christianity, the religious climate and potential conversion in Anglo-Saxon England, the clash between Anglo-Saxon warrior culture and Christianity, and the political motivations behind conversions to Christianity


