

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

28 snips
Apr 9, 2013 • 1h 46min
83 – Dark Age Warfare Combo Episode
The podcast explores the culture and tactics of Dark Age warfare, including the qualifications to be a part of a war band, the influence of poems and supernatural beliefs, and the absence of organized cavalry. It also discusses the significance of weapons, the role of leaders, and the intensity of close combat in battle.

Apr 2, 2013 • 24min
82 – War. What Is It Good For?
The podcast delves into the power struggle between Wessex and Kent in the year 586, discusses various interpretations of war throughout history, explores motives behind Athelbert's invasion, examines the treatment of prisoners of war in ancient cultures, and speculates on the objectives of the upcoming battle between Chalin and Atholbert.

5 snips
Mar 25, 2013 • 28min
81 – In Search of Unity: A Tale of Selective Memory
The podcast explores topics such as language and culture shifts in early medieval Britain, the selective emphasis of heritage, and the impact of a non-monetary economy on British kings' ability to rule.

Mar 18, 2013 • 20min
80 – Bloodletting
The podcast discusses the emergence of regional cultural groups in post-Roman Britain, migration and expansion, succession and instability in the North, power shifts and succession of kings in Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and conflicts and changing kingdoms on the island

Mar 11, 2013 • 1h 10min
79 – Saint Patrick’s Day Special
This podcast discusses the origins of Saint Patrick and the setting of a Roman-style settlement in Britain. It explores the role of sheep in Irish farm life, the challenges faced by a young man who escaped slavery in Ireland, the phenomenon of sleep paralysis and its potential connections to myths of alien abduction, Patrick's journey back to his hometown, the rise of Christianity and its challenges, and the training and education of Saint Patrick in the Chironian Sea or Gaul.

Mar 4, 2013 • 13min
78 – It’s Only Natural
The podcast explores the influence of nature on the development of regional cultures throughout history. Topics include the impact of the collapse of Roman civilization on the environment and communities in Britain, the consequences of environmental changes on culture and politics, the challenges faced by communities in a difficult natural environment, and how travel and nature influenced kingdom expansion and cultural development.

4 snips
Mar 1, 2013 • 24min
77 – Cliques: How the In Crowd Created Our Culture
This podcast explores the impact of social stratification on culture in Eastern Britain and discusses how the wealthy elite influenced the creation of regional ethnic groups. It also delves into how fashion and accessories were used as status symbols in ancient communities and explores the significance of alliances and gift-giving in shaping cultures. Additionally, it examines the cultural shifts and influences that occur due to interactions between different villages in Anglo-Saxon society.

Feb 19, 2013 • 23min
76 – Developing Class
Speculation surrounds the death of Wihtgar, brother of Stuff, and the uncertain succession on the Isle of Wight. The establishment of Bernicia and King Ida's rule raises questions about prior British kingdoms and ruling dynasties. Cultural complexities in early Anglo-Saxon settlements and emerging burial practices are explored. Wealth and power distribution during the Anglo-Saxon period highlight economic collapse and increasing disparity. Trade relations between Kent, the Franks, and Norway influence cultural exchanges.

Feb 11, 2013 • 30min
75 – Cerdic and Cynric: A Story of… well… Probably Farmers
Alright, so when we left off, Cerdic and his son had recently arrived on the island and the Battle of Mons Badonicus had just taken place. So that’s exciting. And Gildas says that it was followed by peace, and procopius tells us that Germans were fleeing from Britannia as late as about 30 years later. […]
The post 75 – Cerdic and Cynric: A Story of… well… Probably Farmers first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Feb 5, 2013 • 24min
74 – When Neighbors Attack: A Story of “Kings”
Exploring the drama of the Anglo-Saxon invasion, focusing on famous names, linguistic changes, and religious transitions. Diving into the conflict between Hengus and the Britons, questioning the perception of the invasion and proposing alternative theories. Challenging the traditional view of a large-scale invasion and suggesting a migration of individuals and small communities instead.


