British History Podcast

In this episode, Amy shares her extensive knowledge of the legendary King Arthur, exploring its origins, evolution, and cultural significance across Britain and Europe. Discover how myths are shaped by history, politics, and storytelling traditions, and learn about the places and characters that bring Arthur's legend to life.

Watch this episode on Youtube - click here

Buy Amy's Brilliant book - click here

00:00 Introduction to the Legend of Arthur

02:04 The Origins of Arthur in Welsh and Breton Sources

04:56 The Evolution of Arthur's Legend in Medieval Texts

09:57 The Role of Manuscripts and Art in Medieval Storytelling

14:56 The Influence of Classical Mythology on Arthurian Legends

20:12 Geographical Places and Legends of Arthur

25:12 The Political and Cultural Context of Arthur's Stories

29:50 The Characters and Lesser-Known Figures in Arthurian Tradition

34:53 Modern Reinterpretations and the Enduring Appeal of Arthur

If you've enjoyed this please follow and rate this podcast.

Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel.

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more here for you to browse through including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Carr and many more.

Buy books from these incredible historians, shipped worldwide from Blackwells - click here (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you).

Join my Patreon - click here and enjoy ad-free extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more for all for £5/month.

You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

You can support me for free by commenting and rating this episode.

Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

About Philippa

Philippa is a Historian and the owner of British History Tours and British History Events.

Receive weekly history news (including links to new historian interviews) from Philippa by subscribing to my Substack

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the Gloucester History Festival, Philippa took to the stage with Andrew Ziminski, Master Mason and author of the fabulous book, 'Church Going.'

As someone who has turned her passion for travelling the historical sites of the UK into a business, a job and a hobby all combined I absolutely delight in visiting churches. They come in all shapes and sizes, ages and more often that not provide the most surprising and interesting finds.

I’m fascinated by them because they are such a tangible link to our past; our religious history of course, but also how they were used tells us something about how the community and people that used them.

I was delighted to host my own live podcast event at Gloucester History Festival on 14th September 2026.

Buy Andrew's book at Blackwells for free worldwide shipping.

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more history videos here for you to watch including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

Join my Patreon to enjoy ad-free, extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more, all for £5/month (£7.50 from 1st January 2027).

You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

You can support me for free by commenting on this episode and giving the podcast a 5* review.

Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview with Dr Joanne Paul, to celebrate the paperback publication of her book 'Thomas More. A Life and Death in Tudor England', we discussed Thomas More's relationship with Erasmus, More's surprisingly scatological response to Luther, his surprising views on Henry VIII's break with Rome and More's imprisonment and execution.

There is bonus content available for this interview, at Patreon.com/@BritishHistory where you can also get the ad-free video and audio versions of this interview.

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more historian interviews here for you to watch including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with eminent historians such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Thomas More and his significance

03:01 Joanne Paul’s background and research journey

05:10 More's relationship with Erasmus and their intellectual bond

08:00 More's initial response to Luther and the Reformation

12:06 The scathing and scatological debate with Luther

15:01 Henry VIII's defense of the sacraments and Luther's critique

17:07 Henry VIII's break with Rome and More’s opposition

21:05 More's resignation as Lord Chancellor and his legal objections

23:54 The progression towards More’s arrest and trial

26:56 More's imprisonment, conditions, and final days

35:58 The trial, execution, and legacy of Thomas More

45:00 Joanne Paul’s research surprises and new discoveries

Join my Patreon to enjoy ad-free, extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more, all for £5/month.

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step beyond the myth and into the murky reality of one of Britain’s most infamous figures. In this episode, Philippa is joined by Mat Braddy and Darren Rapier, co-writers of a gripping new audio production, Turpin, which re-examines the life of the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin.

Far from the romanticised rider of folklore, Turpin’s true story is darker, more complex, and rooted in the harsh realities of 18th-century England. Together, they discuss the research behind the production, the challenges of separating fact from fiction, and how audio storytelling can bring historical figures vividly—and authentically—to life.

If you think you know Dick Turpin, think again.

You can also watch this episode on Youtube - click here for youtube.com/BritishHistory

The production can be found on BigFinish.com now, and will be available on Audible and Spotify from Autumn 2026.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dick Turpin and the episode's focus

22:49 The legend of Dick Turpin and its origins

24:53 The role of pubs and secret networks in crime

29:58 The myth-making and romanticization of Turpin

35:04 Turpin's final years and death

39:53 Legacy and how myths are constructed

Thank you for watching this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more history videos here for you to watch including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

Join my Patreon to enjoy ad-free, extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more, all for £5/month.

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 1381 Peasant's Revolt has gone down in history as the first popular uprising in England, a violent reaction to a new tax, but that is no where near the full story.

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Historian, author and presenter Matt Lewis (History Hit, the Gone Medieval podcast) joined me at Warwick Words history Festival ahead of his talk about this pivotal moment in history.

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The website Matt mentioned is https://www.1381.online

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Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel. 

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more here for you to browse through including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Carr and many more. 

Buy books from these incredible historians, shipped worldwide from Blackwells - click here (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you).

Join my Patreon - click here and enjoy ad-free extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more for all for £5/month.

You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

You can support me for free by commenting and rating this episode. 

Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

About Philippa

Philippa is a Historian and the owner of British History Tours and British History Events.

Receive weekly history news (including links to new historian interviews) from Philippa by subscribing to my Substack 

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian Nathen Amin sat down with me at Warwick Words History Festival before his talk on "The year of the 3 kings, 1483" to discuss Edward IV's lack of forward planning, the course of events which brought Edward V to London and into the Tower, and when Nathen thinks Richard, then Duke of Gloucester, decided he should not just act as Regent for his nephew, but take his crown and become king.

Useful timestamps in this episode:

00:00 - The significance of 1483: Year of the Three Kings

00:14 - Edward IV's reign and sudden death at 40

00:57 - Edward IV’s physical transformation and health neglect

01:24 - Succession challenges with young princes

02:23 - Rival factions: Woodvilles vs. Richard of Gloucester

03:17 - Could Edward IV have prepared better for his death?

03:54 - The importance of securing the heir in medieval rulership

04:23 - Fears of vulnerability when the king is a child

05:24 - The influence of male ambitions after Edward IV’s death

06:11 - The movement of Edward V and the importance of his return to London

06:40 - The importance of the princes’ crowning and the rise of Richard

07:10 - The political tension with Lord Hastings and the Woodville family

07:40 - Richard’s diplomatic position and the meeting in Northamptonshire

08:08 - Elizabeth Woodville’s reaction and her flight into sanctuary

09:06 - The decision to move the princes to the Tower

09:34 - The arrest of Lord Hastings and the centralization of Richard’s power

10:32 - Richard’s assumption of Lord Protector and consolidating authority

11:01 - Elizabeth Woodville’s flight and the rising tensions

11:31 - The move of the princes into the Tower of London

12:28 - The infamous execution of Lord Hastings and Richard’s ruthlessness

13:28 - Richard’s strategic moves and the escalation of violence

14:27 - Threats to Richard’s power in the North and the Neville lands

15:27 - Richard’s swift consolidation of power and the downfall of rivals

16:26 - The anonymous sermon condemning the princes and Richard’s rapid rise

17:25 - Richard’s strategic decisions and the perception of his ruthlessness

18:10 - The debate over the legitimacy of the princes

18:49 - Richard’s potential motives about the princes’ legitimacy and accusations

19:19 - The evidence (or lack thereof) around the princes’ deaths and legitimacy

20:16 - The political context of Richard’s usurpation

21:12 - The legitimacy of Richard’s claim and the legitimacy law

21:42 - Richard’s legal justifications, including Titulus Regius

22:08 - The question of the princes’ legitimacy and Richard’s evidence

22:39 - The political manipulation and timing of Richard’s actions

23:08 - Richard’s rapid moves and the urgency of power consolidation

24:21 - The moral and religious conflict faced by Richard

24:48 - Richard’s faith and the justification of ruthless acts

25:17 - The medieval kingship and divine justification for harsh decisions

25:46 - Parallels with modern leadership and the justifications for tough choices

26:09 - Closing remarks and thanks

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more history videos here for you to watch including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

Join my Patreon to enjoy ad-free, extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more, all for £5/month.

You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

You can support me for free by commenting on this episode and subscribing to the channel.

Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

About Philippa

Philippa is a Historian and the founder of British History Tours and British History Events.

Receive weekly history news (including links to new historian interviews) from Philippa by subscribing to my Substack at Substack.com/ ⁨@BritishHistory⁩

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past few years Mudlarking, the pastime of scouring river banks for archeology, has become incredibly popular both with those who do it, and those who like to watch videos of, of hear about, new finds.

Expert Mudlarker, Lara Maiklem joined me at Harvington History Festival where we talked about how tidal rivers become archaeological treasure troves, the challenges mudlarks face, and what incredible relics she has uncovered.

Buy Lara's book 'A Mudlarking Year. Finding Treasure in Every Season' - click here.

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you have enjoyed it. There are many more historian interviews here for you including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

Please give this podcast a follow and a 5* review if you have enjoyed it as it helps the show be suggested to other people interested in history.

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Philippa’s discussion with historian Nicola Tallis about Lady Jane Grey, we covered some of her true story, achievements, and how perceptions have been shaped over time. We explored her intelligence, potential, and the importance of re-evaluating her legacy.

This interview is also available to watch on the British History Youtube channel - click here

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Reflection

00:28 Perceptions of Lady Jane Grey

01:23 Changing the Victim Narrative

02:22 Jane's Intellectual Achievements

04:25 Her Languages and Interests

06:50 Her Life and Aspirations

08:41 The Loss of Potential

10:05 What Kind of Queen Would She Have Been?

12:30 Reframing Jane's Legacy and Recognition

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more historian interviews for you to enjoy with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philippa sat down for a fascinating conversation with Ruth Goodman, a living history expert, and author of the ever popular 'How To Be a Tudor', among other books.

Ruth explained her approach to living history and casual experimentation to verify historical practices, the importance of practical research in understanding daily routines, how clothing inventories and household tools reveal regional and social differences in historical records, and the role of hearsay, imagery, and disapproval in uncovering the realities of ordinary people's lives.

Watch Episode on Youtube

Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel.

If you've enjoyed this please follow and rate this podcast. 

Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more here for you to browse through including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Carr and many more. 

Buy books from these incredible historians, shipped worldwide from Blackwells - click here (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you).

Join my Patreon - click here and enjoy ad-free extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more for all for £5/month.

You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

You can support me for free by commenting and rating this episode. 

Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tracy Borman joined Philippa on the British History channel to talk about her new novel ‘The House of Boleyn’.

Get early access, BONUS content and ad-free viewing go to www.Patreon.com/BritishHistory and join for this and many other history lover benefits including discounts on events, exclusive talks, and to put your questions to future guests. This interview is out on 12th April on the British History Patreon.

Tracy tells us about how she tackled the challenge of blending history and fiction, and the inspiration for setting her novel The House of Boleyn at Hever Castle and how it offers a fresh perspective on Tudor family life. We also talked about how she explores the human side of the historical figures, especially Thomas Boleyn and Anne Boleyn, challenging outdated stereotypes.

Important to Tracy, and indeed her book, is the role of the servants at Hever Castle and she tells us how she used everyday household details to create authenticity—fireplaces, relationships with servants, and the sensory experience of Tudor life.

The House of Boleyn is out 23rd April 2027. Pre/order now and get shipped for free worldwide from Blackwells - Click Here

(this is an affiliate link which earns me a commission but adds no cost to you)

Watch this episode on Youtube - Click Here

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.