History Rage

Think history is a neat, upward march of progress? Think again.

We love to tell ourselves a cozy story about human history: we started as innocent hunter-gatherers in perfect harmony with nature, invented farming, and smoothly leveled up all the way to modern civilization. But Patrick Wyman—historian, author, and creator of the smash-hit Tides of History podcast—is here to tell us that standard textbook narrative is absolute bollocks. In this explosive episode of History Rage, Patrick unleashes on the myth of the "golden age" of human innocence and exposes the messy, chaotic reality of our deep past.

The truth? Human prehistory isn’t a straight line—it’s 10,000 years of spectacular booms, violent crashes, and desperate trade-offs. From prehistoric European societies tearing themselves apart in mysterious waves of conflict to sophisticated urban centers that completely rejected the need for kings or rulers, our ancestors weren't floating through an age of innocence. They were just like us: making shit up as they went along, altering their environments, and desperately trying to stay in the game.

Plus, Patrick stays fired up to deliver a much-needed, historically accurate beatdown to the internet's favorite conspiracy theory: no, aliens did not build the pyramids.

Ready to abandon the march of progress and see our ancestors for who they truly were? Hit play now to get angry, get smart, and look at human history with a whole new perspective.

About Our Guest: Patrick Wyman

Patrick Wyman is a historian, author, and the brilliant mind behind the massive history podcasts The Fall of Rome and Tides of History.

• Buy the Book: Support the podcast and pick up Patrick's incredible new book, The Lost Worlds, directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780063256484
• Listen to the Podcast: Search for Tides of History on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio.
• Follow Patrick on Threads & Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@wyman_patrick or https://www.instagram.com/wyman_patrick
• Follow Patrick on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/patrick_wyman

Recommended Additional Episodes

If you loved diving into the mysteries of the ancient world, make sure to queue up these recommended episodes of History Rage next:

• Episode 17: Caroline Nicolay rages that there was plenty of rich civilization thriving long before the Romans ever turned up.
• Episode 132: Professor Jim Leary talks about the deep prehistory of human movement and migration.

Support & Follow History Rage

History Rage relies entirely on the support of our legendary listeners to keep the rage train rolling.

• Support us on Patreon: Get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly livestreams, and the coveted History Rage mug for just £5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
• Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HistoryRage
• Share the Rage: If you loved this episode, the absolute best thing you can do is leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to get them on board! 

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Forget Henry VIII: It is Time to Reignite the Power of the Six Queens

Are you ready to stop defining these six extraordinary Tudor women by the man they married? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back Tracy Borman, Chief Historian of Historic Royal Palaces. Together, they shatter the centuries-old "six wives" narrative to focus on the individual achievements, political savvy, and lasting legacies of these phenomenal rulers.

From Catherine of Aragon’s military leadership and Anne Boleyn’s driving force behind the Reformation, to Jane Seymour’s sharp financial agency, Anne of Cleves’s masterclass in diplomatic survival, Katherine Howard’s misunderstood agency, and Katherine Parr’s radical political and literary intellect—discover why it is time to throw out the "wives" myth and put the Six Queens front and centre.

This episode is produced in proud partnership with Historic Royal Palaces and their Six Queens campaign, an initiative transforming how these legendary women are taught in schools. Discover educational resources, classroom videos, and updates on next year's Six Queens Week at the Historic Royal Palaces website: https://www.hrp.org.uk.

Recommended Additional Episodes

• Episode 262: Stop Glorifying Henry VIII with Jackson Van Uden
• Episode 264: Team Catherine vs. Team Anne with Kate McCaffrey

Guest Info & Resources

• Guest: Tracy Borman (Chief Historian, Historic Royal Palaces)
• Website & Books: Learn more about Tracy's work and her latest novel, The House of Boleyn, at https://www.tracyborman.co.uk
• X/Twitter: @TracyBorman

Follow & Support History Rage

• Website: https://www.historyrage.com
• X/Twitter: @HistoryRage
• Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug for £5/month at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage

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Have you ever noticed that the JFK assassination is the only event in history where absolutely everyone feels entitled to an aggressive opinion? 🤬 The rich, human narrative of Dealey Plaza has been completely hijacked by toxic internet debates and dogmatic conspiracy culture.

But what if everything we've been arguing over misses the point entirely? 🕵️‍♂️ In this episode, author Martin Fitzgerald joins the pod to rescue history from the shouting matches. We move past the tired political theories to explore the incredible, bizarre, and deeply moving stories of the ordinary, reluctant witnesses who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

From the absolute chaos of an unpreserved crime scene to government agencies lying out of sheer institutional self-preservation, we unpack how official blunders birthed modern conspiracy culture. We also dive into the fragile nature of memory under trauma—including a witness who swore the six-second shooting lasted five minutes! Plus, Martin finally reveals the idiosyncratic, hilariously human truth behind the infamous "Umbrella Man".

Are you ready to drop the dogmatism and enjoy the fascinating mystery of the unknown? Click your favourite player below to stream the episode right now! 🎧

Links & Resources

Get the Book:

Grab your copy of Martin Fitzgerald's fantastic book, The Umbrella Man and Other Stories, directly from the History Rage Bookshop to support the show:

👉 https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837360253

Connect with the Guest:

• Follow Martin Fitzgerald on Social Media: @4hundredblows

Recommended Companion Episodes:

• Episode 54: Stephen Wisdom rages on the moon landing theories.
• Episode 265: Hallie Rubenhold rages on why identifying Jack the Ripper is completely pointless.

Support & Follow History Rage

If you love tearing down historical myths and want to keep the rage alive, here is how you can support our independent podcast:

• Become a Patron: Join the Rage Train on Patreon for £5/month to get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug!

👉 https://www.patreon.com/historyrage

• Follow Us: Stay updated with our latest historical rants on social media.
• Spread the Word: Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to get aboard the Rage Train!

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Did the Tudors really invent medieval fake news, or did the Yorkists get there first?

When we think of historical spin, Tudor propaganda usually takes centre stage. But host Paul Bavill sits down live at the Gloucester History Festival with acclaimed medieval historian and author Nathen Amin (House of Beaufort, Son of Prophecy) to completely shatter this dynastic myth.

In this fiery live session, Nathen exposes how Henry VII was simply a student of the game, adopting the very political playbook created by the House of York. From medieval Photoshop on parchment rolls and character assassination against Margaret of Anjou to the destruction of parliamentary records, discover how the Yorkists pioneered every trick in the book long before the Tudors ever claimed the throne.

Digital Passes & Festival Information

Nathen Amin appeared as part of the Gloucester History Festival. Digital passes to catch up on other talks from the festival can be purchased online at https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.

Recommended History Rage Episodes

If you enjoyed this deep dive into medieval politics, check out these related episodes:

• Episode 79: Richard III Fanatics with Nathen Amin – Nathen's famous first appearance unleashing his rage on Ricardian myths.
• Episode 137: Nathen rages that Henry VII should not be the Tudor nobody talks about

Guest Info & Books

Follow Nathen Amin and order his books:

• Website / Books: Find Son of Prophecy, and more at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781398133525
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/nathenamin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathenaminauthor

Connect, Follow & Support History Rage

Angry about bad history? Join the movement, follow us, and help keep the rage alive!

• Support on Patreon: Get early access, exclusive extras, and the coveted History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
• Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast providers.
• Follow on X (Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage
• Visit the Website: https://www.historyrage.com

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Unlock the hidden secrets of your ancestors because history didn't just happen, it happened to families.

Are you tired of dry, dusty history books that only talk about prime ministers and battlefield generals? It is time to smash the myth that genealogy is just an isolated, second-rate hobby for tracking pedigree charts. In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with professional genealogist and research specialist Jen Baldwin to blow the lid off traditional historical study.

Discover why family history is actually an essential, interdisciplinary gateway to understanding the real human consequences of our past. From the handwriting left on the 1921 Census of England and Wales to the surprising, messy tales preserved in global newspaper archives, learn how ordinary citizens were right in the thick of history's greatest upheavals. Whether you are tracing elusive agricultural laborers, criminal ancestors, or early colonial migrants, this episode will completely reframe how you look at your family's history. Don't leave your family's unique narratives trapped in the attic—tune in, get angry about forgotten history, and start digging today!

About Our Guest

Jen Baldwin has been working as a professional genealogist for over 15 years. She serves as a research specialist for FindMyPast and is a passionate advocate for connecting family archives with broader social and contextual history.

• Instagram: @jenbaldwin_genealogy
• Listen to the FindMyPast Podcast: Start uncovering historical deep-dives by subscribing to A Family History of… podcast, available wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

Ready to dive down your own genealogical rabbit hole and start uncovering the truth about your ancestors? All new users can start their FREE FindMyPast trial today!

• Claim Your Free Trial: https://www.findmypast.co.uk

Recommended Additional Episodes

If you loved this episode's deep dive into local, human-centered histories, check out these festival special episodes from the History Rage archive:

• Episode 121: Phil Moss and Andrew Armstrong uncover the surprising, hidden history of Gloucester.
• Episode 176: The Vice Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, Tim Alban Jones, rages that Peterborough is definitely not just some dull new town.

Follow, Contact & Support History Rage

Join the Rage Train and make sure you never miss an angry historian exposing the myths of the past!

• Support us on Patreon: Join the inner circle of History Ragers for £5 per month to get access to monthly live streams, early ad-free episodes, and the coveted History Rage mug! Subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage.
• Ad-Free Early Releases: Available on both Patreon and Apple Podcasts https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/.
• Spread the Word: If you are loving the show, please tell a friend and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

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Was the Special Air Service truly built solely by David Stirling and rogue, unmanageable mavericks?

Think you know the full origin story of the Special Air Service? The popular myth paints the WWII SAS as a rogues' gallery of unmanageable, rule-breaking mavericks who single-handedly reshaped special warfare before quietly vanishing at the end of the conflict. But this narrative ignores the quiet leadership, sharp political intellect, and crucial post-war battle that actually preserved the regiment's legacy. Without one man operating behind the scenes in the corridors of power, the modern SAS simply would not exist today.

In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with former British Army officer and author Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE to debunk the romanticized myth of Special Forces and restore a crucial figure to his rightful place in history. Together, they explore the extraordinary life of Brian Franks DSO MC—hotel manager turned Special Forces commander—who not only led operations behind enemy lines during Operation Loyton but personally brought Nazi war criminals to justice and spearheaded the campaign to rebuild the SAS from post-war disbandment.

Guest Details & Book Referrals

• Guest: Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE
• Featured Book: An Axe and Four Balloons: The Biography of Brian Franks DSO MC, The Man Who Saved the SAS by Tim Spicer. Buy your copy directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781999589172
• Other Books by Tim Spicer: A Suspicion of Spies: Risk, Secrets and Shadows – The Biography of Wilfred 'Biffy' Dunderdale and A Dangerous Enterprise: Secret War at Sea

Recommended Additional Episodes

• Episode 310: Damien Lewis rages against the shocking portrayals of Blair 'Paddy' Mayne.
• Episode 218: Tony Rushmer rages that it is high time Reg Seekings got his moment in the sun.

Follow, Contact & Support History Rage

• Website: https://www.historyrage.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• X/Twitter: https://x.com/HistoryRage
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryRagePodcast
• Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, access to live stream recordings, and exclusive merch at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
• Apple Podcasts Subscription: Subscribe directly on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/history-rage/id1583724649

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Why the "Roman Land Power" Myth is a Massive Historic Lie

There is a stubborn myth floating around popular culture and older history books that the Romans hated the sea, were terrible at sailing, and let their navy rot the second a war ended. But according to ancient historian and nautical archaeologist Dr. Stephen DeCasien, that is complete history rage material.

In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill dives deep into the ancient Mediterranean to shatter the misconception that Rome was strictly a land power. By exploring cutting-edge underwater archaeology, ancient naval rams, and the industrial scale of Roman shipbuilding, Dr. DeCasien proves that Rome was just as formidable on the waves as they were on land.

Discover how the Romans fought an ancient naval arms race against Carthage during the First Punic War, engineered devastating boarding tools like the Corvus, and deployed massive warships weighing thousands of kilograms at the legendary Battle of Actium. If you want to understand how Rome truly dominated the ancient world, you have to look at their navy.

About the Guest: Dr. Stephen DeCasien

Dr. Stephen DeCasien is an ancient historian and nautical archaeologist specializing in ancient Greek and Roman naval warfare, shipbuilding, and the bronze naval rams used on the bows of ancient warships.

• Follow Stephen on Social Media: Connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at @DeCasien

Binge These Additional Episodes Next!

If you loved this deep dive into ancient Rome, check out these highly recommended episodes from the History Rage archive:

• Episode 255: Simon Elliott makes the case for why Septimius Severus was the greatest Roman emperor.
• Episode 296: Emma Southon rages against the myth that Roman slavery was somehow better than Roman poverty.

Follow, Contact & Support History Rage

Do you love historians getting angry about historical inaccuracies? Help us keep the rage train rolling!

• Support us on Patreon: Join the inner circle at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage. For just £5 a month, you get access to our exclusive monthly live stream, early ad-free episodes, and the coveted History Rage mug!
• Follow us on Social Media: Get updates and submit your own history rages on X @HistoryRage or Instagram @HistoryRage.
• Spread the Word: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and tell a friend to get them aboard the rage train!

Until next week, thanks for listening and stay angry! 

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Were 2 million unpaid British civilians really just doddery, helpless old men?

Think Private Godfrey and Corporal Jones speak for the Home Guard? Think again! Captain Mannering's platoon gets a complete reality check in this fiery episode of History Rage.

Join host Paul Bavill as he chats with author and historian Sinclair McKay to shatter the sitcom myths and restore dignity to Britain's WWII civilian army. From guerrilla warfare tactics taught by Spanish Civil War veterans at Osterley Park to the top-secret underground "auxiliaries" trained for sabotage and assassination, discover the deadly serious reality of the men—and women—who stood ready to defend their homes.

Key Takeaways & What You’ll Discover:

• Beyond the Sitcom: Why the "doddery old men" stereotype started in 1940—long before the 1968 BBC series Dad's Army.
• Real Combat Experience: Why the average age was actually 38, packed with First World War veterans and eager teenagers.
• Lethal Tactics: How volunteers were trained in asymmetric warfare, Molotov cocktails, sniper skills, and hand-to-hand combat.
• The Secret Auxiliaries: The underground, top-secret elite units prepared for covert resistance, sabotage, and target eliminations.
• Women on the Front Line: The fierce push for female enlistment, from factory platoons to outshooting MPs on the range.

Catch Sinclair McKay Live!

Sinclair is speaking at the Gloucester History Festival (which runs from 12th–20th September)!

• Event: Sinclair McKay on Dad's Army
• Date & Time: Sunday, 20th September at 10:00 AM
• Tickets: Available now at gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk

Guest Book & Referral Details

• Buy the Book: Grab your copy of Dad's Army: The Glorious True Story of the Home Guard by Sinclair McKay directly from the History Rage Bookshop: uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780241772324

Recommended Additional Episodes

• Episode 205: Nathan Hazlehurst on why there's more to civil defence than just putting bloody lights out.
• Episode 292: Joshua Levine rages against the myths surrounding the Blitz Spirit.

Follow, Contact & Support History Rage

• Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug at patreon.com/historyrage.
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Listen ad-free via Apple Podcasts.
• Follow Us: Stay angry and join the conversation on social media @HistoryRage.    

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The Abdication Crisis Demolished

In 1936, King Edward VIII gave up the British throne for the woman he loved—or so the story goes. But was the abdication of Edward VIII really the ultimate modern fairy tale, or a carefully orchestrated establishment takedown?

Journalist and author Sian Evans joins host Paul Bavill on History Rage to shatter the classic fig leaf surrounding Wallis Simpson and the crown. Evans uncovers the political maneuvers, secret service surveillance, and establishment panic behind the year of three kings, exposing Edward VIII not as a romantic hero, but as an unsuitable, petulant playboy king the government desperately needed to replace.

Key Discussion Points

• The Romantic Fig Leaf: Why the "greatest love story" myth served both the royal family and the British government to hide a constitutional coup.
• Playboy Prince to Reluctant King: Edward’s self-indulgence, low boredom threshold, and early threats to renounce his royal duties.
• Enter Wallis Simpson: The dynamic American divorcee, the secret Ipswich divorce trial, and why the establishment saw her as a threat.
• The Establishment Takedown: How Stanley Baldwin, Archbishop Cosmo Lang, and court officials leveraged the crisis to install Bertie (King George VI).
• Royal Duty vs. Personal Desire: The echoes of 1936 in modern royal departures, from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to royal duty.

Recommended History Rage Episodes

• Episode 175: Stop Worshipping the Bloody Mitfords with Guy Walters
• Episode 227: Coco Chanel Was Not a Nazi Spy with Anne de Courcy

Guest Information & Book Link

• Guest: Sian Evans
• Book: 1936: The Year of Three Kings
• Buy the Book: Support the guest, independent booksellers, and History Rage by purchasing from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399722766

Follow, Support & Join History Rage

• Support on Patreon: Get access to live streams and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe for ad-free listening directly via Apple Subscriptions
• Follow on Socials: Search @HistoryRage across Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Vampires, bloodbaths, and historical smear campaigns: why the legends you know are dead wrong.

Think you know the story of Elizabeth Báthory, the "Blood Countess" who bathed in the blood of virgins to stay forever young? Think again. In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with former professor and author Shelley Puhak to tear down four centuries of myth and reveal the real woman behind the monster.

The canonical legend has cemented Báthory as the world's most prolific female serial killer, a creature walled up in a tower after being caught red-handed. But the reality has nothing to do with horror tropes and everything to do with early modern witch trials, immense wealth, and a cutthroat political turf war against the Habsburg Empire.

Shelley exposes how a powerful, literate, and politically inconvenient widow was systematically dismantled by ambitious, paranoid men who used the era's raging satanic panics to launch a massive land grab. If you love true history, political intrigue, and watching legendary myths get turned to ash, this rage is exactly what you need.

Discover the Real History:

• The Fabricated Myth: Why the infamous "bathing in blood" detail wasn't added until a century after her death by a Jesuit priest looking to sell local folklore.
• A Political Target: How Báthory’s control of vast strategic fortresses and her family's ties to open rebellion made her a massive threat to the Habsburg crown.
• An Investigation Without Bodies: The shocking truth behind the lack of evidence, missing victims, and the hurried torture and execution of her servants.
• The Weapon of Misogyny: How powerful women throughout history—from Anne Boleyn to Catherine de' Medici—are consistently transformed into monsters in the historical imagination.

Links and Resources

• Buy the Book: Grab your copy of Shelley Puhak's gripping book, The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster, from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781639732159
• Follow the Guest: Connect with author Shelley Puhak and dive deeper into her work on marginalized histories by visiting her website: https://www.shelleypuhak.com

Recommended Episodes

If you enjoyed this episode, dive into these angry deep-dives from our archives:

• Episode 254: Rachel McCarthy James rages about the misunderstandings surrounding the Lizzie Borden murders.
• Episode 306: Kate Williams sets the record straight on the royal, scandalous myths of Catherine the Great.

Support History Rage!

If you want to help us keep slaying historical myths, please consider supporting the show:

• Patreon: Join our community as a free or premium member at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
• Substack: Subscribe to the History Rage mailing list for updates at https://historyrage.substack.com
• Website: Find everything History Rage right here at https://www.historyrage.com

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Google, and—until next week—stay angry!

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