The Middle Ages conjures images of wise, warrior Kings and beautiful Queens. Well this episode we are going to shatter that image! Get ready to dive into the crazy world of insane kings and diabolical madmen. Years of inbreeding the royal blood is bound to have an effect sooner or later. We'll investigate kings, queens and counts that went bat crazy during their reigns. Thanks for listening and subscribing to the podcast. Please send any comments or suggestions to [email protected] Listen to the episode now In this episode you'll discover: The King who thought he was made of glass The Queen who embraced her died husband nightly The crusading Prince who tortured and displayed his victims The insane King who laughed and sang while a battle was raging And more... Get your free audio book from Audible.com at: http://www.medievalarchives.com/AudibleOffer Download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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When Adam delved and Eve span, Who then was the gentleman? The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was one of a number of popular revolts in late medieval Europe and is a major event in the history of England. Led by Wat Tyler the peasant's rose up against the ruling class. Were they successful? Or did they fail and meet the executioners axe? Find out in the latest episode of the Medieval Archives Podcast Get your free audio book from Audible.com at: http://www.audibletrial.com/MedievalArchives You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the links below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. Direct Download | iTunes | RSS Feed

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The mini series comes to an end. Will they finish the cathedral or will Waleran block all attempts? Will Jack find out the truth about his father? Everything gets answered in the final episode! Join us as we finish our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode eight "The Work of Angels" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. Pillars of the Earth Synopsis This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the process, the long-hidden secret is revealed. Episode 8 "The Work of Angels" Ten years later, Jack’s fixation with the cathedral leaves him little time or energy for anything else, while Aliena’s fixation with the distant Earldom of Shiring has married her to Alfred, a man she hates. Waleran and Alfred develop a plot to get rid of Jack for good and it seems to be working until evidence comes to light that makes all wrongs rectified. Topics Discussed: Episode Recap Episode Review History Lesson: What was correct and what was incorrect Prince Henry vs Prince Eustace Treaty of Wallingford World Without End preview Cast of Characters: Ian McShane as Waleran Bigod Donald Sutherland as Earl Bartholomew Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip Tony Curran as King Stephen Alison Pill as Princess Maude Sarah Parish as Regan Hamleigh Robert Bathurst as Percy Hamleigh David Oakes as William Hamleigh Goetz Otto as Walter Hayley Atwell as Aliena Sam Claflin as Richard Liam Garrigan as Alfred Builder Skye Bennett as Martha Builder Gordon Pinsent as the Archbishop Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson Natalia Wörner as Ellen Anatole Taubman as Remigius Get your free audio book from Audible.com at: http://www.audibletrial.com/MedievalArchives You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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Dan Snow, historian and award winning TV presenter takes a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk to the Medieval Archives. Trained in the hallowed halls of Oxford University, Dan ventured into TV for a WWII Documentary and hasn't looked back. His past medieval documentaries explored 1066 and The Battle of Hastings, Norman Walks through Norman castles of Britain and the filthy streets of medieval London. Currently he is the host of Battle Castles, a documentary series focusing on six medieval castles and their history. Battle Castle can be seen Thursday nights on History Television Canada and will be airing on the BBC later this year. In this episode you will discover: Dan's Favorite historical period and movie Dan's Favorite Battle Castle location His crazy experience's filming historical documentaries And much more... All historians will want to hear this episode! I would like to thank Dan for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit with the Medieval Archives Podcast. It was a great interview and great talking with him. Connect with Dan Snow today! Dan Snow Twitter Profile Dan's History Facts Twitter Profile Dan Snow Production Company: Ballista Media You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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Battle Castle, the outstanding castle documentary series, explores the medieval history of six castles. Today we have an interview with Sean F. White, the Director of Photography for Battle Castle. I talk with Sean about filming the castles and the siege engines in action. We also cover how the re-enactments were filmed. In this episode you will discover: The role of the Director of Photogrpahy His approach to visually capturing the castles The adventurous side of Sean as he films the castles The secret location where they filmed the re-enactments Which episode was filmed in 3D And much more... It's another great interview you won't want to miss! A big thanks to Sean for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with the Medieval Archives podcast Connect with Battle Castle today! Battle Castle Website Battle Castle Facebook fan page Battle Castle Twitter profile Battle Castle Youtube channel Connect with Sean F. White Sean's Web Page Sean's Twitter Profile Sean's Facebook page You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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Battle Castle, the outstanding castle documentary series, explores the medieval history of six castles. Today we have an interview with Nicole Tomlinson, writer for Battle Castle. I talk to Nicole about writing for the series and how she approached the research process. We also cover how the castles were picked, castles that were left out, and their use of social media. In this episode you will discover: Nicole's favorite castle Where she would like to explore next A castle visit cut short due to political uprisings The man who sold his condo to build siege weapons And much more... You won't want to miss this episode! I would like to thank Nicole for taking the time to visit with the Medieval Archives Podcast. It was a great interview and she is a wonderful person. Connect with Battle Castle today! Battle Castle Website Battle Castle Facebook fan page Battle Castle Twitter profile Battle Castle Youtube channel You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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England is gripped by war, political stirfe and treachery. And in the midst of it all a towering cathedral, a beacon of love and hope is erected. Will Philip raise again after being removed as prior? Will Aliena be able to find Jack in France? And will work continue on the cathedral after the collapse? Join us as we continuing our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode seven "New Beginnings" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. Pillars of the Earth Synopsis This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the process, the long-hidden secret is revealed. Episode 7 "New Beginnings" As a result of his travels, Jack has learned how to fulfill Tom Builder’s dream of a cathedral filled with light. Aliena tracks Jack by following the trail of his carvings. Waleran offers Philip a new position but it means that Philip must always obey Waleran. Kingsbridge becomes prosperous again, infuriating Regan and William, who plan an attack meeting resistance from Richard, Jack and Philip. NOTE: Ken Follett has a cameo role in this episode as the merchant who tells Jack the story of his father's sailing. Topics Discussed: Episode Recap Episode Review History Lesson: What was correct and what was incorrect Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester Abbott Sugar Saint Denis Abbey Cast of Characters: Ian McShane as Waleran Bigod Donald Sutherland as Earl Bartholomew Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip Tony Curran as King Stephen Alison Pill as Princess Maude Sarah Parish as Regan Hamleigh Robert Bathurst as Percy Hamleigh David Oakes as William Hamleigh Goetz Otto as Walter Hayley Atwell as Aliena Sam Claflin as Richard Liam Garrigan as Alfred Builder Skye Bennett as Martha Builder Gordon Pinsent as the Archbishop Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson Natalia Wörner as Ellen Anatole Taubman as Remigius Get your free audio book from Audible.com at: http://www.audibletrial.com/MedievalArchives You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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It's 2012! I hope you all had a safe and happy new year. We are kicking off the new year with an interview with Historical Fiction author Christy English. Christy is a writer of historical fiction centering on Eleanor of Aquitaine, Alais of France, and the Plantagenets of the 12th Century. Her latest book is To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. During the interview we discuss her novels, her love of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the challenges of writing about a historical figure. We also discuss her writing process and her favorite authors. It is a fantastic interview! Click the links below to visit her website or buy her books. Website: ChristyEnglish.com Books: To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine Twitter: @ChristyEnglish You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The opening music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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Love, marriage and lose during the Anarchy. Waleran continues his quest to become the Archbishop of Canterbury and William Hamliegh tries to become the Earl of Shiring. Aliena faces a tough decision that involves the future of Richard and the promise she made to her father. Jack and Alfred are at odds and Ellen uses her powers to help Jack. Join us as we continuing our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode six "Witchcraft" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. Pillars of the Earth Synopsis This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the process, the long-hidden secret is revealed. Episode 6 "Witchcraft" Richard returns from war to find his sister penniless and unable to support his knighthood. Alfred offers himself to Prior Philip as master builder. Aliena has to choose between her love for Jack and her oath to her father. Regan forces Waleran to speak to the King about William’s long-delayed Earldom. A disaster at Kingsbridge becomes a way for Waleran to remove Prior Philip from his position. Topics Discussed: Episode Recap Episode Review History Lesson: What was correct and what was incorrect Medieval Surnames Cast of Characters: Ian McShane as Waleran Bigod Donald Sutherland as Earl Bartholomew Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip Tony Curran as King Stephen Alison Pill as Princess Maude Sarah Parish as Regan Hamleigh Robert Bathurst as Percy Hamleigh David Oakes as William Hamleigh Goetz Otto as Walter Hayley Atwell as Aliena Sam Claflin as Richard Liam Garrigan as Alfred Builder Skye Bennett as Martha Builder Gordon Pinsent as the Archbishop Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson Natalia Wörner as Ellen Anatole Taubman as Remigius Get your free audio book from Audible.com at: http://www.audibletrial.com/MedievalArchives You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed.

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