William the Conqueror, preferring Normandy over England, spends his later reign focusing on continental politics and property disputes, often resolving them personally alongside his politically influential wife, Matilda. Meanwhile, their heir Robert grows increasingly frustrated by his limited role and lack of authority within his family’s dominion, feeling sidelined in critical military and political decisions. […]

The post 436 – Taking the Piss first appeared on The British History Podcast.

In the turmoil of William the Conqueror’s reign, Waltheof, the last English-born Earl, becomes entangled in a complex web of loyalty, rebellion, and the pursuit of justice. His long imprisonment and eventual execution for alleged treason showcase the intricate dance between Norman law and the expectations of nobility, highlighting the deep divisions and political maneuvers […]

The post 435 – Trials and Tribulations first appeared on The British History Podcast.

As William the Conqueror’s sons grow, their future roles and the weight of their lineage come into sharp focus. Robert, William’s eldest, faces disappointment and tension with his father, revealing cracks in their relationship and Robert’s struggle for recognition and Normandy’s control. Richard, the second son, embodies the chivalric ideal but meets a tragic fate […]

The post 434 – The Boys first appeared on The British History Podcast.

In 1075, King Bleddyn of Gwynedd and Powys, a formidable leader aiming for Welsh unification, finds himself embroiled in a complex web of power struggles. His aspirations clash with King Caradog and the turbulent politics of southwestern Wales. Amidst these tensions, King Bleddyn is cunningly assassinated in a meeting, plunging Gwynedd into a succession crisis. […]

The post 433 – North Wales: I Love Mess first appeared on The British History Podcast.

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The post Bonus Episode on Courtliness first appeared on The British History Podcast.

In 1075, Earl Roger and Earl Ralph lead a significant rebellion against King William, spurred by personal grievances and political ambitions. This insurrection, ignited at a wedding, quickly evolves into a major crisis, challenging the king’s authority. The plot thickens with Waltheof’s involvement, revealing intricate alliances and betrayals among the nobility. The uprising, marked by […]

The post 432 – The Revolt of the Earls first appeared on The British History Podcast.

In 1075, amidst the backdrop of William’s strained relations with England and his noble court, a grand wedding intertwines political machinations with matrimonial celebration. Earl Roger and Ralph de Gael, leveraging their noble statuses and familial connections, conspire to challenge William’s authority. Their plot, hatched under the guise of marital bliss, seeks to capitalize on […]

The post 431 – The Gang Has A Wedding first appeared on The British History Podcast.

As King William navigates the complexities of ruling England, he faces the challenges of governance, church reforms, and foreign affairs with mixed outcomes. His interactions with the newly installed continental clergy and the ecclesiastical restructuring reflect his struggles with power dynamics, cultural integration, and administrative burdens. William’s ventures into Maine and dealings with internal and […]

The post 430 – Is It Good To Be King? first appeared on The British History Podcast.

In 1072, the landscape of power in England and Normandy is tumultuous, with William’s conquest still facing resistance. King Malcolm III of Scotland, with ties to the English throne through his marriage to Margaret, sister of Edgar the Ætheling, poses a subtle threat to William. This period sees a blending of cultural and political norms […]

The post 429 – Power Brokers and Power Breakers first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Five years post-Hastings, England remains embroiled in resistance against William’s rule, witnessing widespread rebellions across its towns and cities. Despite facing unrelenting opposition, William’s ruthless strategies and disregard for societal norms have enabled him to maintain control. His actions reveal not just a desire for kingship but an imperial ambition, aiming to forge a new […]

The post 428 – Tightening the Grip first appeared on The British History Podcast.