Reign Check: The Kings and Queens of England

Anarchy in the U.K., literally. After a period of stability following the Norman Conquest, things are shaken up with the first “Lady of England” who was nearly, but not quite, the first Queen of England. But listen in to find out how she might be the one who has the last laugh.

Left his brother dying in the forest to rush off to be crowned before his eldest brother. First of his name, he had a tremendously stable and strong reign despite this harsh beginning. But to find out how it all ends, listen on.

The favorite son of The Conqueror rules with an iron fist, a ruddy face and a long shoe. A man of contradictions and a ruler of mixed legacy. His death in The New Forest is wrapped in mystery to this very day.

Daughter, Sister and Mother to Kings, Dukes and Bishops. Adela of Normandy, Blois, England, the Countess of Chartres and so-called Heroine of the First Crusade; a complicated woman of a complicated time.

We split the man in two and he still has us making our lengthiest episode yet! You all know the name, listen to learn about the man.

Our first two-part episode! Not sure what to say about the man that hasn’t already been said. We break down the life of the most impactful English king of all time from birth until 1066. He’s the reason we call cow beef and pig pork.

Part 1: Wil

Is Edgar the Forrest Gump of Early Medieval England? Enjoy this special episode about a man who was never King but who might be one of the most underrated figures in early British history. 

Thank you for your patience while we took a week off for summer vacation!

Son of Godwin but seemingly did not win God’s favor. Harald was a brilliant fighter and tactician and juggled enemies, and former friends, coming from the East and the South. If the Channel hadn’t been so stormy, would England have remained in Anglo hands? No man can say. 

What crimes was he confessing to? One of England’s few Saint-Kings, Edward restores some stability to England, but can never seem to get out from under the thumb of the Godwin’s.

He was one tough nut to crack, but we try our best. Harthacnut spent most of his time preoccupied with Scandinavia but he would be the final viking king of England and a guy who liked to party, maybe a bit too much…