We’re working behind the scenes to make the podcast better than ever. In the meantime, we’re bringing you some of our favourite episodes from the archive.  

This week, as Christmas festivities get into full swing, we’re delving into the history of the Roman midwinter festival of Saturnalia. Guiding us through the details of what it was, how it was observed, and its role in influencing today’s traditions is curator for Hadrian’s Wall and the North East, Dr Frances McIntosh. 

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We’re working behind the scenes to make the podcast better than ever. In the meantime, we’re diving into our archive to bring you some of our favourite episodes. 

This week, we unwrap the history of Christmas party season at four of our English Heritage sites, with properties historians team leader, Dr Andrew Hann. Discover how their rich and powerful former residents celebrated, what was on the menu at festive feasts, and how the guests were entertained. 

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Over the next few weeks, we’re working behind the scenes to make the podcast better than ever. In the meantime, we’re diving into our archive to bring you some of our favourite episodes. 

This week, revisit the Romans of ‘Britannia’ with English Heritage properties historian, Andrew Roberts and curator, Cameron Moffett. Discover who the Romans living and working in Britain at that time were, where they had come from and how their way of life fitted in with existing British culture. 

To learn more about life in Roman Britain, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans

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In the summer of 2024, eight catapult shot were discovered at Kenilworth Castle during a project to improve paths in and around the castle. Ranging in weight between 1kg and 105kg, the stone balls are believed to have been fired during the momentous 172-day-long siege of the castle in 1266. We’re joined by properties historian Dr William Wyeth to discover the story of the siege, the people who took part and its legacy today.  

To discover more about the history of Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworth-castle/history-and-stories 

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This week, we’ve got a mouthwatering treat for you as we’re joined by food historian Sam Bilton to dig into the story and evolution of this much-loved winter warmer. Discover what constitutes a pie, the earliest record of one, the ingredients pie makers through the ages experimented with and whether the humble pie still has a place in our 21st century, health-conscious world.  

To discover more about the history of the English pie, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/a-history-of-the-english-pie 

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This week, we’re looking back at the history of Hailes Abbey, a ruined monastery in the Cotswold countryside, which was once one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in medieval England. For centuries, visitors flocked here to see the Holy Blood of Hailes – a prized relic said to be a portion of the blood of Jesus Christ. We’re joined by English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and Hailes Abbey’s property manager Jess Eyres to discover how the Holy Blood came here, the miracles attributed to it, what happened to it and everything today’s visitors can expect to find. 

To discover more about the story of Hailes Abbey and the Holy Blood, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hailes-abbey/history-and-stories 

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Today, we’re joined by English Heritage’s senior properties historian, Dr Steven Brindle, and head properties curator, Dr Jeremy Ashbee, to answer all your questions about England’s medieval kings and queens. Join us as we reveal which medieval monarch had the greatest impact on English history, the perils of being a member of the Royal Family at the time, what happened to Henry VIII’s tomb and more. 

To discover more about England’s kings and queens through history, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/monarchy 

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As we head into the darker part of the year, we’re preparing for a trio of historical events designed to commemorate the dead. Everyone knows Halloween, of course, but what about All Saints' Day and All Souls’ Day, which follow straight after? We’re joined by English Heritage’s senior properties historian, Dr Michael Carter, to find out more.  

To discover more, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/halloween-saints-souls/

For more spooky stories, gruesome tales and unmissable Halloween events, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/Halloween  

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Today, we’re marking 100 years since the 1924 general election, which saw 41 women compete for seats in the UK’s House of Commons. One of the candidates that year was Mary Katherine Middleton of Belsay Hall in Northumberland, northeast England. Joining us to talk about her life, her accomplishments, and the women’s political movement of the time are properties historian Andrew Roberts and historian of women and politics in modern Britain Dr Lisa Berry Waite.

To learn more about the Mary Middleton’s story, go to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/mary-middleton

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We’re joined in the studio by the founders and young members from the Voices Project to learn about a new walking tour they’re creating to celebrate the Black history of Brixton, London. Discover the stories they uncovered, the blue plaques that feature on their route and what they hope their new tour will help to achieve.    

To learn more about English Heritage’s youth engagement project, Shout Out Loud, go to www.shoutoutloud.org.uk  

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