Gone Medieval

Latest Episodes:

Dragons: From Eden to Middle Earth Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Step into a torch-lit world where dragons weren’t just monsters—they were symbols of power, chaos, faith and fear. Dr. Eleanor Janega explores the fire-breathing creatures that haunted the imagination of the Middle Ages. From the serpentine wyrms lurking beneath castles to the crowned basilisks whose gaze could kill, dragons shaped medieval mythology, religion and heraldry in profound ways.

Eleanor is joined by Dr. Sam Riches to uncover how dragons were used to represent everything from Satanic evil to royal might.

MORE

Monsters of the Medieval Apocalypse

https://open.spotify.com/episode/54HitUMboNBFWtOJQhvH3H

Medieval Monsters, Ghosts & Werewolves

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0daEokZMvacfQVvHeHcZye

Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Tim Arstall, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medieval England's Top 5 Sites Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Here on Gone Medieval we love to share the historical nuggets you won't commonly find.

We are the insider's guide to Medieval times. and today Matt Lewis is taken on a whistle-stop tour of Medieval England by Julian Humphrys, to explore five noteworthy locations that might just be round the corner from your campsite or ferry stop this summer.

From Viking raids and the Wars of the Roses to medieval architecture and the defense strategies of Dover, this episode is packed with intriguing stories and insights, offering valuable tips for those planning a historical day out, or just taking a day trip in your mind.

Rise of British Castles

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KTKsTMaiamMSAoxLqCKup

1217: The year that forged England

https://open.spotify.com/episode/68DvpSKUnxPybL8T4ilgtZ

Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Republic of Venice Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by historian Roger Crowley to unravel the captivating history of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. How did this city, born from a lagoon, ride the changing tides of trade in the 15th century to evolve into a formidable maritime empire? From its unique social structures to its role in the Fourth Crusade, Eleanor and Roger take an in-depth look at Venice's unparalleled success and its challenges.

Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Rob Weinberg, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

More:

The Holy Roman Empire >

The Silk Road: Where Cultures Collided >

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monsters of the Medieval World Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Monsterland.

The Medieval world is a realm of dragons, demons and beasts. Matt Lewis and Nick Jubber step into this murky world to tell the magical tales of the Bavarian Dragon's fire-breathing spectacle, the dark allure of Japan's mischievous Oni, and the hauntingly beautiful legend of Orkney's Selkies.

An adventure into the rich tapestry of medieval folklore and what these monsters reveal about human nature and the fears of the past.

Monsters of the Medieval Apocalypse

https://open.spotify.com/episode/54HitUMboNBFWtOJQhvH3H

Welsh Folk Tales

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rNA9vSBAs4MuE1T5X2VRe

Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited and produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Childbirth in Medieval Times with Kate Lister Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

This episode contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of birth

Today we're delving into historical childbirth's stark realities, facing the medieval attitudes toward childbirth, its dangers, and grizzly details. Dr. Eleanor Janega pays a visit to our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets to be the guest of its presenter Dr. Kate Lister, and they explore the life of midwives, including their crucial role, training, and societal perceptions. They also touch on unique aspects such as the medical practices of nuns, the evolving understanding of childbirth, and the heartbreaking prevalence of maternal and infant mortality.

Dr Kate Lister is a sex historian and host of our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society. Over on her pod, there are new episodes twice a week every week, and Kate explores everything from witch trials, to the sex lives of kings and queens, to scandals which change the course of history. Check it out if you haven’t already.

The Real Joan of Arc with Dr. Kate Lister

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wgZwZ7RZt5d6AZOeLih2b

Medieval Sex Work

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GDgtPZjN02v5Sf9fyv4jK

Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Tom Delargy and Amy Haddow, the producer is Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canterbury Tales: Pilgrims' Professions Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Do you know what a Squire did? Was a Merchant as fancy as he sounds?

Gone Medieval continues our week of pilgrimage as Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Robert Mayer Lee to explore the diverse jobs and social status' of the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

They discuss how Chaucer's work reflects the fluidity and complexities of social mobility in 14th century England and the motivations and messages behind these timeless stories.

Geoffrey Chaucer, Father of English Literature

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TMGrNTfPS5wwOqspKNfK3

How to Dress in the Middle Ages

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JOjrPdijf3VD2eT9iCrgS

Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here:

https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chaucer's Wife of Bath: Medieval Feminist Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

This episode contains explicit language and themes

We're revelling in the Canterbury Tales this week; who else to kick things off with a bang than the scandalous Wife of Bath?

Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Hetta Howes to celebrate Chaucer's scandalous and witty Wife of Bath, as they explore her five marriages, defiance of medieval norms, and her unapologetically bold voice. Together they unravel the rich details of her prologue and tale, filled with humour, controversy, and groundbreaking challenges to gender roles. Romp through one of literature's most unforgettable tales and characters.

Medieval Writers, Extraordinary Women

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2axC5tQ8weR8tfb9ZwQJbK

Geoffrey Chaucer, Father of English Literature

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TMGrNTfPS5wwOqspKNfK3

Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Christopher & Summertime Saints Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

Ever worn a St. Christopher medallion and wondered about the man carrying the Christ child across a river? Or heard of St. Uncumber, the bearded female saint invoked by women desperate to escape unwanted marriages? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis is once again joined by historian and storyteller Amy Jeffs, this time to uncover the fascinating stories of medieval saints connected to the summer months. From the legendary Seven Sleepers of Ephesus—precursors to fairy tales like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty—to England’s own warm-weather holy figures, these stories are as strange as they are sacred.

More:

Edward the Confessor & New Year Saints >

St. George & Springtime Saints >

Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. The narrator was Sophie Gee. It was edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medieval Hungary Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Eleanor Janega sifts through the myths to uncover the foundations of medieval Hungary and its peoples. From the legendary tales of the country's origins to the process of Christianization under King Stephen, Eleanor and Professor Nora Berend discuss how various migrations shaped the kingdom, the devastating impact of the Mongol invasions, and Hungary's intricate relationships with surrounding empires.

MORE

Genghis Khan's Pax Mongolica >

The Habsburgs >

Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murder of Henry VI Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

An investigation into the dramatic siege of London in 1471 and the controversial and mysterious death of Henry VI. Matt Lewis is joined by Andrew Boardman to unpack Thomas Neville's assault on London, a rebellion that set the city on fire and led to panic within its walls. They explore the aftermath and the evidence that Edward IV made a calculated decision to end Henry VI’s life to quash future rebellions.

Was Henry VI's death due to 'pure melancholy' as reported, or something more sinister?

The Hundred Years War

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UQkEb0MTdJdwYmJB333RX

Tower of London: Most Infamous Prisoners

https://open.spotify.com/episode/21EtfN6sWWVsA0fWwD89u2

Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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