The English Heritage Podcast

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Episode 246 - Ask the experts: everything you wanted to know about the history of Christmas Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

We're joined in the studio by properties historian Dr Will Wyeth, senior properties historian Dr Megan Leyland and properties historian team leader Dr Andrew Hann to answer all the questions we received about the history of Christmas from English Heritage Members and followers on our social media accounts.

Join us to discover how the origins of Christmas date back over 2,000 years, when geese were first swapped for turkeys on the dinner table, how Boxing Day got its name and much more.

To learn more about the history of Christmas, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/the-history-of-christmas

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Episode 245 - Christmas misbehaviour and the Lords of Misrule Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

This week, we're joined by senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter to find out how people in the past entertained themselves during the cold and dark midwinter — and the festive mischief they got up to at this time of year.

Join us to learn about Christmas irreverence through the ages, the curious traditions of boy bishops, the Bean King and the Lord of Misrule, and the English Heritage sites where these festivities took place.

To learn more about the Lord of Misrule, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/members-magazine/2021/the-lord-of-misrule.

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Episode 244 - Mead, mulsum and merrymaking: a brief history of booze Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

As the Christmas party season gets into full swing, we're taking a look back at the history of alcoholic drinks through the ages. From mead to mulsum, beer to brandy, and wine to whisky — they're all on the menu in our figurative festive pub. Joining us to raise a glass and explain all are English Heritage curator of collections Cameron Moffett and drinks expert and writer Jane Peyton.

To learn more about mead and find some mead cocktail recipes, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/about-us/search-news/mead-resurgence.

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Episode 243 - St Milburga: princess, abbess, miracle worker Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Today, we're joined by English Heritage senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter to reveal the story of St Milburga, who was a princess, the second abbess of Wenlock Priory, and a woman of international renown. Discover the story of her royal roots, her rise to Christian renown and the miraculous cures attributed to this little-known saint.

To learn more about St Milburga, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wenlock-priory/history/st-milburga.

To plan a visit to Wenlock Priory, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wenlock-priory.

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Episode 242 - How to stay healthy in Roman Britain Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

This week, we’re exploring the secrets to living a healthy life in Roman Britain. The Roman’s well documented love of bathing was one aspect of this, along with exercise, ancient medical science, religion and even superstition. Joining us to shine a light on Roman medicine and healthcare are English Heritage properties historian Dr Andrew Roberts and curators Cameron Moffett and Dr Frances McIntosh.

Content warning: this podcast contains graphic descriptions of historic medical procedures that some listeners might find uncomfortable.

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

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Episode 241 - Nye Bevan and the founding of the National Health Service Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

Today, we’re looking back at the story of the man who brought free healthcare to the UK in the years after the Second World War. Aneurin Bevan – also known as Nye Bevan – was the founding father of the National Health Service or NHS, which 75 years on, remains at the heart of British life.

Joining us to discuss Bevan’s life and legacy, and the London blue plaque commemorating his achievements, is senior historian for the blue plaques scheme, Howard Spencer.

To learn more about our London blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques.

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Episode 240 - A history of England in stinking sewage Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

This week, we’re holding our noses to tackle the history of toilets through the ages, from latrines, privies and reredorters to garderobes and even thunderboxes!

Joining us to flush out the stories of long drops, dung gatherers and the first public conveniences are senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter and historical archaeologist Dr Ian West.

To learn more about toilets through time, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/top-10-toilets-through-time.

To find out more about Joseph Bazalgette and the location of his blue plaque, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/joseph-william-bazalgette/

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Episode 239 - The Lady of the Isle: Isabella de Fortibus and Carisbrooke Castle Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Join us to discover the story of one of England’s wealthiest and most powerful medieval noblewomen, Isabella de Fortibus (1237–1293). Married at an early age before becoming a wealthy young widow and heiress, she was pursued by many ambitious suitors hoping to acquire her wealth and lands while she lived at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight.

And it’s here that we begin our story with our guests, English Heritage senior properties curator Sam Stones and documentation officer Dr Therron Welstead.

To learn more about Carisbrooke Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/carisbrooke.

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Episode 238 - Stonehenge and the Festival of Neolithic Ideas Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

This week, we’re making history at Stonehenge, as our most famous prehistoric site hosts its first ever Festival of Neolithic Ideas on 11 and 12 November 2023.

Joining us to tell us more about the event and how our understanding of Stonehenge and its Neolithic builders is continuing to develop are English Heritage properties historian Dr Jennifer Wexler and head of learning and interpretation Dr Dominque Bouchard.

To learn more about Stonehenge or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge.

To find out more about the festival of Neolithic ideas, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/stonehenge-festival-of-neolithic-ideas/

To listen to some of the other prehistory podcasts we mention in this episode, go to https://soundcloud.com/englishheritage/sets/stonehenge-and-prehistory

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Episode 237 - The horrifying history of Farleigh Hungerford Castle Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

As the nights grow long and Halloween approaches, we’re discussing the dark and sinister history of Farleigh Hungerford Castle near Bath. Home to the Hungerford family for over 300 years, it’s a place where you can see Britain’s best collection of human-shaped lead coffins, explore a creepy crypt and learn about murder, disaster and scandal – one part even linked to witchcraft.

Joining us to explain more is historian and author of the English Heritage guidebook to Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Charles Kightly.

To learn more about Farleigh Hungerford Castle or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/farleigh.

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