The English Heritage Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 146 - 1066 and all that: What happened after the Battle of Hastings? Jan 13, 2022

Show notes

Following on from episode 130, in which we discussed the events and people behind the Battle of Hastings, we’re now shifting our attention to the turbulent years that followed. We often think of 1066 as a big turning point in English history, but it actually took another six years for the Norman Conquest to take hold.

Joining us to talk through William the Conqueror’s coronation and the measures he took to assert his authority are Senior Properties Curator Roy Porter and Curator of Collections and Interiors for the South East, Kathryn Bedford.

To learn more about the Norman Conquest, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/1066-and-the-norman-conquest

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Episode 145 - Celebrating England’s post-Christmas winter traditions Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

With Christmas now behind us, we’re joined by Professor of History at the University of Bristol, Ronald Hutton, to look at the origins of some of England’s other winter traditions.

Discover the origins of Plough Monday, Wassailing, Mummers’ plays, Valentine’s Day, Shrove Tuesday and Kissing Friday.

For more inspiration for things to do with English Heritage in January, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/top-5-things-to-do-in-january/

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Episode 144 - Life on ice: Sir Ernest Shackleton and the blue plaque polar explorers Dec 30, 2021

Show notes

On the centenary of the death of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, we’re joined by senior historian Howard Spencer to discuss Shackleton’s adventures and the blue plaque that commemorates his achievements at his former London home. We also discuss the exploits of five other polar explorers honoured by blue plaques for their commitments to mapping the globe and pushing the limits of human endurance.

To learn more about English Heritage’s blue plaque scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques

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Episode 143 - Christmas entertaining at English Heritage’s properties Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Properties Historians Team Leader, Dr Andrew Hann, to unwrap the history of Christmas party season at four of our English Heritage sites.

Discover how their rich and powerful former residents celebrated, what was on the menu at festive feasts, and how the guests were entertained.

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 142 - Holy warriors: The secrets of the Knights Templar Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

This week we're joined by Senior Properties Historian Dr Steven Brindle to discuss the history of The Order of the Knights Templar.

Discover how they were established, their role in the crusades, the secrets of their military success, and the English Heritage sites linked to them that you can visit today.

For more details about Bristol Temple Church, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/temple-church

For details of Knights Templar Church in Dover, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/knights-templar-church-dover

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Episode 141 - Celebrating the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

As the days become shorter and darker, we’re joined by Senior Properties Historian, Dr Susan Greaney, and Senior Historic Property Curator for Stonehenge, Heather Sebire, to discover how the winter solstice was marked at Stonehenge thousands of years ago.

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

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Episode 140 - Burning ambitions: The story of Derwentcote Steel Furnace Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Built in the 1720s, Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain. We’re joined by Properties Historian Andrew Roberts and Volunteer Manager, Sophie Hearn to learn about the history of the furnace, its place within England’s steel-making history and how its story is being brought back to life for visitors today.

For more details about Derwentcote Steel Furnace or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/derwentcote-steel-furnace

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Episode 139 - Thomas, Earl of Lancaster and Dunstanburgh Castle Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

Dunstanburgh Castle, a huge and jagged ruin on the Northumberland coast, was almost entirely the creation of one man – Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Little known today, he was immensely wealthy, powerful and controversial. He fell out with rivals, supporters and family, was executed for treason, and nearly made a posthumous saint.

We’re joined by Head Historic Properties Curator Dr Jeremy Ashbee to discover the story of Dunstanburgh and what its landscape and buildings can tell us about Thomas's extraordinary career.

For more details about Dunstanburgh Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dunstanburgh

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Episode 138 - At home with London’s rock and pop stars: introducing the blue plaque supergroup Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

On the 30th anniversary of the death of Queen frontman Freddy Mercury, we’re joined by English Heritage’s blue plaque historian Howard Spencer to discover the story behind Mercury’s blue plaque in Feltham, West London, along with those commemorating a supergroup of other rock and pop stars at their former residences across the capital. From Mercury to Marley and Lennon to Hendrix, discover the stories of these late greats and the places they called home.

For more details about our blue plaques scheme, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/blue-plaques

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Episode 137 - The history of Poppy Day Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

As we mark Remembrance Day, we’re joined by historian Dr Fiona Reid and English Heritage audience development manager Rachel Morrison to look back the armistice, remembrance, and how the red poppy became a symbol of those who gave their lives in conflicts since the First World War.

We’ll also find out how and where the commemorative poppies are made today – 100 years since the first poppy appeal – and what’s happening at Marble Hill in London to commemorate its wartime history.

For more details about Marble Hill or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/marblehill

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