The English Heritage Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 76 - Finding the sarsen stones: A journey to Stonehenge Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

Following the publication of new research revealing where Stonehenge’s giant sarsen stones were extracted from, we’re heading out on the road to meet Senior Properties Historian Dr Susan Greaney to trace their journey to Salisbury Plain.

Discover how Professor David Nash from Brighton University tracked the stones back to a specific location, how Stonehenge’s builders transported them and why the stones’ original location has eluded us for so long.

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

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Episode 75 - Border force: The defenders of the north Sep 03, 2020

Show notes

We’re joined by properties curator Mark Douglas to discover the stories of the English Heritage sites that played their part in defending England’s northern territories.

Join us on an audio tour of the key defences through the ages, from Hadrian’s Wall to Carlisle, Norham, Berwick and Dunstanburgh Castles, and find out what happened to them during peacetime until war broke out across Europe.

To discover more about our collection of castles, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles

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Episode 74 - Murderous thieves and legendary buccaneers: Pirates of the English Channel Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

Scupper me skull and crossbones! This week, we’re casting off for an episode all about the history of piracy and, more specifically, the pirates of the English Channel. And while this might sound like an unlikely title for a film, history tells us that the waters between southern England and northern France were, in fact, a dangerous domain for cargo vessels for several centuries.

Joining us to map out the history of piracy in English waters – and unmask its key figures – is senior properties historian Paul Pattison.

To read more about the pirates of the English Channel, go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/pirates-of-england/

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Episode 73 - Son, brother, crusader, king: The story of Richard, Earl of Cornwall Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

We’re joined in the studio by senior properties historian Michael Carter to reveal the story of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and the English Heritage sites connected with him, from Berkhamstead, Tintagel, Launceston and Restormel Castles, which he owned, to Hailes Abbey, which he founded.

Although his name might not be familiar, he was the second son of King John and the brother of Henry III and enjoyed great influence – not to mention a very eventful life. Listen on to discover how he became one of the richest men in Europe, joined the Barons’ Crusade, was made King of the Germans and was a claimant to the Holy Roman Empire.

To discover more about the history of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and Tintagel Castle, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/history-and-legend/richard-of-cornwall

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Episode 72 - The First Barons' War and the Great Siege of Dover Castle Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

This week, we’re travelling back to the 13th century and the turbulent reign of King John to discover how a rebellion, a war in France and two sieges of Dover Castle in Kent each played their part in the king’s eventual demise.

Joining us to unpick the complex plot is senior properties historian Paul Pattison, who reveals the events leading up to the sieges of Dover Castle, their role in preserving English rule and the evidence that can still be seen today.

To discover more about the history of Dover Castle or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover

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Episode 71 - When the bubble burst: The South Sea Company stock market crash Aug 06, 2020

Show notes

This week we’re marking 300 years since one of the most infamous stock market crashes in English history. It was a bubble fuelled by wild speculation and driven by dubious morals – and a bubble which ruined the fortunes of many investors, including some whose estates are now cared for by English Heritage.

Joining us to discuss the South Sea Company stock market bubble – and crash – are properties historians team leader Dr Andrew Hann and Dr Helen Paul, who’s a Lecturer in Economics and Economic History at the University of Southampton.

To learn about the impact of the South Sea Bubble at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in South Yorkshire, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brodsworth-hall-and-gardens/history

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Episode 70 - Voices of England: The history hiding in the English landscape Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

This week we’re joined by anthropologist and author Mary-Ann Ochota to discover the history hiding in plain sight in the English landscape. These features include everything from burial mounds, hill forts and stone circles, to figures carved into chalk hills and the network of ancient paths that crisscross the country. Listen on to learn about the relics the Romans left behind, the legacy of the enclosures and how easy it is to ‘read’ the landscape today.

To order a signed copy of Mary-Ann’s book, Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape, go to www.maryannochota.com/apps/webstore

To discover more about how England has been shaped by different influences over time, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/voicesofengland

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Episode 69 - Atomic fallout: The story of York Cold War Bunker Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

On the 75th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the Second World War, we’re looking back at the long period of military tension that followed. The Cold War between communist Russia and the democratic West was effectively a war of ideologies. But it was also a war in which newly discovered nuclear weapons had the potential to destroy civilisation.

One of the eerie monuments to that era is York Cold War bunker in northern England – and joining us to discuss its story while stationed in the depths of the bunker is senior curator Kevin Booth.

Unfortunately the bunker remains closed to the public at this time, but to discover more about this site, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/york-cold-war-bunker.

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Episode 68 - Keeping up appearances: Exploring the history of makeup Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

This week we’re joined by fashion historian Amber Butchart and makeup artist Rebecca Butterworth to discuss the history of makeup and their experiences as the presenters of our popular series of makeup tutorials on YouTube, which explain how to get iconic looks through the ages, from Roman times to the 1940s.

Listen on to discover how cosmetics have evolved over time, what they discovered making the series and their favourite historic look to recreate at home.

To watch our series of historic makeup tutorials, go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx2QMoA1Th9dyD5zTlnkvOVZuFYKFXYT9

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Episode 67 - Party at the palace: Socialising with the Courtaulds at Etlham Palace in the 1930s Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

This week, we’re heading back to the 1930s and a property that was something of a party palace. Eltham Palace and gardens, nestled in south-east London, is rich in history, with royal residents that include Edward II, a young Henry VIII and Charles I, who was the last king to visit before the Civil War. After centuries of neglect, Eltham was then leased to millionaire socialites Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933, who remodelled it as the Art Deco mansion that exists today.

Joining us to discuss Etlham’s history and the lives of its colourful residents and visitors is English Heritage’s properties historians team leader, Dr Andrew Hann.

To discover more about Eltham Palace or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham

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