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The History of England — Education
The History of England

This my re-telling of the story of England. I aim to be honest, and rigorous – but always loving of my country’s history. It is a regular, chronological podcast, starting from the end of Roman Britain. There are as many of the great events I can squeeze in, of course, but I also try to keep an eye on how people lived, their language, what was important to them, the forces that shaped their lives and destinies, that sort of thing. To listen free of adverts, support the podcast, access a library of 150+ hours of shedcasts of me warbling on, and get new shedcasts every month, why not become a member at https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/become-a-member ? You know it makes sense…

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Copyright: © David Crowther

Latest Episodes:

The Uprising Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Paul Greengrass' The Uprising covers the Peasant's Revolt in 1381 from start to bloody finish. Did you see it? What did you think? This is a few minutes from me about how I found it, and an invitation tio come along to post your views with other listeners on the History of England Podcast Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/314746805305339/

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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English Food with Neil Buttery Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

Eating in England and indeed Britain is delightfully varied, with a diversity mix of heritages and styles from across the world. Neil Buttery, chef, food historian and host of the British Food History Podcast, joins me to answer some questions, and consider the origins of a few iconic English dishes

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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455 The Immortal Seven Oct 11, 2026

Show notes

The very same day that the Seven Bishops were acquitted, another seven men met at a secret meeting, and together composed as letter. The ex-admiral, Arthur Herbert, smuggled it to the Netherlands, to present it to William of Orange. The Immortal Seven had sent William the invitation he needed.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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454 Trial of the Seven Bishops Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

Full of confidence at his progress, in 1688 James decided he would suffer no more equivocation from the Church of England. The Indulgence was re-issued, this time with a command that it be read by every priest from every pulpit - thus aligning them with a policy they detested, making them royal servants. The atmosphere was hot with conflict - and everything was heightened by the news of a birth - of a royal prince and heir. The Three kingdoms would now permanently be held by a Catholic. At Whitehall, Seven Bishops decided it was time to stand their ground.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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453 Royal Indulgence Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

1686 had seen progress for James - but he was puzzled and frustrated by Anglican opposition from the English and Scottish parliaments. 1687 saw a continuation of the old strategy to raise the status of Catholics, and stifle independence of civil and military institutions. But it would also see a new strategy - to bypass parliament, and appeal to Dissenters as well as Catholics.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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452 A New Reformation Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

From a happy start in 1685, James had begun to hit resistance in England to his campaign for Catholic emancipation. In 1686, he planned to accelerate the process. He expected rapid success in Ireland and Scotland, and confidently expected that education, propaganda, and the reality of supreme royal authority would subdue any resistance in England and Wales.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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451 Exodus Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

As the English parliament was preparing to sit, news came in of a protestant cataclysm in the making in October 1685, and soon after refugees started arriving with horror stories of persecution. The rumours were confirmed. Louis XIV had revoked the Edict of Nantes which protected 800,000 French Protestants, and made their religion illegal. Nor was this the only matter on the minds of MPs as they assembled, and heard their King address them on 9th November.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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450 Beat Your Drums Jul 26, 2026

Show notes

At the parliament on April 1685, Scotland demonstrated how loyal subjects should treat their king - an example which was duly followed by their southern neighbours soon afterwards. Yet despite this enthusiastic reception, within weeks James faced two rebellions. In Western Scotland the Earl of Argyl raised the fiery cross to summon the clans, and in South West England the Duke of Monmouth was joined by thousands of rebels eager to fight for religious freedom. The outcome would be soaked in blood.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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449 King James II of Great Britain Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

The reign of James II and the Glorious Revolution was a central part of the national story built by Whig historians. But since the 20th century the picture has been heavily revised with new perspectives, such as the view from all three kingdoms, a more nuanced view of James and his intentions, criticisms of the idea of a bloodless revolution, how much the voice of the people mattered - and was it a Revolution at all? Or a conserative assertion of ancient right? This episode is about James and the historiography Glorious Revolution.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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AAG 1666-1685 How Merrie is your Monarch? Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

The Dutch raid on the Medway effectively brought the Second Anglo Dutchto an end, and also the honeymoon period. From 1667 to 1681, Charles sought to play off factions in parliament, to keep his freedom of action, enhance royal power where he could and court the French - their friendship, and bribes. The public announcement of James' catholicism in 1677 became the driving factor in an increasingly unruly politics, of Whig and Tory. Until at the Oxford parliament in 1681, Charles chose one side - the Tory. He would never allow parliament to sit again.

For maps, resources, transcripts or to become a member, head for https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk. (Please note the 'the' part!)

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