The History of English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 86: Family of Rebels Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

The final years of Henry II’s reign were consumed with putting down rebellions. Those rebels included Henry’s sons and wife. In this episode, we explore Henry’s family of rebels. We also examine the book of homilies known as the Ormulum. This early Middle English text appeared near the end of Henry’s reign, and it contained the first known usage of many Modern English words.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 86

**Episode 85: How to Run an Empire** Oct 24, 2016
Show notes

The massive realm of Henry II extended from southern France through the British Isles. The administration of the so-called “Angevin Empire” required an extensive bureaucracy. In this episode, we examine some of the key government officials who administered the government of England. We also explore the first English settlements in Ireland.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 85

Map Prepared by Louis Henwood (Click Map for Larger Image)

Episode 84: Law, Order and Murder Sep 29, 2016

Show notes

In the wake of civil war and anarchy in England, a crime wave gripped the nation. Murders and other violent crimes were rampant. Henry II sought to reimpose law and order throughout the country by reforming the English legal system. In this episode, we look at Henry’s criminal justice reforms and the emergence of the English common law. We also explore the linguistic consequences of this legal reform.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 84

Episode 83: A Trilingual Nation Sep 05, 2016

Show notes

During the reign of Henry II, the speech of England was dominated by three languages – English, French and Latin. In this episode, we examine the relative roles of those three languages, and we also explore how the social barriers between those languages were breaking down in the 12th century.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 83

Episode 81: Love Songs and Troubadours Jul 15, 2016

Show notes

While civil war raged in England, a completely different culture was flourishing in southern France. In this episode, we explore the opulent court of Aquitaine and the rise of the troubadours. Love was in the air as a new type of poetry was created in the 12th century. We also examine words associated with Medieval entertainment and courtly life.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 81

Announcement: 10 American Presidents Podcast Jul 01, 2016

Show notes

Check out the 10 American Presidents podcast for an episode about the development of American English and the influence of presidential speech on American English.

Episode 80: Knight Life Jun 23, 2016

Show notes

Much of the devastation of the Anarchy was carried out by knights who acted as thugs and bullies. For several generations, knights had served as the strongmen of western Europe. By the 12th century, the nature of knighthood was starting to change. The Church was taking a more active role in knightly affairs, and the mounted knights were gradually becoming lesser nobles. In this episode, we explore the evolution of the Medieval knight from mounted warrior to the eve of chivalry. We also explore the etymology of words related to knighthood.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 80

Episode 79: Anarchy May 18, 2016

Show notes

In the years after Matilda’s return to England, the country descended into chaos and civil war. This period is known by modern historians as the Anarchy. The events were recorded by a scribe in Peterborough who wrote in an early form of Middle English. In this episode, we examine these events through the entries in the Peterborough Chronicle. We also explore several new pronoun forms which appear for the first time in these passages.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 79

Episode 78: Under Siege Apr 29, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the outbreak of civil war in England as forces loyal to Matilda took up arms against King Stephen. The civil war led to a breakdown of central authority. The power vacuum was filled by local barons who constructed castles throughout the countryside. This ushered in a new era of siege warfare. We explore these events as recorded in the Peterborough Chronicle, and we examine how siege warfare influenced the English language.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 78

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