The History of English Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 67: The Year That Changed English Sep 18, 2015

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In this episode, we look at the events of 1066 – one of the most important dates in the history of English. Of course, this was the year of the Norman Conquest and the beginning of the end of Old … Continue reading →

Episode 66: Broken Promises and the Eve of Conquest Aug 20, 2015

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Many scholars consider the Norman Conquest of England to be the most important event in the history of the English language. The man who directed that conquest was William of Normandy. In this episode, we examine William’s rise from a … Continue reading →

Episode 65: Norman Dukes and Dialects Jul 31, 2015

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In the century before the Norman Conquest of England, Normandy gradually emerged as a powerful player in the politics of northern Europe. Meanwhile, the language of the Normans underwent a major transition. The original Scandinavian language of the Normans gave way to a unique French dialect. In this episode, we explore the rise of Normandy and examine the changing language of the Normans. We also examine the legacy of the Norman vocabulary on Modern English.

TRANSCRIPT: EPISODE 65

Episode 64: Feudalism and Early Normans Jul 10, 2015

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The Normandy of William the Conqueror was a product of the feudal age of Western Europe. In this episode, we explore the history of feudalism, and we examine words associated with feudalism which entered the English language. We also look … Continue reading →

Bonus Episode 7: Stuffed Animals Jun 25, 2015

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In this bonus episode we look at the etymology of certain words related to animals. We also examine words related to stuffing.

Episode 63: Restorations and Remedies Jun 02, 2015

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In this episode, we explore two different types of restorations. We begin with the restoration of the traditional West Saxon monarchy under Edward the Confessor. Edward’s nickname reflects his piety and his purported ability to cure sick people with his … Continue reading →

Episode 62: Flesh and Blood May 11, 2015

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In this episode we explore two aspects of the term ‘flesh and blood.’ We examine the human body from the perspective of the Anglo-Saxons by looking at their words for parts of the body. We also explore Old English words associated … Continue reading →

Episode 61: Earls and Churls Apr 22, 2015

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During his reign as King of England, Canute established a new class of nobles who became known as earls. The authority of the earls was second only to the king himself. The king and the nobles ruled over the common … Continue reading →

Episode 60: Danes, Death and Taxes Mar 30, 2015

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In this episode, we explore the Danish Conquest of England in the 11th century. The Danish victory brought a temporary end to Anglo-Saxon rule, but it didn’t bring an end to death and taxes. We examine the etymology of words … Continue reading →

Episode 59: Let’s Make A Deal Mar 11, 2015

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The decline of the Anglo-Saxon Golden Age occurred in the late 900s as the English kingdom passed from King Edgar to his son, Aethelred the Unready. it was a period surrounded by many deals, contracts, bargains and treaties. We examine … Continue reading →

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