History Extra podcast

The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.


Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. 

 

We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. 

 

Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. 

 

Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. 

 

Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.  

 

Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.  

 

Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. 

Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/

History
1176
The Ottoman empire: everything you wanted to know
Eugene Rogan answers listener questions on one of history’s most powerful – and long-lasting – empires
43 min
1177
Portraits, power and royal wigs
Sue Pritchard, curator of a new exhibition of royal portraits at the National Maritime Museum, discusses how wigs were used to convey royal power
35 min
1178
Wartime Britain’s mixed-race babies
Lucy Bland discusses the childhood experiences of babies fathered by African-American GIs stationed in Britain during the Second World War.
32 min
1179
The transformation of India’s glamorous golden ...
John Zubryzcki shares the story of the party-loving royals of the House of Jaipur, who turned to politics following Indian independence
52 min
1180
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, on historical ...
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Marguerite Kaye join us to discuss their new historical romance novel, Her Heart for a Compass.
26 min
1181
Oliver Cromwell’s remarkable rise to power
Ronald Hutton discusses Oliver Cromwell’s early life and career, exploring the brilliance and cruelty of the future Lord Protector.
25 min
1182
Modern Welsh history: everything you wanted to ...
Martin Johnes tackles listener questions about the history of modern Wales, from the Industrial Revolution to devolution
59 min
1183
George II: reassessing a much-forgotten monarch
Norman Davies introduces a long-maligned and overlooked monarch, George II, and reveals that there are in fact many reasons to remember his reign.
36 min
1184
A hard-fought history of trespass
Nick Hayes discusses the contested history of land ownership in England, from William the Conqueror to the Kinder trespass
29 min
1185
Antwerp: city of innovation & intrigue
In the 16th century, Antwerp was a global centre of trade, talked about around the world. Michael Pye considers its rise and bloody fall
33 min
1186
How the 1964 Tokyo Olympics redefined Japan
With the Olympics underway in Tokyo, Chris Harding looks back at 1964 – the last time Japan hosted the competition
36 min
1187
Australian bushrangers: folk heroes or common c...
Meg Foster discusses the bandits that lived outside the law in Australia’s bush – from Ned Kelly to surprising lesser-known figures
43 min
1188
Olympic history: everything you wanted to know
As the world’s best athletes congregate in Tokyo for the 29th Summer Games, David Goldblatt answers your questions on the history of the Olympics
44 min
1189
Why were the Georgians fixated with fatness?
Dr Freya Gowrley reveals how Georgian satirists used images of fatness to comment on the anxieties of the age
29 min
1190
How assassinations have changed history
Michael Burleigh discusses some of history’s key political killings, from Julius Caesar to Abraham Lincoln.
25 min
1191
The slave trade: a family history
Alex Renton shares the story of his own family’s involvement in the slave trade, and considers how best to deal with this unwanted inheritance.
28 min
1192
The piano: a musical history
From players who captivated audiences to composers who pushed boundaries, Susan Tomes explores the history of the piano.
32 min
1193
Should they stand or fall? The great statue debate
Alex von Tunzelmann explores the stories behind some of the world’s most controversial statues – and gives her take on whether they should stand or fall.
44 min
1194
The church in medieval England: everything you ...
Professor Nicholas Orme answers listener questions about the church in medieval England.
65 min
1195
Madness & misery in Antarctica
Julian Sancton charts the extraordinary journey of 1897’s Belgian Antarctic Expedition, which descended into madness, misery, and the threat of murder.
48 min
1196
The battle over the Benin Bronzes
Bronwen Everill discusses the creation of the Benin Bronzes and current debates over their repatriation.
32 min
1197
Britain & France: enemies or economic partners?
John Shovlin describes 18th-century efforts to reset Anglo-French relations – from bitter enemies to economic partners.
44 min
1198
Watergate in 100 days: how President Nixon fell
Michael Dobbs discusses the Watergate scandal, charting 100 pivotal days that toppled a president.
22 min
1199
Contraception, consent & erotic connection: sex...
Fern Riddell discusses what we can learn from looking at sexual culture in the past.
36 min
1200
The Highland Clearances: everything you wanted ...
Sir Tom Devine responds to listener questions on the causes and consequences of one of the most notorious episodes of Scottish history
45 min