HistoryExtra podcast

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


HistoryExtra 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
1776
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Sp...
Paul Preston responds to listener queries and popular search enquiries about the conflict that tore Spain apart from 1936–39. Historyextra.com/podcast
57 min
1777
Could D-Day Have Failed?
In a talk from our 2019 History Weekend in Winchester, Peter Caddick-Adams reflects on the 1944 invasion of Normandy and considers the risks of the operation. Historyextra.com/podcast
57 min
1778
Victory in the east
Jonathan Fennell describes how British and Commonwealth forces turned the tide against Japan in the Burman campaign. Historyextra.com/podcast
34 min
1779
What’s in a medieval name?
James Chetwood explores the origins of people’s names in the Middle Ages and how names changed over the centuries. Historyextra.com/podcast
43 min
1780
Authors in the Boer War
Sarah LeFanu examines the involvement of three British writers – Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle and Mary Kingsley – in the Anglo-Boer war. Historyextra.com/podcast
34 min
1781
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Am...
Adam IP Smith responds to listener queries and popular search enquiries about the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy that devastated America in the 1860s. Historyextra.com/podcast
49 min
1782
Medieval Wonder Women
In a talk from our 2019 History Weekend in Winchester Janina Ramirez brings to life heroines from across the medieval period. Historyextra.com/podcast
52 min
1783
Documents that changed the world
Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan talk about some of the most important documents to have shaped human civilisations. Historyextra.com/podcast
38 min
1784
Peter Frankopan on global history in 2020
Peter Frankopan explores some of the major themes in global history and how they relate to life in 2020. Historyextra.com/podcast
30 min
1785
Medieval dynasties: how to stay on the throne
Robert Bartlett explores how medieval royal families sought to retain their grip on the throne. Historyextra.com/podcast
48 min
1786
Everything you ever wanted to know about Ancien...
Paul Cartledge responds to listener queries and popular search enquiries about one of the most renowned and influential ancient civilisations. Part 1 aired last Sunday. Historyextra.com/podcast
60 min
1787
Shadow King: The Life and Death of Henry VI
In a talk from our 2019 History Weekend in Winchester, Lauren Johnson discusses the tragic life of Henry VI. Historyextra.com/podcast
47 min
1788
The Princes in the Tower: History’s Greatest My...
Nathen Amin considers some of the possible explanations for the princes’ disappearance and whether Richard III was behind their murder. Historyextra.com/podcast
21 min
1789
Stonehenge: History’s Greatest Mysteries
Mike Pitts considers how and why the monument was created, more than 4,000 years ago. Historyextra.com/podcast
28 min
1790
The fate of Jesus’s body: History’s Greatest My...
Tom Holland explores historical and religious explanations as to what may have happened to Jesus’s body following his crucifixion. Historyextra.com/podcast
22 min
1791
The lost colony of Roanoke: History’s Greatest ...
Misha Ewen delves into the mysterious disappearance of a group of English settlers in North America in the late 16th century. Historyextra.com/podcast
30 min
1792
The Voynich Manuscript: History’s Greatest Myst...
Elma Brenner discusses the 500-year-old Voynich Manuscript, whose mysterious text has baffled some of the greatest code-breakers. Historyextra.com/podcast
20 min
1793
Everything you ever wanted to know about Ancien...
Paul Cartledge responds to listener queries and popular search enquiries about one of the most renowned and influential ancient civilisations. Part 2 will follow next Sunday. Historyextra.com/podcast
69 min
1794
Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret B...
In a talk from our 2019 History Weekend in Winchester, Nicola Tallis describes the remarkable life of a pivotal figure in the Wars of the Roses and Tudor eras. Historyextra.com/podcast
53 min
1795
Unburied treasures
As the Portable Antiquities Scheme records it’s 1.5 millionth find, we speak to Michael Lewis, who is head of the scheme, about some of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in its history. Historyextra.com/podcast
32 min
1796
African American abolitionists in Britain
Hannah-Rose Murray describes how African American abolitionists toured Britain in the 19th century. Historyextra.com/podcast
42 min
1797
A history of magic
Chris Gosden explores magical beliefs and practices from ancient times until the present day. Historyextra.com/podcast
35 min
1798
Everything you ever wanted to know about mediev...
Dr Elena Woodacre answers the most popular listener and internet search questions about medieval queens. Historyextra.com/podcast
59 min
1799
At home with the medieval aristocracy
Professor Louise Wilkinson talks about her research into the household accounts of Eleanor de Montfort, a key figure in the mid-13th century civil war. Historyextra.com/podcast
55 min
1800
Lionheart of stone: the medieval statue debate
Simon John considers whether we need to include medieval figures such as Richard the Lionheart in discussions around historical statues. Historyextra.com/podcast
41 min