HistoryExtra podcast

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


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For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.


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History
1901
Ernest Bevin: working-class warrior
Andrew Adonis discusses his new biography of Ernest Bevin, exploring how he played a crucial role in World War Two and the Cold War. Historyextra.com/podcast
41 min
1902
The uncommon lives of common sailors
Stephen Taylor describes the experiences of ordinary British seamen who took to the waves during the age of sail. Historyextra.com/podcast
40 min
1903
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Hu...
Anne Curry responds to listener queries and popular search enquiries about the medieval clashes between English and French forces for control of the throne of France. Historyextra.com/podcast
58 min
1904
Crusaders: An Epic History of the Wars for the ...
In a talk from our 2019 History Weekend in Winchester, Dan Jones introduces a vivid cast of characters from the medieval conflicts for the Holy Land. Historyextra.com/podcast
58 min
1905
The extraordinary life of Sultan Selim I
Alan Mikhail explains how Ottoman Sultan Selim I transformed the empire in the early 16th century. Historyextra.com/podcast
58 min
1906
Edward the Confessor
Tom Licence discusses the life and times of the pre-conquest ruler of England. Historyextra.com/podcast
58 min
1907
Revisiting the Kindertransport
Jonathan Lichtenstein talks to us about how he accompanied his father on a journey back to Berlin, retracing the steps he took in 1939. Historyextra.com/podcast
24 min
1908
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Az...
Caroline Dodds Pennock responds to listener queries and popular search enquiries about the Mesoamerican civilisation. Historyextra.com/podcast
48 min
1909
Who Dares Wins: Britain in the Age of the Falkl...
In a talk from our 2019 History Weekend in Winchester, Dominic Sandbrook explores the history of Britain in the early 1980s. Historyextra.com/podcast
52 min
1910
The story of the Freemasons
John Dickie sifts fact from fiction in the history of a much misunderstood organisation. Historyextra.com/podcast
49 min
1911
Africa’s cultural liberation
Afua Hirsch discusses the histories of Ethiopia, Kenya and Senegal, and how artists in these countries are responding to the past. Historyextra.com/podcast
26 min
1912
The history of seduction
Clement Knox explores ideas of sex, courtship and power from the 18th century until the present day. Historyextra.com/podcast
37 min
1913
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
1914
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
1915
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
1916
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
1917
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
1918
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
1919
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
1920
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
1921
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
1922
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
1923
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
1924
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
1925
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