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
2076
JFK and a neglected Tudor
Mark White reappraises JFK on the 50th anniversary of his assassination, while Alison Weir describes the life of Elizabeth of York, mother of Henry VIII  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
57 min
2077
Global history and the rise of the factories
Michael Scott chats about his new Radio 4 series Spin the Globe, while Simon Thurley guides us around an important site in Britain's Industrial Revolution  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
38 min
2078
Cold War culture and the path to the First Worl...
Dominic Sandbrook explores how the Cold War impacted on many aspects of British life, while Margaret MacMillan tells us why she believes the First World War broke out when it did  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
44 min
2079
A new look at Nelson and a haunted castle
Quintin Colville guides us around a major new Nelson gallery, while Charlotte Hodgman pays a Halloween visit to a spooky castle
45 min
2080
Tudor portraits and Victorian footballers
Tarnya Cooper introduces the National Portrait Gallery's new Elizabethan exhibition, while Richard Sanders delves into the early years of football. Plus, we talk to the BBC's Martin Davidson about the corporation's First World War plans
53 min
2081
Ancient Greek theatre and Victorian prisons
Michael Scott delves into the origins of drama, while Alyson Brown takes a trip around the historic Beaumaris Gaol
54 min
2082
The First World War and Richard III
Sir Max Hastings explores the origins and bloody outbreak of the First World War, while Philippa Langley and Michael Jones describe the discovery of Richard III's remains
70 min
2083
The mysteries of the Princes in the Tower
Leanda de Lisle visits the Tower of London to explore the fate of the princes believed to have been killed there. Hannah Greig tells us about the Georgian fashionable elite, and we speak to Hollywood star Matthew Fox about his new historical film Emperor
56 min
2084
Ancient burials and modern murders
Richard Bradley guides us around a Neolithic burial site, while Lucy Worsley explores the 19th and 20th-century British fascination with violent crime
54 min
2085
Witch-hunting and medieval letter writing
Tracy Borman investigates the case of three women accused of witchcraft, while Deborah Thorpe charts the perilous path of a medieval letter
46 min
2086
A fresh look at an Ancient Greek classic
Tom Holland tells us about his new translation of Herodotus, the father of history. Plus Ben Wilson and Margaret MacMillan reveal their favourite history books
35 min
2087
On the Civil War trail
Mark Stoyle and Charlotte Hodgman visit a key location in the clash between King Charles and Parliament
29 min
2088
A fresh look at Edward III
Richard Barber describes the life and career of one of England's most successful medieval kings, based on new research for his book. Rob Attar presents
53 min
2089
England and Scotland go to war
George Goodwin describes the Anglo-Scottish battle of Flodden as the 500th anniversary approaches. Plus Gary Sheffield considers how First World War commanders coped with the peculiar challenges of that conflict. Rob Attar presents
57 min
2090
The history behind the White Queen
Sarah Gristwood considers how the BBC series the White Queen matches up to the history of the period, while Nick Rennison explains how he wrote his debut historical novel. Rob Attar presents
49 min
2091
The downfall of Mary, Queen of Scots and a Brit...
Linda Porter explores the Scottish queen's turbulent life, while Paul Stephenson recounts his experiences as a leader of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott. Rob Attar presents
63 min
2092
Early Christianity in England and Douglas Hurd ...
Historian Sarah Foot explores the rise of Christianity in England, while former home secretary Douglas Hurd discusses his new book about Benjamin Disraeli. Matt Elton presents
56 min
2093
English Heritage's History Live festival at Kel...
Anna Whitelock, Chris Skidmore MP, English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley and other leading historians discuss the value of heritage in a special report from the History Live! festival at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire
40 min
2094
The Spanish Armada and an Iron Age mansion
Robert Hutchinson explores the reality of the Spanish Armada campaign of 1588, while Professor Michael Fulford discusses the discovery of a huge Iron Age mansion at Silchester. Matt Elton presents
51 min
2095
Georgian marriage and food in history
Lesley Adkins discusses the realities of marriage in Georgian Britain, while Sarah Pennell explores changing attitudes to food in the early modern period. Matt Elton presents
58 min
2096
China's Second World War and royal births throu...
Rana Mitter explores China's little-known contribution to Allied effort in World War Two, while Kate Williams explains how royal babies have been treated through history. Rob Attar presents
58 min
2097
Nazi spies and Viking ships
Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones tells the story of an unlikely German spy, while Giles Kristian recalls his adventures on a recreated Viking ship. Rob Attar presents
40 min
2098
Margaret Thatcher's path to power, and the stor...
Matt Elton speaks to Charles Moore about the first volume of his authorised Margaret Thatcher biography, while Roy Hattersley explores the history of one of Britain's most influential dynasties. Rob Attar presents
58 min
2099
Elizabeth I's two bodies
Anna Whitelock explores the contradictions of the Virgin Queen's private live in a lecture recorded on our recent Tudors Day
38 min
2100
Richard III vs Henry VII
Chris Skidmore describes how the first Tudor king seized the crown from Richard III at Bosworth, while Brendan Simms examines Europe's past, present and future. Matt Elton presents
57 min