HistoryExtra podcast

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


GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP 

Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. 

⁠⁠⁠ Sign up here ⁠⁠⁠


EXPLORE MORE

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


GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch.

History
2101
Appeasement and the road to World War Two
Tim Bouverie explores the failed diplomacy that led to World War Two and the Nazi domination of Europe. Historyextra.com/podcasts
29 min
2102
The women of Bletchley Park
Tessa Dunlop shares the stories of women who worked at Britain’s codebreaking centre in World War Two. Historyextra.com/podcasts
28 min
2103
At home with the royals
Historian and author Adrian Tinniswood explores the fascinating history of Britain’s royal households, from the Tudor period until the present day. historyextra.com/podcasts
28 min
2104
The story of Madame Tussaud
Edward Carey, author of the acclaimed historical novel Little, discusses the life of Madame Tussaud, who created her famous waxworks in the era of the French Revolution. historyextra.com/podcasts
18 min
2105
The life of Saladin
Jonathan Phillips and Dan Jones discuss the life and legacy of the Muslim ruler Saladin, who famously captured Jerusalem in the 12th century. historyextra.com/podcasts
56 min
2106
A new view of D-Day
On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, military historian James Holland revisits the events of 6 June 1944 and challenges a number of myths that have grown up around the Allied landings and the battle for Normandy that followed. historyextra.com/podcasts
36 min
2107
Monarchy and faith in Tudor England
Historians Estelle Paranque and Emma J Wells reflect on the great religious changes that took place during the reigns of Henry VIII and his three children. historyextra.com/podcasts
24 min
2108
Rachel Reeves on women who changed politics
Labour MP Rachel Reeves talks about her new book, Women of Westminster, which explores the achievements of some of Britain’s foremost women politicians over the century since Nancy Astor was elected in 1919. Historyextra.com/podcasts
27 min
2109
Jacob Rees-Mogg on the Victorians
Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg discusses his new book, The Victorians, which explores the lives of a selection of 19th-century figures who he believes were crucial in creating modern Britain. historyextra.com/podcasts
48 min
2110
Women in the 1960s
Social historian and author Virginia Nicholson talks about her new book How Was It For You?, which explores how some of the radical changes of the decade, from the pill to feminism, shaped the lives of women from many different backgrounds. historyextr...
35 min
2111
Gentleman Jack
Angela Steidele explores the life of 19th-century gay pioneer Anne Lister. historyextra.com/podcasts
22 min
2112
Jared Diamond on countries in crisis
Jared Diamond discusses how several nations have coped with traumas through history. historyextra.com/podcasts
47 min
2113
Secrets of Britains castles
Marc Morris reveals the fascinating history of Britain’s castles, exploring why they were built, what they were used for, and the challenges of capturing them.
37 min
2114
The Rise and Fall of the Boleyns
Lauren Mackay on the tumultuous lives of Anne Boleyn’s father and brother, Thomas and George.
25 min
2115
Women who made modern Britain
Cathy Newman discusses trailblazing women who changed the course of modern British history.
28 min
2116
How population has shaped world history
Paul Morland explores how population change has shaped global events over the past 200 years.
29 min
2117
The landscape of England
Stephen Rippon explores the changing nature of England’s landscape from the Iron Age until the Anglo-Saxon period. Historyextra.com/podcasts.
31 min
2118
The Amritsar assassin
BBC broadcaster and author Anita Anand discusses her new book, The Patient Assassin, which tells the story of one man’s quest for revenge following the 1919 Amritsar massacre in British India
35 min
2119
Letters from World War Two leaders
David Reynolds discusses the relationship between Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt, as revealed by their messages
40 min
2120
Notre-Dame
Following Monday’s fire, we speak to historian Emma J Wells about the medieval cathedral’s remarkable history and what its future might hold
24 min
2121
Melvyn Bragg on Heloise and Abelard
The renowned author and broadcaster discusses an enduring 12th-century love story
30 min
2122
Exploring Britain’s cathedrals
Christopher Somerville discusses his experiences of visiting some of Britain’s historic cathedrals
37 min
2123
The Scottish Clearances
Professor Tom Devine explores one of the most traumatic moments in Scottish history
35 min
2124
King John: medieval monster
Nicholas Vincent discusses the life and reign of the infamous 13th-century monarch.
31 min
2125
World War Two's 'ordinary' soldiers
Jonathan Fennell discusses the experiences of citizen soldiers from Britain, its empire and commonwealth in the battle against the Axis.
46 min