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
2126
The Victorian cadaver trade, and lessons from t...
Elizabeth T Hurren explores how the bodies of paupers helped advance medical science, while Robert Greene explains how you can become the next Napoleon or Leonardo da Vinci.
48 min
2127
Black soldiers in the World War Two, and medica...
Stephen Bourne reflects on the black contribution to Britain's fight against the Axis, while Alun Withey introduces a new medical history project.
46 min
2128
Edward I and maps through history
Caroline Burt explores the reputation of Edward I and Simon Garfield explains his fascination with historical maps.
42 min
2129
Jujitsu suffragettes and the Battle of El Alamein
Jonathan Dimbleby considers a momentous Second World War clash, while Emelyne Godfrey reveals the story of suffragette martial artists.
50 min
2130
The importance of the Tudors
Suzannah Lipscomb explains the impact that Henry VIII, Elizabeth I et al had on English and British history.
43 min
2131
Why the Plantagenets matter
Dan Jones argues the importance of the Plantagenet dynasty to British history.
55 min
2132
The early years of the Iron Curtain and violenc...
Anne Applebaum discusses her new book on Communist Eastern Europe, while Steven Pinker argues that we've never lived in more peaceful times.
49 min
2133
World War Two farming and a new time saver for ...
Clare Griffiths considers how the Second World War affected agriculture, while John Morrill introduces an invaluable new resource for historians.
50 min
2134
The Battle of Poitiers and WWII strategy
David Reynolds discusses Britain's World War Two strategy, while Bernard Cornwell considers the Battle of Poitiers, 1356.
43 min
2135
History for future generations
Catherine Butler discusses history for children, while David Horspool examines rebellious texts of the past.
36 min
2136
Letters from the USSR
Orlando Figes describes some remarkable letters from the Soviet Union, while Charlotte Hodgman investigates the history of gas in Britain.
36 min
2137
Victorian cohabitation and the Libor scandal
Rebecca Probert explores cohabitation in Victorian times, while Tony Moore seeks out historical parallels to the Libor scandal.
40 min
2138
Disability through the ages
Simon Jarrett discusses disability through history, while David Priestland talks about how occupational groups have fought for power over the centuries.
62 min
2139
The battle for Madagascar and The Wars of the R...
Tim Benbow describes the Second World War battle for Madagascar, while Sarah Gristwood reflects on the role of women in the Wars of the Roses.
46 min
2140
The Spanish Civil War
Helen Graham reflects on the Spanish Civil War and Sam Willis comments on a remarkable naval discovery.
41 min
2141
Historical geography and cookery
Jerry Brotton introduces the father of geography, while David Musgrove investigates some historical recipe books.
42 min
2142
American religions
Richard Carwardine explores religion in the USA and David Lees considers Vichy France's role in the Holocaust.
52 min
2143
The Royal Navy
Sam Willis explores the history of the Royal Navy in the concluding half of our Tower of London lecture.
48 min
2144
The British Army
Saul David describes the role of the British army in propelling the country to global-power status.
46 min
2145
The Cold War Olympic boycott
Matthew Roberts talks about the Luddite uprisings and Kevin Jefferys recalls a Cold War Olympic boycott.
52 min
2146
Medieval travel and anti-suffrage postcards
Paul Oldfield details the medieval travelling experience, while June Purvis analyses anti-Suffragette postcards.
45 min
2147
Smuggling and sport
Evan Jones explores smuggling in the Tudor era, and Alistair Dougall tells us why sport became a battleground in the 17th century.
47 min
2148
Historic healthcare
Peter Caddick Adams revisits the battle of Monte Cassino and George Goslings talks us through the history of healthcare.
49 min
2149
British queens
Anna Whitelock and Kate Williams discuss Queens Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II in a special episode recorded at the Tower of London.
78 min
2150
Ancient Egypt and Trafalgar
John Romer considers ancient Egypt, while Sean McGlynn delves into the story of England's medieval battle of Trafalgar.
41 min