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
2151
Henry V and Thomas Cromwell – hero and villain
We challenge the reputations of two titans of English history. Anne Curry explores Henry V's disreputable youth, while Diarmaid Macculloch offers a robust defence of Wolf Hall star Thomas Cromwell. Rob Attar presents
46 min
2152
German prisoners and Nelson's navy
Panikos Panayi explores the experiences of German internees in Britain during the First World War, while Sam Willis introduces some first-hand accounts from Nelson's navy. Rob Attar presents
48 min
2153
Papal election special
To mark the upcoming papal election, historian Stella Fletcher explores the long tradition of conclaves. Rob Attar presents
40 min
2154
The Industrial Revolution and post-war eugenics
Emma Griffin discusses the beneficiaries of the growth of British industry, while Clare Hanson explores the controversial eugenics movement of the post-war period. Rob Attar presents
32 min
2155
Georgian banking and medieval royalty
Anne Murphy discusses an 18th-century investigation into the Bank of England, while Judith Green reveals what Henry I spent his money on. Presented by Rob Attar
37 min
2156
Hitler's philosophers, and a Bronze Age boat
Yvonne Sherratt explains why German thinkers were enraptured by the Nazis, while Robert Van De Noort introduces a project to recreate a Bronze Age boat. Presented by Rob Attar
39 min
2157
Richard III special
Following the momentous announcement that the body found in a Leicestershire carpark is indeed Richard III, Matt Elton speaks to Leicester archaeologist Lin Foxhall and Phil Stone, chairman of the Richard III Society, to get an inside view on the devel...
48 min
2158
Britain's European rejection and an intimate vi...
With Britain's membership of the EU in the news again, we examine the moment 50 years ago, when Charles de Gaulle vetoed Harold Macmillan's request to join the EEC. Plus, we chat with Richard Morris about his new, rather personal, book on Bri...
31 min
2159
Spielberg's Lincoln and a new look at Jane Austen
Adam Smith offers a historian's perspective on the new Lincoln film, while Paula Byrne explores the life of Jane Austen on the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice
43 min
2160
The history of music and the Knights Templar
Tim Blanning discusses how music has shaped history, while Michael Haag explores the history of the Knights Templar in the context of the Crusades
46 min
2161
Tudor accidents and the real Anglo-Saxons
Steven Gunn analyses accidental death in Tudor times, while Ryan Lavelle explores the darker side of the Anglo-Saxons.
47 min
2162
Royal personality in Tudor and Medieval times
Mark Ormrod and John Cooper give a joint lecture on Edward III and Francis Walsingham
48 min
2163
The First World War and Roman shopping
Chris Clark challenges the traditional view of the First World War's origins, while Claire Holleran takes us on a shopping trip in ancient Rome.
41 min
2164
History Extra Christmas quiz
Test your history knowledge with our festive trivia challenge.
17 min
2165
Napoleon and Mussolini
Alan Forrest considers how Napoleon used art as propaganda, while Christopher Duggan argues that Mussolini was a popular ruler.
65 min
2166
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
2167
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
2168
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
2169
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
2170
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
2171
Why the Plantagenets matter
Dan Jones argues the importance of the Plantagenet dynasty to British history.
55 min
2172
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
2173
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
2174
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
2175
History for future generations
Catherine Butler discusses history for children, while David Horspool examines rebellious texts of the past.
36 min