PodcastsHistoryBritish History Podcast

British History Podcast

Exploring British History through stories, people and places.
British History Podcast
Latest episode

133 episodes

  • British History Podcast

    Richard III acted decisively! | 1483, the Year of the 3 kings

    30/05/2026 | 26 mins.
    Historian Nathen Amin sat down with me at Warwick Words History Festival before his talk on "The year of the 3 kings, 1483" to discuss Edward IV's lack of forward planning, the course of events which brought Edward V to London and into the Tower, and when Nathen thinks Richard, then Duke of Gloucester, decided he should not just act as Regent for his nephew, but take his crown and become king.

    Useful timestamps in this episode:
    00:00 - The significance of 1483: Year of the Three Kings
    00:14 - Edward IV's reign and sudden death at 40
    00:57 - Edward IV’s physical transformation and health neglect
    01:24 - Succession challenges with young princes
    02:23 - Rival factions: Woodvilles vs. Richard of Gloucester
    03:17 - Could Edward IV have prepared better for his death?
    03:54 - The importance of securing the heir in medieval rulership
    04:23 - Fears of vulnerability when the king is a child
    05:24 - The influence of male ambitions after Edward IV’s death
    06:11 - The movement of Edward V and the importance of his return to London
    06:40 - The importance of the princes’ crowning and the rise of Richard
    07:10 - The political tension with Lord Hastings and the Woodville family
    07:40 - Richard’s diplomatic position and the meeting in Northamptonshire
    08:08 - Elizabeth Woodville’s reaction and her flight into sanctuary
    09:06 - The decision to move the princes to the Tower
    09:34 - The arrest of Lord Hastings and the centralization of Richard’s power
    10:32 - Richard’s assumption of Lord Protector and consolidating authority
    11:01 - Elizabeth Woodville’s flight and the rising tensions
    11:31 - The move of the princes into the Tower of London
    12:28 - The infamous execution of Lord Hastings and Richard’s ruthlessness
    13:28 - Richard’s strategic moves and the escalation of violence
    14:27 - Threats to Richard’s power in the North and the Neville lands
    15:27 - Richard’s swift consolidation of power and the downfall of rivals
    16:26 - The anonymous sermon condemning the princes and Richard’s rapid rise
    17:25 - Richard’s strategic decisions and the perception of his ruthlessness
    18:10 - The debate over the legitimacy of the princes
    18:49 - Richard’s potential motives about the princes’ legitimacy and accusations
    19:19 - The evidence (or lack thereof) around the princes’ deaths and legitimacy
    20:16 - The political context of Richard’s usurpation
    21:12 - The legitimacy of Richard’s claim and the legitimacy law
    21:42 - Richard’s legal justifications, including Titulus Regius
    22:08 - The question of the princes’ legitimacy and Richard’s evidence
    22:39 - The political manipulation and timing of Richard’s actions
    23:08 - Richard’s rapid moves and the urgency of power consolidation
    24:21 - The moral and religious conflict faced by Richard
    24:48 - Richard’s faith and the justification of ruthless acts
    25:17 - The medieval kingship and divine justification for harsh decisions
    25:46 - Parallels with modern leadership and the justifications for tough choices
    26:09 - Closing remarks and thanks

    Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more history videos here for you to watch including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

    Join my Patreon to enjoy ad-free, extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more, all for £5/month.

    You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

    You can support me for free by commenting on this episode and subscribing to the channel.

    Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.

    ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
    About Philippa
    Philippa is a Historian and the founder of British History Tours and British History Events.

    Receive weekly history news (including links to new historian interviews) from Philippa by subscribing to my Substack at Substack.com/ ⁨@BritishHistory⁩
    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • British History Podcast

    Finding Tudor Gold - Unlocking London's Hidden History Through Mudlarking

    07/05/2026 | 14 mins.
    Over the past few years Mudlarking, the pastime of scouring river banks for archeology, has become incredibly popular both with those who do it, and those who like to watch videos of, of hear about, new finds.
    Expert Mudlarker, Lara Maiklem joined me at Harvington History Festival where we talked about how tidal rivers become archaeological treasure troves, the challenges mudlarks face, and what incredible relics she has uncovered.

    Buy Lara's book 'A Mudlarking Year. Finding Treasure in Every Season' - click here.

    Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you have enjoyed it. There are many more historian interviews here for you including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

    Please give this podcast a follow and a 5* review if you have enjoyed it as it helps the show be suggested to other people interested in history.
    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • British History Podcast

    Reassessing Lady Jane Grey: The Queen Beyond the Victim Narrative

    30/04/2026 | 14 mins.
    In Philippa’s discussion with historian Nicola Tallis about Lady Jane Grey, we covered some of her true story, achievements, and how perceptions have been shaped over time. We explored her intelligence, potential, and the importance of re-evaluating her legacy.

    This interview is also available to watch on the British History Youtube channel - click here

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Book Reflection
    00:28 Perceptions of Lady Jane Grey
    01:23 Changing the Victim Narrative
    02:22 Jane's Intellectual Achievements
    04:25 Her Languages and Interests
    06:50 Her Life and Aspirations
    08:41 The Loss of Potential
    10:05 What Kind of Queen Would She Have Been?
    12:30 Reframing Jane's Legacy and Recognition

    Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more historian interviews for you to enjoy with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Castor, Helen Carr and many more.

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • British History Podcast

    Everyday Life in History: Practical Living History

    23/04/2026 | 20 mins.
    Philippa sat down for a fascinating conversation with Ruth Goodman, a living history expert, and author of the ever popular 'How To Be a Tudor', among other books.
    Ruth explained her approach to living history and casual experimentation to verify historical practices, the importance of practical research in understanding daily routines, how clothing inventories and household tools reveal regional and social differences in historical records, and the role of hearsay, imagery, and disapproval in uncovering the realities of ordinary people's lives.

    Watch Episode on Youtube

    Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel.

    If you've enjoyed this please follow and rate this podcast.

    Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more here for you to browse through including over 60 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Carr and many more.

    Buy books from these incredible historians, shipped worldwide from Blackwells - click here (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you).

    Join my Patreon - click here and enjoy ad-free extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more for all for £5/month.

    You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa

    You can support me for free by commenting and rating this episode.

    Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.
    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • British History Podcast

    The House of Boleyn - a new novel

    16/04/2026 | 58 mins.
    Tracy Borman joined Philippa on the British History channel to talk about her new novel ‘The House of Boleyn’.

    Get early access, BONUS content and ad-free viewing go to www.Patreon.com/BritishHistory and join for this and many other history lover benefits including discounts on events, exclusive talks, and to put your questions to future guests. This interview is out on 12th April on the British History Patreon.

    Tracy tells us about how she tackled the challenge of blending history and fiction, and the inspiration for setting her novel The House of Boleyn at Hever Castle and how it offers a fresh perspective on Tudor family life. We also talked about how she explores the human side of the historical figures, especially Thomas Boleyn and Anne Boleyn, challenging outdated stereotypes.

    Important to Tracy, and indeed her book, is the role of the servants at Hever Castle and she tells us how she used everyday household details to create authenticity—fireplaces, relationships with servants, and the sensory experience of Tudor life.

    The House of Boleyn is out 23rd April 2027. Pre/order now and get shipped for free worldwide from Blackwells - Click Here
    (this is an affiliate link which earns me a commission but adds no cost to you)

    Watch this episode on Youtube - Click Here

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More History podcasts
About British History Podcast
Join your host, Philippa Lacey, for historian interviews and deep dives into stories, events and people in British History.You can find Philippa writing about history and travelling historical locations at philippab.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast website

Listen to British History Podcast, You're Dead to Me and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features