Espionage, identity and cross-dressing in the Middle Ages
Sometimes, historical research can offer unexpected questions and avenues of exploration. That’s what happened when English Heritage’s Will Wyeth was digging through a medieval manuscript.
References to a medieval woman spy dressed in men’s clothing were too tantalising to ignore, so he and Michael James got together to ask questions about the mysterious Margoth.
They join Amy Matthews on the English Heritage Podcast this week to reveal not only how Margoth’s espionage changed the course of a war, but also how references to cross-dressing can help us ask questions about identity in the past.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
37:25
The enduring allure of stone circles
As the summer solstice approaches, thousands flock to monuments like Stonehenge seeking spiritual connection and a spectacular sunset and sunrise.
But why are people still drawn to stone circles after thousands of years?
This time on the English Heritage Podcast, Amy Matthews is joined by English Heritage’s Dr Jennifer Wexler to explore how these monuments were built and why people have continued to visit them. Artist Sally Barton shares how communities continue to interact with these spaces and make them relevant today.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
32:28
The art of heritage: Turner’s vision of England
J M W Turner is considered one of England’s great artists, but why?
This time on the English Heritage podcast, we dive into some of the 35 paintings Turner made of English Heritage sites to explore how he responded to a period of enormous emotional and political upheaval.
Working against a backdrop of war, industrial expansion, tourism, abolition, patriotism and shifting national identity, Turner’s varied and innovative styles helped shape contemporary reactions to architecture, landscapes and ruins.
The Museum of London’s Thomas Ardill and English Heritage’s Jeremy Ashbee join writer and comedian Amy Matthews to discuss the man and his works and ask what the concept of ‘heritage’ means today.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
33:38
The illuminating story of stained glass
Churches and buildings around England are home to beautiful stained glass enjoyed by communities and visitors every day. But less well known are the fascinating stories and histories behind these national treasures.
This week on the English Heritage Podcast, Amy Matthews is joined by Michael Carter and Susan Harrison to piece together what collections both in situ and in store can tell us about Christianity, the dissolution of monasteries, and the journey of stained glass into churches and buildings that stand today. Glass held both symbolic and intrinsic value to many people, from skilled glaziers to parish priests and opportunistic individuals. After monasteries were dissolved, their glazing lived some surprising second lives.
Plus, Susan explains how we are painstakingly piecing together the fragments of glass that were overlooked by our ancestors.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
30:00
People of 1381: stories from the Peasants’ Revolt
The summer of 1381 saw one of the biggest popular uprisings in Medieval Europe. Now, an innovative online resource is revealing how the Peasants’ Revolt impacted the lives of women, children and whole communities.
This week, Amy Matthews is joined by English Heritage’s Dr Will Wyeth to unlock the complex social and political issues of the revolt and how we feel these forces today.
The University of Glasgow’s Dr Andrew Prescott and The University of Reading’s Dr Helen Killick share snapshots of lives from the People of 1381 database and explore how stories are pieced together from documents and records of this period to add depth to popular chronicles.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
People of 1381 database: https://www.1381.online/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every object has a story to tell. But how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places?
In the English Heritage podcast, comedian and writer Amy Matthews brings you entertaining tales from unexpected places. Each week, we begin with a mystery item and with the help of English Heritage experts and special guests, Amy explores what our past can tell us about our present and perhaps our future.
Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
New Zealand