In this episode, we dive into the fierce two-day struggle that became one of the defining moments of the Peninsular War: the Battle of Talavera. From the blazing July heat to the confusion of night assaults, we examine how Sir Arthur Wellesley—soon to become the Duke of Wellington—held his fragile Anglo-Spanish line against repeated French attacks.We explore the drama behind the battlefield: the strained coordination with General Cuesta, the bold French offensive under Victor and Jourdan, and the tactical decisions that turned Talavera into a brutal contest of discipline, firepower, and sheer endurance. Through narrative storytelling and clear military analysis, this episode brings you into the smoke, the volleys, and the human cost of one of Wellesley’s earliest—and hardest-won—victories.Find out more about Josh's work at: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.phpJoin our mailing list at: https://linktr.ee/napwarspodSupport out work at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod#BattleOfTalavera #Talavera1809 #PeninsularWar #NapoleonicWars #Wellesley #DukeOfWellington #SpanishWarOfIndependence #MilitaryHistory #HistoryPodcast #NapoleonicBattles
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45:44
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45:44
The Talavera Campaign 1809: The Peninsular War Saga
In this episode, historian Josh Provan joins us to trace the tense, twisting campaign that led to the Battle of Talavera—a confrontation born not just of French ambition, but of uneasy alliances, political blunders, and the grinding realities of Peninsular warfare.We explore how Sir Arthur Wellesley set himself and his men on a collision course with both Joseph Bonaparte’s French army and his own Spanish allies. From logistical nightmares to clashing personalities, from the chaotic advance toward Madrid to the stubborn stand on the banks of the Tormes, this is the story of how a campaign fraught with mistrust and miscalculation forged one of Wellesley’s most hard-fought victories.Expect deep context, sharp analysis, and the human side of the campaign—the commanders, the soldiers, and the decisions that shaped the battlefield even before a single shot was fired at Talavera.Find out more about Josh's work at: https://www.helion.co.uk/people/joshua-provan.phpJoin our mailing list at: https://linktr.ee/napwarspodSupport the show and get episodes early at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod#NapoleonicWars #PeninsularWar #BattleOfTalavera #Wellesley #ArthurWellesley #SpanishWarOfIndependence #MilitaryHistory #HistoryPodcast #NapoleonicWarsPodcast #Talavera1809
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57:12
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57:12
Wellington & Napoleon: Your Questions Answered
Following the lively debate that sprang up around our episode on 'Who was better: Wellington or Napoleon', we took the time to sit down and carefully consider some of the interesting questions and counter arguments made by our listeners. Who was Wellington's Berthier? Is criticising Wellington anti-British? Was Wellington's political career really that bad? Was Napoleon really better than Caesar? Support our work on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodJoin our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/napwarspod
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1:22:30
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1:22:30
Waterloo: Staging the Battle in the Capital
By 1815, London had long considered itself the centre of Britain and the wider Empire, so how did it respond when “the greatest victory which History records” (The Chester Chronicle) occurred a mere 200 miles from it? By co-opting it, naturally. Moving away from previous work on the Waterloo Banquet and Vauxhall’s Waterloo fete, this talk explores some of the ways in which ordinary Londoners experienced Waterloo, including walking over a bridge named after it, seeing relics from it, and witnessing it recreated on stage and canvas.In October 2025, our very own 'Beau', Dr Luke 'Memory' Reynolds, gave a talk at York St John on 'Staging Waterloo: The Battle in the Capital'. Whilst you've heard him before on the show talking about the Waterloo Banquet, for this one he focused on other aspects from paintings to bridges and on to stage shows all trying to capture the battle.With the very kind permission of York St John University, we present for you listening pleasure a recording of that talk.For more events from York St John University, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/york-st-john-university-1088934555
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42:51
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42:51
Wellington vs Napoleon: The Great Debate
Who was the better battlefield general? Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, or Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington, and darling (sort of) of the British army.Recently famed author of the Sharpe's series of novels Bernard Cornwell set the social media sphere ablaze by once again igniting this age old discussion. The response, predictably, divided social media, but what happens when some historians weigh in to try and settle this issue?Your favourite Napoleonic Wars Pod hosts, Napoleonic historians Dr Zack White, Dr Luke Reynolds, and Mr Liam Telfer take to the boxing ring in this one, as Liam makes the case for Wellington, Zack (unusually) makes the case for Napoleon, Luke can't decide whether he's a moderator or a debater, and ultimately we all end up agreeing.Logistics. Destruction of armies. Limited campaigns. Movement. Motivation. Skill. Success. Legacy. All come under the spotlight in a bruising assessment of the strengths and not inconsiderable weakness of both of these commanders, as we pop the usual myths, weigh in on some of the more partisan comments, and put the case to you to get involved in this debate.Support this content on patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspodSign up to our newsletter here: https://linktr.ee/napwarspod
Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? What was his legacy on history? And why, more than 200 years later, does the conflict which he gave his name to still matter?
Join award-winning Napoleonic historians Dr Zack White, Dr Luke Reynolds, Liam Telfer and Josh Redden as they host Europe's leading show devoted to the American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
From interviews with leading researchers, to deep dive debates on some of the big questions, this show is ideal for those who want to start building their knowledge deepen their understanding of the period.
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