William the Marshal

In our second premium episode, we review the medieval knight and courtier William the Marshal, who served the first four Plantagenet monarchs and was famed as a great and loyal knight as well as being involved in the creation of Magna Carta and seeing off a French invasion.

Ali's Dissertation

For the first time, Ali is in control! He takes the role of expert for the day by explaining his dissertation about Edward I, the Eighth/Ninth Crusade and the influence this had on his Welsh campaigns and magnificent Welsh castles (as well as how he managed to justify studying Edward I for his Middle Eastern Studies degree!)

Thomas Becket

We investigate one of the most notorious incidents in English history - the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. We look at who Thomas was before he became Archbishop, his relationship with Henry II and the dispute which had such tragic and infamous consequences.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

We look at the great Victorian engineer, Brunel, his life, character and some of his most famous projects including the Thames Tunnel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Great Western Railway and his huge steamships.

Boudica

Boudica's revolt against the Romans in 60AD nearly freed Britain from Roman occupation and made Boudica a legend in British history. We get to grips with the sources and find out what really happened and how to spell her name!

Tea and Empire

Behind the humble cup of tea lies a dark and ancient history that helped to shape the British Empire and the course of world history.

Vikings in Ireland

We look in-depth at the Viking presence in Ireland, from their early raids and settlements to the Kingdom of Dublin and the epic Battle of Clontarf with Irish High King Brian Boru.

Bess of Hardwick

Although not one of the most famous names from Tudor England, Bess was one of the most impressive. Numerous marriages, legal disputes & high drama (including Mary Queen of Scots, Arbella Stuart and dastardly in-laws) could not ruffle the feathers of this remarkable woman, who would found great dynasties and build magnificent palaces like Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall.

Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire

Georgiana was the most fashionable woman in late eighteenth century and a leader of fashionable society (not least when it came to hats). However, her fascinating life saw her become one of the most significant and able political campaigners of the age while her unhappy marriage led to some rather unusual domestic arrangements. Writer, scientist, politician, fashionista and even a confidante to the Prince Regent!