Special Episodes

March 6, 2020

Rex Factor is a free podcast but we are now offering special, premium episodes. If you are a Privy Councillor (i.e. donating to the podcast every month) then you get all our special episodes for free! Otherwise, for just $2 a time, get a special, in-depth episode on some fascinating topics!

The Battle of Waterloo

Ali and Graham look at the epic 1815 battle and in particular the three commanders: Napoleon (France), Wellington (Anglo-Allies) and Blucher (Prussia).

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!

The Death of Amy Robsart

Amy Robsart was the wife of Robert Dudley, the roguishly handsome favourite of Queen Elizabeth I whom many people thought Dudley was intending to marry. When Amy was found dead with a broken neck at the bottom of a short staircase, many suspected foul play. It's up to Inspector Rexford to investigate - did she fall, or was she pushed?

Maori Visit to Queen Victoria

We look at the history of the Maoris, in particular a visit made by a group of chiefs and notable figures in 1863 when they travelled all the way to England to visit Queen Victoria. But would they make it and would it be a success?

Empress Matilda

She should have been England's first Queen regnant but instead her cousin, Stephen, took the throne, leading to the Anarchy. We find out how Matilda came to be heir and why she never quite became Queen.

Duke of Marlborough

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, is most famous as a great general with victories like the Battle of Blenheim, but he was also a key figure in court and government for Charles II, James II, William and Mary and Queen Anne. Military glory, the birth of party politics and some naughty goings on at court make for a gripping story!

Chateau Gaillard

Chateau Gaillard was the most advanced castle in Europe when it was built by Richard the Lionheart as part of a campaign to retake lost ground in Normandy. We look at what made the castle so impressive, recount a dramatic siege and learn about some surprising appearances made by the castle in later medieval Europe.

March 6, 2020