The Danish wars from the 9th century had a enormous impact on the Anglo Saxon state. The national struggle to repel and survive meant the creation of a centralised bureaucratic state - to raise geld, armies, build burghs. The economy was stimul

2.6 Life in Warland

20 days ago 49m 23s

Warland was held by all free Anglo Saxon families, and so called because the resources of the land were to be used for the waru, defence of the land. That might mean military defence - but it was a much more general concept that tha - it was to

2.5 Life on the Inland

Mar 20th, 2024 52m 22s

As 7th century turns into 8th, society becomes a little more hierarchical; tribute centres like Rendlesham begin to disappear for more permanent royal sites. But more significant for the life of many Ceorlisc families, was the arrival of Christ

2.4 Extensive Lordship and the Scir

Mar 6th, 2024 47m 33s

The 7th and 8th centuries saw the gradual development of territorial grouping, with tribal and political identities, focussed on the lord or king. Despite more well defined hierarchies, lordship remained relatively light, based on lords who tra

2.3 The Early Settlers

Feb 21st, 2024 48m 49s

The culture of the early Free farmers of the Germanic settlers valued family, kinship and lordship. Oxfordshire may have been one of the earliest areas of settlement, fitting initially into the Romano British states they find as they arrive - s

2.2 The Old and the New

Feb 11th, 2024 39m 28s

The departure of Rome from Britain and the Romano British society that follows is the story of many generations. After a brief overview the episode turns to consider some alternate theories of one aspect of the period - the adventus saxonum. Ho

2.1 Land, Lordship and People - Introduction

Feb 10th, 2024 15m 41s

I am reviving my old Anglo Saxon England podcast, with a new, limited series of 9 episodes about Anglo Saxon society, and what made it tick. This episode tell you what, why, and when. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1.32 - 22 1066 and Goodbye to all That

Feb 7th, 2024 34m 10s

1066 was a year that changed a lot of things - though not as much as you might think. 3 experienced war leaders fought for control of England - and we all know who won, so no need to worry about plot spoilers. The History of England podcast tak

1.31 - 31 The Normans - A Race Unbridled

Feb 7th, 2024 25m 34s

The Normans made a massive impact on Europe, not just England. They went on to establish a kingdom in Southern Italy, and lead the Crusades and the resulting state of Outremer. So the History of England looks at where they came from, with a bri

1.30 - 20 England in the 11th Century

Feb 7th, 2024 26m 13s

Anglo Saxon England has been seen by some commentators as a bit of a basket case by 1066 - out of date and ready to be conquered. But actually England had its great strengths that would have been the envy of continental monarch, if they'd spent

1.29 - 19 Edward the Confessor

Feb 7th, 2024 25m 48s

Edward enjoyed one year of independence in 1051-2, before the return of Godwin forced him into humiliating submission. But after Godwin’s death the following year, the rest of his reign was broadly peaceful and prosperous, including building We

1.28 - 18 The End of the Danish Dynasty

Feb 7th, 2024 30m 16s

Cnut’s dynasty survived him by only 7 years, and in 1042 the house of Cerdic returned in the form of Edward the Confessor. Edward is an enigma – weak man or determined survivor? This week the History of England podcast looks at how he came to t

1.27 - 17 Cnut the Conqueror

Feb 7th, 2024 28m 7s

Cnut was pretty much the complete king. Conqueror of the English, ruler of a Scandinavian empire that spanned 4 countries. And a man who knew how to win the peace as well as the war. The History of England podcast this week looks at his reign.

1.26 - 16 Ironside

Feb 7th, 2024 25m 52s

In 1012, Aethelred looked down and out. But Svein died, and Edmund Ironside appeared on the scene. Suddenly, Aethelred was a real king and all action, and Cnut was forced to flee. But he came back, and 1016 saw one of the great confrontations o

1.25 - 15 Æthelred, Forkbeard and Misery

Feb 7th, 2024 24m 59s

The Danish threat is notched up a few levels, and Æthelred the Unready and the English state is brought to it knees. The Vikings are too fast, skillful and mobile, and are much better led Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat

1.24 - 14 The Rising Tide

Feb 7th, 2024 29m 10s

Aethelred's mother gets her son onto the throne at last. But it's not long before the disadvantages of kingship become clear, as the Danes begin to return with increasing force. Aethelred turned 18 in 983, and by 984 has sent his mother away an

1.23 - 13 The Golden Age

Feb 7th, 2024 24m 41s

Edgar the Peaceable's reign was a golden age of peace, prosperity and monastic reform. Unfortunately, once he'd gone his wife stuck a knife into her stepson, and the trouble starts over. But his reign should be remembered as the apogee of the A

1.22 Last King in Jorvik

Feb 7th, 2024 23m 8s

Edmund the Magnificent and Eadred finally defeat Eric Bloodaxe, the last king of Jorvik. But there are some social clouds on the horizon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tides of History by Patrick Wyman

Aug 17th, 2017 23m 39s

History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme, said Mark Twain. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of the modern world: history ebbs and flows over the centuries, driven by great tides of economic, social, political, religious, a

1.21 His Years were full of Glory

Jan 29th, 2017 37m 58s

Athelstan was a dynamic and effective ruler, in war, law, and diplomacy. As a war leader he established at least nominal overlordship of all Britain; his marriage alliances included the greatest of European rulers; and he increased the age of l

1.20 English Reconquest

Jan 15th, 2017 38m 20s

The story of a brother and a sister - Æthelflæd and Edward, and their bid to reclaim the lands of the Danelaw, the north and east of England being settled by the Danes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1.19 Pillar of the Western People

Jan 1st, 2017 27m 36s

In 892, the vikings returned - and found a very different, much better prepared Wessex waiting for them. Until in 899, Alfred died to be succeeded by his Son, Edward, who would in the end turn the tables on the Vikings. Hosted on Acast. See aca

1.18 Reconstruction and Defence

Dec 18th, 2016 30m 44s

Alfred had earned Wessex and period of respite, between 878 and 892. In this time, Alfred laid the foundations not just for the defense against renewed invasions, but for the successes of the 10th century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

1.17 Alfred and the Fight for Survival

Dec 4th, 2016 31m 55s

Between 871 and 878, Wessex came close to extinction, as the Great Heathen Army, the Great Summer Army, and Guthrum the Dane came to conquer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1.16 The Great Heathen Army

Nov 20th, 2016 31m 55s

Everything changed for Anglo Saxon England in 866; the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok came for conquest, not just treasure and slaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.