From Norman knights seizing land in 1066 to the grand estates and titles of today, Britain’s aristocracy has shaped the nation for nearly a thousand years. In this episode, we trace its evolution from feudal lords and political powerbrokers to a modern elite navigating changing times.
For this we're joined by Eleanor Doughty, author of 'Heirs and Graces: A History of the Modern British Aristocracy'. She explains how the aristocracy has adapted over time, and what role, if any, it still plays in 21st-century Britain.
Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Tim Arstall.
Join Dan and the team for a special LIVE recording of Dan Snow's History Hit on Friday, 12th September 2025!
To celebrate 10 years of the podcast, Dan is putting on a special show of signature storytelling, never-before-heard anecdotes from his often stranger-than-fiction career, as well as answering the burning questions you've always wanted to ask!
Get tickets here, before they sell out: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/dan-snows-history-hit/
We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.
You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com.
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