Consistently Eccentric History

This week we are beginning a search for the last battle to be fought in England which, due to some disagreement about what actually constitutes a battle, could be one of at least six separate events which span the course of four separate centuries. In this first episode we are covering an accidental WWII mini-invasion, a mental health crisis that went way too far, and the many ramblings of Bonnie Prince Charlie. But were any of these actually battles? Tune in to find out if we will even need a part two!Guest Host: Ollie Green*Disclaimer - the host's views on Marmite are their own and should not be considered representative of Consistently Eccentric History.

The Georgians sure knew how to sensationalise a story. So when a rich mother and daughter went on trial for the murder of their orphaned 13 year old servant girl many a pamphlet was written.This week we are discussing the content of those pamphlets, how reliable they might be, and trying to understand why a person would admit to eating their own poop while giving evidence in a court of law.Guest Host: Ollie Green

This week we are discussing the life of a lawyer, poet and inventor from the Tudor era called John Harington. When banished from the court of his godmother Queen Elizabeth for saucy translations John had five years to contemplate life, and he came to the conclusion that his life could be made measurably better if he was able to poo in comfort. So he set about trying to come up with an improved defecation system, one that he would eventually present to the Queen herself. Would she like it? Would John be allowed to return to court? And what exactly is a 'Gong Farmer'?Join us to find out. Now with 30% more conversations about poo!Guest Host: Evie Heathcote

In honour of the Open Championship (albeit a week late) we are discussing the life of a man considered to be the grandfather of modern golf.A native of St. Andrews, born a short chip shot from the famous old course, Tom Morris was exposed to golf from the time he could walk.However golf-related fallings out would lead to an extended exile from his home town, one that could only be ended by proving himself to be the best golfer in the British Isles....How hard could that be?Guest Host: Ollie Green

We are heading stateside this week to discuss the founder of the State of Georgia.James Oglethorpe was a member of the upper classes, soldier, MP and murderer (though he didn't often put this last one on his CV). Despite coming from extreme privilege, James decided to dedicate his career in Parliament to trying to reform the conditions of the common man, both in the Royal Navy and in the prison system.It was only when his attempts to work within the parliamentary system hit a brick wall that James began thinking that things would be much easier if he was able to set up a society of his own. Where he could make the rules and ensure equality for all......and it just so happened that there was a space between Carolina and Florida that hadn't yet been settled.Guest Host: Pam Lotterle

This week we are talking about the incredible afterlife of a woman called Hannah Beswick. After witnessing her brother almost being buried alive, Hannah developed a bit of a complex about it. So much so that she decided to entrust the care of her body to her family doctor, insisting that he only allow her to be buried when he was certain that she was dead.Unfortunately the doctor in question enjoyed collecting interesting medical oddities... and he had just come up with a new method of embalming that he was keen to try out.So join us for a tale of phobias, specialised coffins, legal muddles and ghosts.Guest Host: Ollie Green

When you think of the bombing raids of WWII most people instantly picture the East End of London. But this week we are talking about a lesser known, and much shorter blitz that took place on the other side of the Irish Sea.Consisting of only four nights over the course of less than a month, the people of Belfast could not have imagined the amount of horror that could be caused in such a short span of time. But when your government assumed that they would never need to defend themselves, they tend to be slightly under prepared.So join us for a tale of how misplaced confidence can result in terrible consequences of historic proportions. Guest Host: Ollie Green

As everyone is settling in for another big summer of sport, we have decided to discuss one of the first big summer events hosted in the UK, the 1908 Olympic games.Originally due to be held in Italy, a last minute change was required due to an unfortunately timed natural disaster. This allowed London to sneak in and put together a very British games in practically no time. From the eccentric stadium, to the selection of events, and even the rules, the 1908 games were designed for one purpose only; to put Britain at the top of the medal table.But would the organisers succeed? Would swimmers become accidentally impaled, and what exactly are the differences between 'British Athletics Rules' and the rules that the rest of the world follow?Guest Host: Evie Heathcote