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Gone Medieval
King Henry II
One of the pivotal figures in Medieval history, King Henry II centralised royal power, instituted legal reforms and established common law. His marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine expanded his influence, as he became the ruler of a far-reaching European empire. But his demise was just as dramatic as his ascendancy.
In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis tells the story of Henry’s rise to power and his fall brought about by his catastrophic relationship with Thomas Becket and his feud with his sons, including the future Richard the Lionheart and King John.
This episode was edited and mixed by Ella Blaxill and produced by Rob Weinberg.
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382. Midwinter Medieval Traditions
42:19||Ep. 382Ever wondered how Christmas was celebrated in Medieval times? Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis explore the fascinating world of Medieval festive traditions. From the violent brawls of medieval football to the quirky custom of 'mumming,' Eleanor and Matt dive into the rich tapestry of holiday practices. They discuss the origins of the Yule log, the significance of the boy bishop, and the unique 'women's Christmas' celebration.Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis. Edited by Amy Haddow. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK381. What happened to the Princes in the Tower?
49:00||Ep. 381Did Richard III really murder the Princes in the Tower?Join Matt Lewis to dive into the enigmatic tale of the Princes in the Tower, joined by expert Philippa Langley. The discussion traverses recent discoveries that shed new light on the disappearance of Edward IV’s young sons. Highlighting the rigorous research of the Missing Princes Project, Langley reveals groundbreaking evidence, from accounting receipts to witness statements, supporting the survival of the princes beyond King Richard III's reign.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis and edited by Amy Haddow. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK380. Christmas Movie Knight
53:18||Ep. 380It’s Christmas. The holly and ivy are adorning the fireplace, hopefully the shopping is (mostly) done and the King of Misrule is on his way…Who are we to disobey him? Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega have hung their medieval stockings and are having a blast discussing the best 'medieval' films delivered to our homes via the very modern magic of TV. They choose the most accurate, the most absurd and the most bell-ringingly fun depictions of the middle ages, including the gritty authenticity of 'The Last Kingdom', the hilarious 'Army of Darkness,' the problematic 'The Physician,' the martial spectacle of 'The Great Wall,' and the intriguing 'Outlander.' Plus a hefty dose of Robin Hood and his Merry Men in their many, many film adaptations. There will be tights...Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis. Edited by Amy Haddow. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds and All3 Media Music.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK379. Lives of Medieval Nuns
40:25||Ep. 379The often forgotten world of medieval nuns holds many secrets about the lives of ordinary people of the age, their daily routines, education, and societal roles. German medieval historian Henrike Lähnemann shares with Matt Lewis her research into the rich archives of convents, which revealed nuns' vibrant lives, from their involvement in local politics and commerce to their spiritual duties and family bonds. They discuss how medieval convents served as hubs of learning, medicine, and community interaction, complete with both solemn rituals and moments of joyful laughter.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis and edited by Amy Haddow. The producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK378. The Haunting Medieval World of M.R.James
55:56||Ep. 378The chilling ghost stories of M.R.James are as much a part of our Christmas television viewing as the King’s speech. But few realise that M.R. James was both a master of supernatural fiction and a distinguished medieval scholar. Dr. Eleanor Janega and Dr. Patrick J. Murphy discuss how M.R.James deep knowledge of medieval texts and artefacts, and his academic career, infused his stories with an authenticity and depth that set them apart from other works in the genre. Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega and edited by Nick Thomson. The producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds/All3MediaGone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK377. Life and legends along the Medieval coastline
48:13||Ep. 377Matt Lewis is joined by archaeologist Ben Robinson from BBC's 'Villages by the Sea' to explore the deep historical ties along Britain's coastline, from the ancient tin trade of Cornwall to the fascinating legend of St. Bega in Cumbria.They discuss how the seaside has played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's history, unearthing lost stories of Viking wives seeking sanctuary and the mystery of the mummified crusader found encased in a lead sarcophagus.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis and edited by Amy Haddow. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK376. Medieval Burials
51:34||Ep. 376What can medieval burial practices reveal about societal values and beliefs? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by biological anthropologist Dr. Jo Buckberry, to explore this question.They discuss the secrets behind Sutton Hoo's majestic burial mounds, the intriguing presence of grave goods from brooches to cremation urns and change in customs as Britain embraced Christianity. They delve into medieval battlefield mass graves and mysterious discoveries such as St. Bees Man to explore the profound human connections and societal structures reflected in medieval burial customs.Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega and edited by Amy Haddow. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK375. Crusades Against Heretics
56:06||Ep. 375The Albigensian Crusade was a blood-soaked military campaign, as the church desperately attempted to purge heresy across Christendom in the early 1200's.Matt Lewis is joined by Mark Gregory Pegg to unravel the myths and chaos surrounding medieval heresy, including the controversial existence of the Cathars, the true motivations behind the crusades and how the relentless Inquisition transformed medieval Christendom forever.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. The audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK374. Battles, Kings, and Conquests: A Journey Through Medieval England
46:34||Ep. 374Dr. Eleanor Janega invites co-host Matt Lewis to discuss his exciting new book, 'The History Hit Guide to Medieval England.' Matt reveals the secrets from the era of the Vikings to the Tudors, from gripping tales such as Hereward the Wake's daring escapades, the complexities of the Norman Conquest to the notorious reign of King John. Along the way, they explore fascinating revolts and feuds during the Wars of the Roses and the Black Death's impact.Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega and edited by Amy Haddow. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK