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The History of England

317 Well Worth a Mass

Henry IV of France, regarded as one of France's greatest leaders, looks for way to bring peace and unity to his divided country, while England and Spain trade blows. And the story of Grainne Ni Mhaille, aka Grace O'Malley.

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  • 390 Leagues and Covenants

    49:28
    In August 1643 came one of the defining moments of the course of the Revolution - the swearing of the Solemn League and Covenant between England and Scotland. It would bring an army - and division. But for 6 months Newcaste still have a chance to take Hull and advance on London. Would he seize the opportunity?
  • 389 Newsheets and Newbury

    43:07
    In July 1643 the propaganda war was in full swing, and newsheets opened up from both Oxford and London. London was rent by protests, while the royalist cause was finely fettled - in control in the North and ready from the west to launch another assault to London. Only Gloucester stood in the way. 
  • Margaret Cavendish with Prof Margaret Oakes

    47:03
    Margaret Cavendish was an extraordinary figure - a refugee from her native Essex, become courtier, Duchess of Newcastle, Natural Philosopher trading blows with the Royal Society, author and public celebrity. Professor Oakes talks to me about her life and why she is so important. You can also follow an extended series of her life by becoming a shedcaster, at Become a Member – The History of England.
  • 388 Runaway Down

    48:40
    By April it was clear Charles expected to reduce his kingdoms to obedience by war, and would not make peace. By July his cause would be tested at Chalgrove, Adwalton - and Roundway Down.
  • 387 Sinews of War

    40:45
    Early 1643 was not a good idea for peace. By April, both the Scots and English parliament had tired of Charles' negotiating style and started talking to each other instead. But for Charles it was a happy time. His Queen, Generalissima of the North, had landed in Bridlington, and made it to Oxford, bringing arms and news of her capture of Burton on Trent
  • AAG 1641-1642 The Descent to War

    01:02:07
    Strafford's death did not achieve the objective of clearing the path to agreement between king and subject - instead it hardened hearts, and started the clock of war ticking
  • 386 The Fighting Spreads

    44:30
    Violence had spread by the end of 1642; despite the King's failure at Turnham Green, multiple armies now swept England, in Ireland the Confederate Association was formed at Kilkenny and the Exiles. And yet still England hoped for peace. 
  • 385 The Battle for London

    32:45
    After Edgehill, the road to London lay open for the kong. By November 13th, Charles' army faced the Londoners on the common ground west of London at Turnham Green
  • 384 Breaking Storm

    40:24
    Charles' situation in August looked dire. But at Shrewsbury, soldiers came to his call, arms reached him from Henrietta Maria, and in October he had an army, and set of to march on London. In his way stood Essex and the army of parliament