The History of England

Between a quarter and a third of adult males up to 50 will fight in the first civil war. Most families will be affected in some way. Here is the story of those great marching armies, what kept them together, what made them effective, and how they fought

Announcing the History of England Tour 2024! We will be heading to East Anglia - Ely, Holkam, Norwich, Blickling, Sutton Hoo, Framlingham. Lavenham and more. To find out more, hie thee to https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/tour24 or https://www.albionjourneys.com/item/161/Historical/History-of-England-Podcast-Tour-2024.html

Gavin Whitehead gives a guest episode from the Art of Crime podcast - where True crime, History and Art meet. Today - Maria Manning and the Bermondey horror. Find more from Gavin at www.artofcrimepodcast.com

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?

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 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.

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.

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

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