New Medieval Books: The Eagle and The Hart
A rivalry between two cousins shaped the course of English history—King Richard II and his eventual usurper, King Henry IV. This double-biography delves into their tumultuous relationship, exploring the dramatic events that led to the overthrow of a medieval monarch and the rise of a new king.
Obligation and Opportunity: Urban Military Service in Medieval England
This talk examines the development and use of urban soldiers in warfare in medieval England with a focus on military efficacy and strategy value.
Medieval Pits Unearthed in Northern England
A significant archaeological discovery has been made beneath the cobbled streets of Richmond’s market place in North Yorkshire, England, during resurfacing works, revealing medieval pits containing bones, clothing, and remnants of past life.
Henry V with Dan Jones – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 261
Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week on The Medieval Podcast, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many – including this week’s guest, Dan Jones – have called England’s greatest warrior king.
The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor – The Medieval Podcast, Episode 260
Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anointed king could lose his hollow crown.
William de Mandeville: The King’s Confidant and Cross-Channel Power Broker
William de Mandeville was more than just an ambitious noble; he was a trusted confidant, skilled diplomat, and key player in the turbulent court of Henry II. His rise to power through loyalty, military prowess, and strategic alliances shaped the cross-Channel politics of medieval England and beyond.
A Medieval Government at Work: England’s King John
What did a medieval government actually do on a daily basis? Thanks to the rich administrative records from the Middle Ages, we have detailed insights into the workings of royal bureaucracy and how money was spent. One valuable source of such information is the Close Rolls of England’s King John, which provide a glimpse into the decisions and orders that shaped his reign.
The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402) – Bow & Blade, Episode 54
At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine one of the key battles of that war.
Medieval Shipwreck Unveils England’s Trade Secrets
Maritime archaeologists at Bournemouth University have analyzed a 13th-century shipwreck found off the coast of Dorset in southern England, shedding light on the trade networks that supported the construction and decoration of many of England’s medieval religious monuments.
New Theories on the Battle of Hastings: A Shift in Location and Weather’s Role
Two recent studies are reshaping our understanding of the Battle of Hastings. One challenges the long-held belief about where the battle took place, while the other highlights the crucial role that weather played in the events of 1066.
Near Miss: How Medieval England Was Almost Invaded
In 1385 and 1386, England was about to be invaded by France.
Remains of Medieval Castle Uncovered in England
Large pieces of ironstone, potentially part of the historic Northampton Castle, have been uncovered by archaeologists in Northampton, England.
Stonehenge’s Medieval Story: Art, Legend, and Lore
Stonehenge is widely recognized today as a prehistoric site, often linked to the druids and ancient Celts. It was used for religious rituals and believed to be a place of worship for the cult of the dead. But how was it perceived in the Middle Ages? Was it simply abandoned to the passage of time?
Hidden Entrance Revealed at Dover Castle After 800 Years
Dover Castle’s original entrance, along with several lost towers and long-gone defensive walls, has been unveiled for the first time thanks to a state-of-the-art digital model.
The Royal Prank That Divided a Kingdom
Sibling pranks are common, but when your father is the King of England, the consequences can be far more severe than expected.
New Medieval Books: Paved with Gold
A biography of Richard Whittington, a wealthy merchant and Lord Mayor of London in the 14th and 15th centuries. While Whittington would later become the story of folklore and legend, this book mostly focuses on what he did in London and his interactions with several English kings.
13th-century catapult stones discovered at Kenilworth Castle
Eight 13th-century catapult stones have been discovered perfectly preserved outside the walls of Kenilworth Castle in central England. These projectiles, fired during the 1266 siege of Kenilworth Castle amid the Second Baron’s War, vary in size, with the largest weighing 105kg and the smallest just 1kg.
The Weardale Campaign (1327)
In 1327, Scottish forces invaded England, posing the first test for the newly crowned Edward III. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English response turned out so badly.
Norfolk Soldiers Serving in the Count of Holland’s Friesland Campaign of 1396
John Alban discusses the involvement of English soldiers from Norfolk in a 1396 military campaign led by Albert of Bavaria, also known as the Count of Holland, against the Frisians in the Netherlands.
Norman bridge discovered in Chichester
Archaeologists working in southern England have discovered the remains of a Norman-era bridge. Located in the town of Chichester, the bridge was originally connected to an 11th-century castle.
Football in Medieval England: Four Accounts
What was football like in the Middle Ages? Join us as we delve into four fascinating accounts from medieval England to uncover the origins and nature of this historic sport.
‘Such was the Marshal’s passing…’: The Death of Willam Marshal
A look at the final days of the great English knight, William Marshal.
New Medieval Books: 1217: The Battles That Saved England
Covering the momentous events that took place in England between 1216 and 1217, this book focuses on the Siege of Dover Castle, the Battle of Lincoln and the naval Battle of Sandwich.
Archaeologists uncover parts of Sheffield Castle
Although Sheffield Castle was destroyed nearly 400 years ago, archaeologists are still able to find some of its remains. The latest research has uncovered a drawbridge pier, moat, new evidence for the English castle’s interior and remains of a possible earlier castle.