Gone Medieval

Matt Lewis shifts the Gone Medieval spotlight from well-known Viking raiders and celebrated Anglo-Saxon kings to consider Æthelstan, an often overlooked yet crucial figure in British history. Æthelstan was the first monarch to unite the region that resembles modern England and to call himself King of the English. Matt is joined by David Woodman - author of The First King of England: Athelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom - for an in-depth exploration of Æthelstan's significance and legacy.MoreMurder in Anglo-Saxon EnglandThe Witan: England's First Parliament?Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producers are Joseph Knight and 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/6FFT7MK

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a queen who defied expectations, a duchess who outmanoeuvred kings, and a mother whose dynasty shaped the future of Europe. She is often remembered through myth, gossip, and legend—but the truth is far more fascinating. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Professor Lindy Grant, to uncover the real story of Eleanor. From her early vulnerability as Queen of France, to her pivotal role as Queen of England and Queen Dowager, Eleanor’s political journey is one of survival, reinvention, and brilliance.Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Matt Lewis and Levi Roach uncover the importance and intricacies of the Domesday Book, a monumental survey commissioned by William the Conqueror to consolidate his power following the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and the infamous Harrying of the North. The Domesday Book's astonishing level of detail is unpacked, revealing insights into landholding changes, taxation, and the bureaucratic prowess displayed by William's administration.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, 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/6FFT7MK

Dr. Eleanor Janega unravels the blood-soaked aftermath of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England. Joined by Professor Levi Roach, Eleanor delves into the harrowing campaign, known as the Harrying of the North, where William the Conqueror brutally suppressed the north of England through widespread destruction and terror tactics. They explore the political impact, the subsequent revolts, and how these events reshaped the English social landscape. MORE:Battle of HastingsWilliam the ConquerorGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. The audio editor and 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:

Unmasking the Myth: The Real Story of William WallaceMatt Lewis and Dr. Fiona Watson get to know the true life of William Wallace, challenging the myths popularised by the film Braveheart. From Wallace's background and family origins to his role in Scotland’s fight for independence and ultimate demise, Matt and Fiona unravel the stunning real historical narrative. From Wallace's significant victories and strategic moves to his enduring legacy as a symbol of Scottish patriotism, free from the embellishments of Hollywood. Matt also ask the most important questions; did William Wallace wear a kilt, and did he bare his bottom to the English?!More:The Origins of ScotlandCastles, Kings and Courtly Life, StirlingGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was 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 to watch the new Rebel series starring William Wallace. Plus 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

When medieval people gazed at the moon, they saw more than just a glowing orb in the night sky.  For them, the moon was a powerful yet fragile presence—both distant and intimate, symbolising not only love and beauty, but also exile, loss, and mystery. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Ayoush Lazikani, author of The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing, to explore how cultures across the globe—from England and Wales to China, Japan, South America, and beyond—imagined and interacted with the moon during the Middle Ages.  From astronomy and astrolabes to Japanese lunar princesses and European folktales, their conversation reveals the moon as a universal yet deeply mysterious force that bound humanity together across cultures.More:The Green Manhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5EocBSBHa0TgdoiGuzpEr7Life and Legends Along the Medieval Coastlinehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3YamBjNHcVY3l3YMO7HTPKGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

From his early years marked by an assassination attempt on his father that coincided with Edward's conception, to his brutal campaigns against the Welsh and Scots, Edward I's reign is completely thrilling.Matt Lewis and Dr. Andrew Spencer delve into the life and legacy of this medieval warrior, reformer and conqueror, who threw himself into a Crusade, survived an assassin's blade and poison and transformed English governance.More:Henry IIIOrigins of Scottish IndependenceGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, 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/6FFT7MK

The image we usually associate with a Crusader - of a dashing nobleman on a mighty steed heading out for Holy War - often obscures all of the other medieval people who went to the Holy Land, especially the countless women.In this edition of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega talks to Dr. Natasha Hodgson about the women who went everywhere that men went, and what our own expectations lead us to overlook in history. They discuss key figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine and lesser-known individuals like Margaret of Beverly, underscoring the impact and significance of women in the crusading campaigns and medieval society.More:Rise of Crusader Stateshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7JmbHJRMaDlRn4jOQUlQN8Gone Medieval is presented by Dr Eleanor Janega. The audio editors are Ella Blaxill and 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

A King clinging to his right to rule. A young Tudor ready to snatch the crown and begin a new dynasty.With immersive sound design and cinematic story-telling; Matt Lewis brings to life one of the pivotal moments in English history—the Battle of Bosworth.On August 22, 1485, Richard III faced off against Henry Tudor, a clash that culminated in the end of the Wars of the Roses and marked a turning point for the English crown. From the strategic moves on the battlefield to the dramatic death of Richard III and the rise of Henry VII, Matt delivers a vivid recounting of the events that reshaped England's monarchy.MORERichard IIIPrinces in the Tower: New Evidence RevealedWatch Matt Lewis at Bosworth on History Hit's YouTube channelGone Medieval is written and presented by Matt Lewis. Sound design 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 including Matt Lewis' two part documentary on Richard III. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on