A Chronological History of Britain
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
You know, I almost titled the last episode “The Gang Goes To A Funeral” but the trouble was that the gang /didn’t/ go to the funeral. All of them decided they had somewhere else to be.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
It was early September of 1087, and for weeks…nearly two months, in fact… people had been discussing William’s impending death, and worrying about what would happen next. And for good reason.
This family, which ruled over Normandy, had a history of infighting and civil wars, especially during times of succession.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The story of William and the conquest has been a long road, and I’ve heard from some of you that this season has been challenging to listen to.
I get it. No matter how awful William is he never seems to face any real consequences…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
That’s right, just like big pharma, we’re giving out a free sample.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
If the last few episodes have seemed a little confusing, then you’re hearing them right.
Europe at the end of the 11th century was a rapidly changing world and it is all going to have a profound impact on the history of Britain. I want you to really have a good understanding of what is going on here, and to do that I have been forced to go back and forth between simultaneous stories.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
When we left off, things were looking pretty bad for William and William’s hope of a legacy. Maine was once again in rebellion against Normandy. But this time half of France seemed to be looking for an excuse to join them. Denmark was preparing an invasion of England … and even William’s brother-in-law, Count Robert of Flanders, was preparing to be part of that invasion fleet.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Matilda was dead and now things were coming apart at the seams.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Based on the e-mails I have been getting, some of you are having a hard time understanding why on god’s green earth did Odo think he could just trot down to Rome and become the new Pope.
The truth is he was less crazy than we might think, and I’m going to take a moment to explain the situation a little better. Partly because this becomes important to our story later on and partly because it’s hilariously messy. And I love mess.