A Chronological History of Britain
Every episode of The British History Podcast that moves the story forward in a chronological way.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ok, when we left off, Rufus threw a big “look at me” celebration… and the prevailing response appears to have been “yeah, man. We see you.” And that wasn’t even the worst part of his year.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The final two years of the 11th century feel like someone was trying to tie up a bunch of plotlines before the start of season 12. Things are moving fast, everybody is suddenly in different countries, and inevitably…some of these characters aren’t having their contracts renewed.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Alright. When we left off, I mentioned that while Rufus was in Normandy, things in England had been getting interesting in his absence.
Let’s start with Bishop Walkelin.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
When we left off, Rufus and Robert of Belleme were marching upon Maine. Specifically, Count Helias’ fortress at Danguel. This fortress made military incursions and raids into Maine insanely difficult. Which Rufus and Robert found deeply inconsiderate, so it would have to be brought down or, at the very least it would have to be occupied by good honest Normans who wouldn’t interfere with the King’s god given right to raid and pillage the people of Maine.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Alright, so when we left off Edgar (the eldest living son of Malcolm Canmore) had claimed the throne of Scotland. But, in classic medieval style, the way that Edgar had gone about that was anything but simple. Edgar had taken the throne from his Uncle, King Donald III, and to pull that off Edgar had the help of another uncle Edgar the AEtheling – who happened to be the guy he was named after – as well as King Rufus of England… and with their support, King Donald III was forced into exile.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
For years, Normandy had been wracked with internal conflict, war, and political unrest. The Duchy had nearly been the end of Duke Robert countless times… and if there was a single defining characteristic of Normandy under Robert, it would be “chaos.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
It’s September of 1096, and Duke Robert was setting out on Crusade, intent on taking the main pilgrim road to Rome and Norman Italy. Joining him were his retainers, soldiers, and supporters… including high ranked figures like Bishop Odo of Bayeux, Count Robert of Flanders, and Stephen of Aumale (who was the forgettable guy that de Mowbray had tried to install on the throne of England).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In 1096, Robert de Mowbray, the former Earl of Northumbria, was living in Windsor. And he better get comfy, because his majesty seemed quite happy to keep him there as a permanent resident.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Night fell… and gradually, everything within Bamburgh and the Malvoisin went quiet. Sure, there were the occasional patrols, and the occasional muffled voice as two people shared a moment, or simply tried to keep themselves awake while on watch… but for the most part, there was no sound except for that of the waves lapping the shore.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Rufus was marching North to directly challenge de Mowbray and anyone foolish enough to follow him. And of course he was. There was only one response this King was ever going to have to de Mowbray’s instigation. War.