Best Mediaeval History Podcasts (2025)

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S8 E12 | To Jerusalem 31:51

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1d ago31:51

31:51

Henry V stands at the peak of his power. He’s not just England’s king—he’s heir and regent of France. But for Henry, two crowns aren’t enough. His eyes are fixed on the ultimate prize: the Holy Land. A crusade promises glory, conquest, and divine favor. To Henry, it’s more than ambition—it’s obedience to the only master he truly serves: God. Yet de…

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What did medieval builders get right? 45:01

27m ago45:01

45:01

In this episode Jason talks to Andrew Ziminski, a monumental stonemason, about building in the Middle Ages. Producer: Natt Tapley Audio: Pete Dennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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From Family Legacy to Global Vision: Inside Waddington Custot Gallery 54:59

7d ago54:59

54:59

David Bellingham speaks with Victor Custot and Carmen Hu of Waddington Custot Gallery about continuing a 70-year family legacy, the gallery’s curatorial identity, and their approaches to artist representation and international engagement. They discuss the gallery’s focus on technical excellence, relationships with artist estates (including Peter Bl…

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S8 E11 | Winner Takes All 32:07

9d ago32:07

32:07

Henry V’s lightning campaign across France is sputtering. His army is exhausted, starving, and dangerously restless—a powder keg waiting to blow. The French know time is on their side; all they have to do is wait. But then, in a shocking twist, Dauphin Charles strikes a fatal blow: the assassination of John of Burgundy, the one man who could match …

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Art, Luxury and Market Power: Natasha Degen on the Future of Sotheby's Institute of Art New York 52:26

14d ago52:26

52:26

Join host Dr David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art London, and guest Dr. Natasha Degen, incoming Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art New York (January 2026), Chair of Art Market Studies at FIT, and author of The Market and Merchants of Style, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolvin…

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S8 E10 | The Road to Rouen 27:28

16d ago27:28

27:28

Surely Henry V can’t like what he’s about to do, but he knows enough about what cruelty can deliver. It’s 1418 and his forces have been instructed to lay siege to Normandy’s glittering capital, Rouen. If he takes this city, Henry places himself in prime position to take the French crown. With this stakes this high, Rouen’s starved and desperate cit…

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S8 E9 | Henry the Conqueror 27:30

23d ago27:30

27:30

We have a small favour to ask! We’ve put together a survey about This Is History, and it would mean a lot to us if you could fill it out. You can find it at: https://bit.ly/4oFyVRg In northern France, Henry V spots a glaring weakness — an undefended flank begging to be conquered. It’s the perfect chance to flip the script on history and avenge Engl…

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S8 E8 | The Triumph 29:59

30d ago29:59

29:59

We have a small favour to ask! We’ve put together a survey about This Is History, and it would mean a lot to us if you could fill it out. You can find it at: https://bit.ly/4oFyVRg Fresh from his jaw-dropping triumph at Agincourt, King Henry V rides into London not just as a victor—but as a legend. The city explodes in celebration: mock castles tow…

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What happened when animals got away in the Middle Ages 44:18

1M ago44:18

44:18

Jason talks to Jordan Claridge and Spike Gibbs about stray animals, the damage they could do, and what happened to them in the Middle Ages. Producer: Natt Tapley Audio: Pete Dennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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S8 E7 | The Battle of Agincourt 28:22

1M ago28:22

28:22

Outnumbered. Exhausted. Unyielding. Fresh from the brutal siege of Harfleur, King Henry V marches his exhausted, disease-ridden army across hostile French territory—toward Azincourt, and into the jaws of disaster. Outnumbered, starving, and surrounded, the English face a vast French force confident of crushing them. But Henry is no ordinary king. W…

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Who were the Carolingians? 50:58

1M ago50:58

50:58

Jason talks to Matt Gabriele and David Perry about who the Carolingians were. What relationship were they to Charlemagne? Where did they live? They discuss all of this, and their new book, Oathbreakers. Producer: Natt Tapley Audio: Pete Dennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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S8 E6 | The Gun Show 34:24

1M ago34:24

34:24

When the newly crowned King Henry V receives a mocking gift from the French Dauphin — a box of tennis balls — he doesn’t laugh. He retaliates with cannonballs and a thunderous claim to the French throne. What begins as a petty insult escalates into a seismic clash of empires. From the opulent courts of Paris to the blood-soaked fields of Agincourt,…

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From Christie's to Clicks: Charlotte Stewart on Modernizing the Prints Market 50:35

1M ago50:35

50:35

Welcome to the Art Business Podcast with David Bellingham. In this episode David speaks with Charlotte Stewart, Managing Director of MyArtBroker, about her non‑traditional route into the art world, her decade at Christie’s, and the digital pivot that led her to help build a leading online prints and editions brokerage. Charlotte describes how edito…

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S8 E5 | The Switch-Up 30:41

2M ago30:41

30:41

Henry V has finally seized the throne—but this is no coronation of peace. With chilling precision, he tightens his grip on power, silencing reformists and casting former allies into prison. His reign begins not with celebration, but with severity. Yet behind the cold walls of authority, a daring jailbreak sparks whispers of insurrection. As Christm…

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Inside Tintera with Zein Khalifa: Egypt’s Gallery Revolutionizing Fine Art Photography 44:35

2M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode David interviews Zein Khalifa, alumna of the MA in Photography at Sotheby's Institute of Art London and co-founder of Tintera, the only private gallery in Egypt dedicated to fine art photography, about her journey from photographer to gallerist and the gallery’s mission to showcase and preserve contemporary Egyptian photography. The…

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S8 E4 | Ballads and Brawls 27:56

2M ago27:56

27:56

Henry of Monmouth’s impatience reaches fever pitch when he tries to snatch the crown from his father, Henry IV. It backfires royally. To teach him a lesson, the king makes Henry’s boozehound brother, Thomas, the heir apparent. To delve deeper into the history behind each episode, become a This Is History Royal Favourite on Patreon. In addition to a…

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What did people in the Middle Ages use for money? 51:16

2M ago51:16

51:16

In this episode, Jason speaks to Dr Rory Naismith about how people in the MIddle Ages used money. Did they have money? Did they use cash? And what did they do when there was no money? Producer: Natt Tapley Audio: Pete Dennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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S8 E3 | The Score 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

The trial of a tailor-turned-heretic tests Henry of Monmouth’s authority. Word on the street is that the heir apparent is flirting with the Lollards, who want reform of the church and state. It all comes to a head at Oxford University, where the Archbishop of Canterbury declares all out war on heresy. To delve deeper into the history behind each ep…

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From ZBrush to Linen: Georgia Dymock on Myth, Monsters and Making 57:42

2M ago57:42

57:42

David interviews painter Georgia Dymock about her artistic journey since leaving Slade: solo shows, selection for New Contemporaries, representation by Gillian Jason, and winning the ACS x Gurr John Studio Prize. They discuss how the prize and gallery exposure are shaping her career. Georgia explains her studio routine in Camden and her process of …

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Did people get murdered in the Middle Ages? 41:35

2M ago41:35

41:35

How violent were the Middle Ages? What was life like before there were police? In this episode, Jason talks to Annie Whitehead about murder in the age of the Anglo-Saxons. Producer: Natt Tapley Audio: Pete Dennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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S8 E2 | Whack a Mole 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

Henry IV is waking in the night screaming, convinced people are throwing fire at him. In truth, they’re throwing shade. Even the clergy are questioning his right to rule. And to silence the whispers, this pious king turns butcher. This is the story of a monarch unraveling—where paranoia meets power, and faith gives way to fury. To delve deeper into…

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Venus, Mars & the Garden of Meaning: Botticelli’s Hidden Messages 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

This lecture explores Sandro Botticelli's Venus and Mars, examining its Neoplatonist layers of meaning, ambiguous identities, and possible identifications with historical figures like Giuliano de' Medici and Simonetta Vespucci. The talk discusses iconography, seasonal symbolism, botanical clues (including the thorn apple/Datura), Christian readings…

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S8 E1 | A Hole in the Head 30:53

3M ago30:53

30:53

Turns out, wearing the crown is the easy part. Henry IV thought kingship would bring control—but the treasury’s running dry, rebellions are flaring, and his grip on power is slipping fast. Then his heir takes an arrow to the face. This is the story of a king learning the hard way that ruling is a whole different game—and the consequences are about …

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Who are the Vikings we don't talk about? 46:57

3M ago46:57

46:57

Welcome to the third season of Future Imperfect! In this episodeJason talks to Alex Harvey about the sorts of Vikings we don't often mention nowadays. Producer: Natt Tapley Audio: Pete Dennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF ART & ITS MARKETS PART 2: RENAISSANCE TO NEW MILLENNIUM 1:14:52

3M ago1:14:52

1:14:52

In this second episode of a two-part lecture series, Dr David Bellingham continues his exploration of the art market, tracing its development from the Renaissance to the contemporary global scene. Drawing on historical, economic, and ethical perspectives, the lecture examines how art evolved from elite patronage into a commodified asset shaped by i…

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Introducing… Season Eight of a Dynasty to Die For 2:24

3M ago2:24

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When you survive an arrow shot to the face like Henry V did, you don’t waste your second chance. So when he’s finally crowned in 1413, it’s all systems go. He ruthlessly slaps down challenges to his rule, and launches a lightning military campaign that puts England back in the big leagues. English rule is restored in France for the first time in ge…

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The Glass King | 6. A Jagged Peace 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

France is slipping through her fingers. With the kingdom on the brink of collapse, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria makes a desperate move: she offers her daughter’s hand to England’s King Henry V. It’s a bold bid for peace—but peace comes at a price. As the English celebrate their triumph, they soon discover that ruling a broken kingdom is far more costly…

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The Glass King | 5. The Enemy of My Enemy 31:52

3M ago31:52

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France is in ruins. Normandy has fallen to the English, and the rest of the kingdom is being ripped apart by civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs. In the midst of this chaos, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria faces an impossible choice. With the crown crumbling and enemies on every side, she makes a decision so shocking, it could change the fate …

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF ART & ITS MARKETS PART 1: PREHISTORY TO MEDIAEVAL 50:49

3M ago50:49

50:49

In this first episode of a two-part lecture series, Dr David Bellingham traces the evolution of the art market from its prehistoric origins to the medieval period. Drawing on archaeological, literary, and technical evidence, the lecture explores how art objects transitioned from ritual and utilitarian functions into exchangeable commodities. Topics…

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The Glass King | 4. A New Hope 31:04

4M ago31:04

31:04

Henry V shatters the Dauphin Louis’s hubris. Despite their superior numbers, carnage awaits the French at a battle called Agincourt. But the bad luck doesn’t end there. Two Dauphins die suddenly in quick succession, catapulting an unknown prince — and the kingdom — into the unknown. If you want to learn about the last English invasion of France, li…

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The Glass King | 3. Agent of Chaos 29:04

4M ago29:04

29:04

While King Charles VI is incapacitated, his brother Louis, and his queen, Isabeau, have been living large. The Duchy of Burgundy pays the price, drawing the ire of its powerful leader, John the Fearless. As England is drawn in, this decadent duo find out the true cost of pursuing pleasure. To delve deeper into the history behind each episode, becom…

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The Glass King | 2. The Stranger 27:53

4M ago27:53

27:53

A glittering Parisian ball, erupts in flames. King Charles VI barely escapes with his life. The culprit? His own brother, Louis — drunk, impulsive, and dangerously ambitious. But instead of punishment, Louis is rewarded with power… just as France teeters on the edge of collapse. To delve deeper into the history behind each episode, become a This Is…

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The Glass King | 1. Fracture 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

Charles VI has done everything right. His new queen charms the court. He’s taken power away from his regents. France is stable, for now. But one encounter in a forest — brief, almost incidental — changes everything. To delve deeper into the history behind each episode, become a This Is History Royal Favourite on Patreon. In addition to ad-free list…

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Introducing… The Glass King 1:48

4M ago1:48

1:48

It’s 1389, and young Charles VI of France is living the medieval dream. He’s married for love. The war-torn kingdom is finally healing. He’s handsome, adored, and destined for greatness. But then — he snaps. Charles descends into delusion, convinced his body is made of glass. He won’t let anyone touch him. He hides from the world. And as his mind f…

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Season 7 | 12. A man shall rule 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

The crown is slipping, and Richard II is running out of allies — even his loyal greyhound has had enough. As the kingdom turns against him, Richard scrambles to hold onto power. But his cousin, the formidable Henry Bolingbroke, is gaining ground fast. With betrayal in the air and a throne at stake, can Richard stop Henry’s return — or is the end al…

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Season 7 | 11. Who dares wins 30:24

5M ago30:24

30:24

The patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty, John of Gaunt, is dead. His penultimate act was to show his nephew, Richard II, his rotting penis. While the king leaves gagging, this cunning Plantagenet also smells a jackpot. If you can’t get enough of This Is History, join our court of royal favourites on our Patreon. There, you get bonus episodes, PLUS…

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Season 7 | 10. Deathmatch 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

After making some major strategic blunders, Thomas Mowbray and Henry Bolingbroke now find themselves fighting to the death. But as the crowds amass, Richard II throws them a last-minute curveball that keeps them in a state of suspended animation. If you can’t get enough of This Is History, we’d love to welcome you to the royal court over on our Pat…

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Season 7 | 9. Richard’s revenge 25:53

5M ago25:53

25:53

London’s finest are gathering for 1397’s party of the year, but this isn’t a time to be celebrating… unless you’re Richard II. The 30-year-old king is emboldened, stronger than ever, and hell bent on retaliation. This leaves Henry Bolingbroke with a stark choice. If you can’t get enough of This Is History, we’d love to welcome you to the royal cour…

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Season 7 | 8. Four Funerals and A Wedding 28:18

6M ago28:18

28:18

In 1392, nobody in the Plantagenet realm was expecting one of their own to be gored to death by a wild boar. The grim reaper’s busy. More shock deaths befall the Gaunt and Bolingbroke household, and Richard is made a widow. While the king puts on the waterworks, Richard turns grief into opportunity. Remember, you can always keep the discussion as a…

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Season 7 | 7. The Grand Tour 27:53

6M ago27:53

27:53

Henry Bolingbroke, exasperated at the parochial pettiness of Richard II’s court, decides it’s time to get out. After proving his mettle with the greatest warrior in the western world, he embarks on a whistle-stop tour of the known world to smash pagans and shop for exotic animals. He comes back to England on a high and sees the fruits of his growin…

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Season 7 | 6. The Traitors 30:29

6M ago30:29

30:29

Richard sends his favourites scrambling. One tries to flee disguised as a chicken salesman, while another counts himself lucky for knowing how to swim. The Appellants want to depose Richard, but will they get their chance? To hear about the last time a Plantagenet King was deposed, listen to season five, episode eleven to learn more about how Edwar…

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Season 7 | 5. It’s a Wonderful Parliament 30:28

6M ago30:28

30:28

The French are preparing for an all mighty invasion. The king doesn’t really seem to care — until the nobles use the parliamentary equivalent of a royal kick up the backside. And, will the French army even get off their coast, or backsides, before the portaloos are full? If you want to find out more about the last French invasion of England, listen…

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Season 7 | 4. The Tyranny Begins 25:36

7M ago25:36

25:36

After surviving the Peasants’ Revolt, Richard II comes out on top. He has violently suppressed the rebels and married the well-credentialed Anne of Bohemia. But this Plantagenet has his eye on another playmate, the handsome Robert De Vere. Richard’s wandering eye could spell disaster for England’s fortunes. If you want to find out more about the la…

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Exploring Ukrainian Art & its Markets: War-Time Innovations and International Impact 1:20:31

7M ago1:20:31

1:20:31

Welcome to the Art Business Podcast! In this episode, David Bellingham, Programme Director of the MA Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art London, investigates the dynamic landscape of Ukrainian art during wartime. Alongside curator and art historian Bohdan Mysiuha and interpreter Olena Grubb, the discussion explores the shifting priorities amon…

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Season 7 | 3. Summer of Blood 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

Find out more about the Peasants’ Revolt in our bonus episode. And remember to visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member. This is your ticket to the This Is History Royal court, where you can chat with Dan, suggest episode ideas to the team, and get early access to all episodes. Thousands march on London with a “kill list” …

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Season 7 | 2. Death and Taxes 27:05

7M ago27:05

27:05

Richard II’s reign is not off to a good start – find out more about the runners and riders in this week’s bonus episode. You can also visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member to get extra perks on top of bonus episodes, which gives you access to the Royal Court chat room, and get the chance to submit episode ideas fo Dan. …

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'From Beauty to Biennale: Anastasia Lander's Journey' 56:57

7M ago56:57

56:57

In this engaging episode of The Art Business Podcast, host David Bellingham sits down with Anastasia Lander, Associate Director at Pelham Communications in London and a notable alumna of Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Anastasia shares her fascinating journey from shaping the world's biggest beauty brands like Dior and MAC to navigating the dynamic lan…

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Season 7 | 1. God Save The Kid 30:10

7M ago30:10

30:10

Visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member and unlock bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access, and more exclusive subscriber perks. The reign of the mighty warrior king Edward III is finally over and his 10-year-old grandson Richard is set to take on the crown. What could possibly go wrong? A Sony Music Entertainment…

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Introducing… Season Seven of a Dynasty to Die for 1:27

8M ago1:27

1:27

This is the story of the ultimate frenemies that will see a cataclysmic shift in power away from the Plantagenets. The warrior king Edward III is dying and disaster looms when his grandson, the child king Richard II, is crowned. It’s not long before he clashes with his cousin, Henry, in a classic tragedy of boyhood companions turned deadly rivals. …

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Empire of Gold | 6. An Emperor’s Legacy 21:05

8M ago21:05

21:05

Find out more about Musa’s incredible legacy in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening. Musa looks to cement his legacy in West Africa with a spectacular project in Timbuktu but first must repay an important debt as the merchants in Cairo grow anxious. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts f…