Best Peninsular Podcasts (2026)

1
Napoleon's Imperial Guard: Myth & Reality 57:52

Play Pause

1h ago57:52

57:52

The French Imperial Guard has a reputation as the elite, all conquering crack troops of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. But how justified is that reputation? Dr Graeme Callister joins us to talk about the formation of the Guard, its reputation, organisation, combat record and discipline, to unpick the myth from the reality. Get exclusive content at htt…

1
The British Army in Combat 1:12:19

5d ago1:12:19

1:12:19

Professor Kevin Linch joins us for a deep dive into how the British Army waged war. We discuss the army's organisation, the role of regimental guns, infantry tactics, the challenges faced by cavalry, and the importance of artillery innovations. The conversation also explores the complexities of combined arms operations, the integration with allies,…

1
Napoleon's Greatest Marshal: Berthier vs Davout - The Grand Final 1:21:13

12d ago1:21:13

1:21:13

The climax of our epic 'Battle of the Marshals' showdown arrives tonight, as the man who has come to define perceptions of a Chief of Staff, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, and the Iron Marshal Nicolas Davout go head to head in our grand final. After hours of discussion, pitches from our most loyal fans, votes, lobbying, balloon debates and back stabbing…

1
Britain's Forgotten Recruits: The Fencibles 1:06:43

24d ago1:06:43

1:06:43

We delve into the historical context of the British defence during the early 19th century, focusing on the Fencibles, a unique military formation. The discussion highlights the origins, roles, and significance of the Fensibles in Scotland, their impact on British identity, and the complexities of soldiering during this period. Rory Butcher, PhD can…

1
The East India Company: Origins 1:04:33

30d ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In our first episode of this new series, Dr John McAleer and host Dr Zack White delve into the history and significance of the East India Company, exploring its origins, its role in the British Empire, and its impact on India and the world. We discuss the complexities of trade, competition, and the transition from a mercantile enterprise to a milit…

1
Mutiny 1:06:11

1M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

What was a mutiny? Why did they matter? And once you started mutinying against your officers, how did you try to ensure that you weren't executed for your troubles? Dr Callum Easton sits down with our very own Zack White to discuss mutinies in the Royal Navy and the East India Company Army as they compare and contrast the language, aims and managem…

1
Hougoumont: The fire at Waterloo 54:12

1M ago54:12

54:12

On the 18th June 1815, three fires broke out in central Belgium, that would go down in the annals of military history. The first, and perhaps least well known, would actually prove to be pivotal in the scale of Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, delaying the arrival of Bulow’s IV Prussian corps to the point that it would take them 12 hours to march fro…

1
The Battle of Talavera: The Peninsular War Saga 45:44

2M ago45:44

45:44

In this episode, we dive into the fierce two-day struggle that became one of the defining moments of the Peninsular War: the Battle of Talavera. From the blazing July heat to the confusion of night assaults, we examine how Sir Arthur Wellesley—soon to become the Duke of Wellington—held his fragile Anglo-Spanish line against repeated French attacks.…

1
The Talavera Campaign 1809: The Peninsular War Saga 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

In this episode, historian Josh Provan joins us to trace the tense, twisting campaign that led to the Battle of Talavera—a confrontation born not just of French ambition, but of uneasy alliances, political blunders, and the grinding realities of Peninsular warfare. We explore how Sir Arthur Wellesley set himself and his men on a collision course wi…

1
Wellington & Napoleon: Your Questions Answered 1:22:30

2M ago1:22:30

1:22:30

Following the lively debate that sprang up around our episode on 'Who was better: Wellington or Napoleon', we took the time to sit down and carefully consider some of the interesting questions and counter arguments made by our listeners. Who was Wellington's Berthier? Is criticising Wellington anti-British? Was Wellington's political career really …

1
Waterloo: Staging the Battle in the Capital 42:51

2M ago42:51

42:51

By 1815, London had long considered itself the centre of Britain and the wider Empire, so how did it respond when “the greatest victory which History records” (The Chester Chronicle) occurred a mere 200 miles from it? By co-opting it, naturally. Moving away from previous work on the Waterloo Banquet and Vauxhall’s Waterloo fete, this talk explores …

1
Wellington vs Napoleon: The Great Debate 1:09:50

3M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

Who was the better battlefield general? Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, or Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington, and darling (sort of) of the British army. Recently famed author of the Sharpe's series of novels Bernard Cornwell set the social media sphere ablaze by once again igniting this age old discussion. The response, predicta…

1
Leipzig - The Battle of the Nations 1:11:30

3M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Step onto the blood-soaked fields of October 1813 as we revisit the Battle of Leipzig, the titanic clash that earned the title “Battle of the Nations.” In this episode of the Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed historian John H. Gill to unravel the epic story of the largest battle in Europe before the First World War. Gill guides us…

1
Beyond Marriage: Sex, Desire, and Deviancy in the Napoleonic era 1:17:51

3M ago1:17:51

1:17:51

CONTENT WARNING: There is very strong language, and discussion of topics of a sexual nature from the very start and throughout this podcast. Listener discretion is advised. Why is the idea of 'normal' sex a bit of a myth? What does it mean to be 'sexually deviant', and who gets to make that call? What happens if you are found to be 'sexually devian…

1
The Battle of Austerlitz: Napoleon's Masterpiece? 1:11:56

3M ago1:11:56

1:11:56

On 2nd December 1805 Napoleon achieved what was perhaps his greatest victory. Over the course of the short winter's day he shattered the coalition force arrayed against him on the Pratzen heights, in a victory that would help him to usher in a new order in Europe. But what actually happened on that bitterly cold day? Who was responsible for this cr…

1
The Eve of Austerlitz 1:04:13

4M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

In this episode of The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we’re joined by world renowned historian Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze, acclaimed author of The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History, for the first of a two part deep dive into one of Napoleon’s greatest triumphs: the Battle of Austerlitz. Part One, The Eve of Austerlitz, sets the stage for the clash that wo…

1
The Battle of Assaye 1:04:11

4M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

The Battle of Assaye has been called Arthur Wellesley’s first great victory, a clash that set the stage for his later fame as the Duke of Wellington. Outnumbered six to one by the mighty Maratha Confederacy, Wellesley’s 6,500 men faced a storm of cannon fire, disciplined infantry, and thousands of cavalry in a battle that could easily have ended in…

1
Siege Warfare - An Unavoidable Evil 56:56

4M ago56:56

56:56

Ready to blast through the walls of Napoleonic history? In this pounding episode of the Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we talk to Dr Zack White about his edited collection An Unavoidable Evil - Siege Warfare in the Age of Napoleon. Discover how the era of Napoleon wasn't all about Austerlitz and Waterloo; from the fortresses of Izmail and Braila to Welli…

1
Bread, Boots and Bullets - Logistics of the British Army 1:10:50

4M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Have you ever wondered how Britain’s redcoats marched across Europe with full bellies, coin in their pockets, and plenty of ammunition? In this episode, award winning historian Professor Kevin Linch returns to our British Army series to help us break down the gritty reality of military logistics behind the lines. We explore what was in a soldier's …

1
Waterloo Medals 1:14:56

4M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Why did Britain break its mould with the Waterloo medal? Were medals really that rare? And why do they matter? Expert auctioneer Robert Wilde-Evans joins Luke and Zack to discuss how you tell the real ones from the fakes, and what a Waterloo medal really represents. We discuss how they highlight a shift in attitudes to how the British soldier is vi…

1
Wars of Revolution and Empire: The People's Perspective 1:00:34

5M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

What did ordinary Britons really think about the American and the French Revolutions as war erupted across the globe? In this lively episode of The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we’re joined by Professor Emma Macleod of the University of Stirling to dig into the fascinating world of 18th Century Britain through the letters of two remarkable men: Rev. Ja…

1
The Battle of Oporto - the Peninsular War saga 1:29:05

5M ago1:29:05

1:29:05

Following the disaster of the Corunna campaign, we again turn our attention to Portugal for the next phase of our Peninsular War saga. We talk about Napoleon's unrealistic ambitions for the second French invasion of Portugal, Britain's uncertainty about committing more troops to the defence of Spain and Portugal, and the challenges that both French…

1
Napoleonic Monuments: The Committee of Taste 1:03:21

5M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

How do you celebrate a war hero? Both during and in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, Britain had to find an answer to this complex question. The answer took many forms, one of which was monuments to the fallen 'heroes'. Abercrombie, Moore, Nelson and many others became the focus of a multi-million pound national project to instal monuments to …

1
Redcoats: Careers and Promotion in the British Army 1:07:27

5M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Professor Kevin Linch joins us again for what is Act 2 covering all things rank and file careers, join us as we uncover the truth behind how a British soldiers career prgressed through pay, promotion and punishment. Professor Linch is a Professor of Modern History at the University of Leeds. He specialises in the history of Britain in the eighteent…

1
Sex, lust and flirting in the Napoleonic Era 1:07:22

6M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING: Fan flirting, dangerous liaisons, 'self-gratification', false modesty and sexual health are all under the microscope as sex historian Eleanor Janega joins us to talk about sex in the Napoleonic era. We also discuss the status of women during the period, why there really isn't a 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' effect, and why phi…

1
Eylau: Napoleon’s Bloody Stalemate in the Snow 1:13:13

6M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

In this gripping episode, we’re joined by Dr. Graeme Callister of York St John University to explore one of Napoleon’s most harrowing and least decisive battles—Eylau. As winter tightened its grip on East Prussia in early 1807, Napoleon pursued the Russian army into a frozen hellscape, determined to finish what he started after crushing Prussia. Bu…

1
Who lost America? A War of Independence Special 1:15:45

6M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Who was responsible for the British losing America? George Washington? 'Gentleman Johnny' Burgoyne? Lord Howe? Clinton? Or someone else entirely? We discuss Britain's failures during the American War of Independence, whether Washington counts as British in the context of this debate, why egos matter in war, and whether this was a war that could nev…

1
Napoleon’s Armies of the Confederation of the Rhine 1:12:32

6M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

In this episode, expert John H. Gill unpacks the story of Napoleon’s Confederation of the Rhine armies. Created in 1806 as a new pact of German client states, the Confederation fielded some 90,000 soldiers by 1813. Gill asks if these men were patriotic allies or grumbling conscripts? He reveals how heavy recruitment and French domination stoked nat…

1
Napoleon's Greatest Marshal: The Second Semi-final 2:12:14

7M ago2:12:14

2:12:14

Who was Napoleon's Greatest Marshal? We move one step closer to settling this question as Ney, Davout, Marmont, Murat, Saint Cyr and Suchet battle it out for public acclaim. Brace yourself for a shock as we delve into these titans of the French Army's greatest moments, their military record, and their wider legacy. Michel Ney, the “Bravest of the B…

1
The Crisis of the Battle of Waterloo: Live 3:31:50

7M ago3:31:50

3:31:50

To mark the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, we held a livestream of the crisis moment of the battle. We talk about Napoleon Bonaparte's last desperate role of the dice, the French forces involved, the Battle of Quatre Bras and Ligny, and the efforts of Dutch, Belgian, Hanoverian, Brunswick, Prussian and, yes, British troops involved. I…

1
President Adams' America: Sedition, Aliens and Quasi War 1:03:26

7M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

1797 was a moment of escalating international tensions and deepening domestic divisions. For eight years prior, Adams had served at the heart of George Washington’s administration, but nothing could fully prepare him for what would await him in his own presidency: the XYZ Affair, the Quasi War with France and the political firestorm unleashed by th…

1
Waterloo's Great Turning Point 1:25:55

7M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

In this episode, we dive into four lesser-known but decisive moments that shaped the outcome of the 1815 Waterloo Campaign — moments that didn’t make headlines like the final charge of the Imperial Guard, but without which Napoleon’s defeat may never have happened. We begin on 15 June, as Prince Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar takes the initiative to defen…

1
17th June 1815: Storm and Strategy 1:05:11

7M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In this pivotal episode, we explore the pivotal episode that is the often-overlooked day between the battles of Ligny and Waterloo—17 June 1815—a day of dramatic retreats, strategic decisions, and torrential rain. After their narrow escape from Napoleon’s forces at Quatre Bras, Wellington’s Anglo-Allied army began a calculated retreat north to a de…

1
Waterloo Hour by Hour 52:29

7M ago52:29

52:29

What happened at Waterloo? The story of the battle is well known, so in this episode we are focusing on the when and the how. How did these events overlap? On the 210th anniversary of the Waterloo campaign, we are retelling the story with the vital timestamps front and centre - we look at how these events interlink, and allow you to follow along, s…

1
The Battle of Wagram 1:15:18

7M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Military historian John H. Gill leads us through the titanic Battle of Wagram in July of 1809. In the wake of Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat at Aspern-Essling, Napoleon and Austria’s Archduke Charles race to rebuild and prepare. Gill vividly describes Napoleon’s massive fortification of Lobau Island and daring Danube crossing that thrust the Grande Ar…

1
Scandal and Family: Queen Charlotte 58:26

7M ago58:26

58:26

In this episode we welcome Natalee Garrett to talk about the longest-serving Queen consort in British history: Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. A powerful personality behind the scenes, Charlotte overcame the hurdles of cutthroat public opinion, inhospitable in-laws and the madness of her husband to become one of the most important people in the …

1
Recruiting Redcoats 1:02:58

7M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Professor Kevin Linch joins us again for what is Act 1 covering all things rank and file recruitment, join us as we uncover the truth behind 'Sharpe's Regiment'. Professor Linch is a Professor of Modern History at the University of Leeds. He specialises in the history of Britain in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, focusing on the hist…

1
Battle of the Marshals: Semi-final 1 - Berthier, Massena, Soult, Lannes, Bernadotte & Oudinot 2:15:57

8M ago2:15:57

2:15:57

The long awaited semi finals of the Battle of the Marshals are here, as Berthier, Massena, Soult, Lannes, Bernadotte and Oudinot all face off in an epic balloon debate. Fan favourites will fall and laughter abounds in a lively debate as we strive to find Napoleon Bonaparte's greatest marshal. One of the most enduring questions in military history, …

1
The French Light Infantry 52:55

8M ago52:55

52:55

Today we're joined by historian Terry Crowdy to discuss all things French Light Infantry. In 1792 France unleashed a new form of warfare in Europe. Faced with the well-drilled Austrian and Prussian armies, the French introduced the tactic of mass skirmishing. Soldiers were thrown forwards and told to fight in open order. Moving quickly and making u…

1
Battle of Medellin (Peninsular War saga) - Defeat from the Jaws of Victory 1:10:59

8M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

As the world reeled from the blistering success of Napoleon's winter offensive in the Iberian Peninsular in 1808-1809, how would the Spanish, Portuguese and British respond to the catastrophic collapse of the front in the face of Napoleon's onslaught. Josh Provan joins me to talk about how pockets of Spanish resistance proved that the war was not g…

1
Black Redcoats - The final chapter 1:16:32

8M ago1:16:32

1:16:32

How did the Corps of Colonial Marines act as a force multiplier in the War of 1812? Did freed slaves help burn down the White House? And what happened to these folks once the war was over? Matt Taylor returns with the final chapter of the Black Redcoats. Buy Matt's book at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Black-Redcoats-Hardback/p/49346 Support the…

1
Marshal Berthier - Napoleon's Right Hand 1:01:47

8M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Who was Louis-Alexandre Berther, one of the most famous, most popular, and most indispensable marshals? Is it fair to describe him as Napoleon's right hand man? What would the Napoleonic Wars have looked like without him? Rachael Stark returns to talk about the life and impact of this master of the logistical and staff elements of warfare, looking …

1
Marshal Lannes - A Life (part 2) 53:08

8M ago53:08

53:08

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's best friend, Marshal Jean Lannes takes centre stage for the second instalment of a run down of his life. Rachael Stark reopens the discussion talking about his exploits in Egypt, we also discuss the Battle of Friedland, and the tragic end to the life of a man who was so close to the Emperor that Napoleon wept when this …

1
Lannes - Napoleon's Best Friend? 54:06

8M ago54:06

54:06

Marshal Jean Lannes - a fiery marshal, and a savvy commander, is the focus of a two parter on his life, as we explore the man's military origins, his early life, and how he fell into Napoleon's orbit. What impact did this man have on the history of the French Revolutionary Wars, and how crucial would he be to Napoleon as he rose to become Emperor o…

1
Infantry in Battle - An 18th Century War of War Special 1:17:44

8M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

The 18th century Way of War series continues with an exteamly special episode. Dr Alexander Burns, Professor of History at the University of Steubenville, joins us to discuss his incredible new book Infantry in Battle 1733 - 1783. Infantry in Battle rewrites the story of combat in the 18th century by placing enlisted infantrymen, the rank and file …

1
Marshal Ney - The Bravest of the Brave 1:26:26

9M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Marshal Michel Ney, described by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as 'the bravest of the brave' is one of the most popular figures in Napoleonic history. But is he overrated as a military commander? What was he like as a person? And what was his impact on the history of the Napoleonic Wars? Rachael Stark returns to talk about the epic life of Mars…

1
Meet the Composer 1:21:05

9M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

The Napoleonic Wars Channel unveils its latest investment - incredible musical compositions written exclusively or the channel, as Lee Boyes, the master magician musician, talks through the process of creating music that evokes the turn of the 19th century.Support the show and attend more sessions like this at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleoni…

1
Marshal Murat: All Balls & No Brains? 1:16:49

9M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Marshal Joachim Murat, was unquestionably the most flamboyant of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's marshals. A skilled cavalry commander, but impetuous and hot headed, he had a habit of charging with suicidal bravery at problems, and yet miraculously coming off unscathed. Was this well known, almost iconic figure, really that good a military comm…

1
Peninsular War Guerrilla Leaders 1:15:15

9M ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Silvia Gregorio-Sainz returns to the show to talk about some of the key figures of the Guerrilla struggle that was a key part of the Peninsular War. Folks discussed include Agustina of Aragon, Espoz y Mina, and the enigmatically named El Cappuccino... Zack and Liam also lower the tone by giving each other Guerrilla names... Support the show at http…

1
Napoleon's Stolen Army: A Peninsular War story 1:22:08

9M ago1:22:08

1:22:08

How did the British manage to help an entire Spanish army escape from Central Europe so that they could be shipped home to fight in the Peninsular War? John Marsden joins us to explore the story of 'Napoleon's stolen army', and how these Spanish troops and British intrigue managed to pull off one of the most audacious and little known operations of…