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HistoryExtra podcast

HistoryExtra podcast

By: Immediate
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 The HistoryExtra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts. HistoryExtra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War. Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK. Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/Immediate World
Episodes
  • A new take on the battle of Hastings

    A new take on the battle of Hastings
    Apr 7 2026
    It's long been assumed that King Harold's English army arrived tired and in disarray at the battle of Hastings, having had to march over 200 miles from fighting the battle of Stamford Bridge. Tom Licence's new analysis disputes this idea. In this conversation with David Musgrove, he explains why he thinks Harold is more likely to have sailed down the east coast of England. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Check out our four-part video podcast series, 1066: The Battle for England, with Marc Morris: https://bit.ly/47wg3yl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Mrs Beeton: life of the week

    Mrs Beeton: life of the week
    Apr 6 2026
    Mrs Beeton is a name synonymous with 19th-century domesticity – most notably in connection with the iconic Book of Household Management. But who was the real woman behind the name? Emily Briffett is joined by author, historian and biographer Kathryn Hughes to uncover the life of Isabella Beeton, an industrious editorial innovator whose influence is still felt today. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST HistoryExtra's new podcast series History's Greatest Dishes serves up a feast of facts about some of the past's most remarkable delicacies. Expect culinary legends, half-baked myths and deliciously odd tales – all in the company of Emily Briffett and food historian Annie Gray. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, or by clicking here: https://play.megaphone.fm/j4kw8qtertcezl8owe6jza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • The battle of the Arctic: the overlooked crucible of WW2

    The battle of the Arctic: the overlooked crucible of WW2
    Apr 5 2026
    The US and UK supplied the USSR with vast amounts of military materiel during the Second World War via the Arctic convoys. In this episode, Hugh Sebag-Montefiore speaks to David Musgrove about the importance of this campaign in shaping the outcome of the war – and details the many horrors faced by the merchant sailors who made the difficult and dangerous journey from Iceland to Russia. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Read an article by historian Dr Harry Bennett on his take on the importance of the Arctic convoys: https://bit.ly/40UzpcA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 mins
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as the saying goes every day is a school day and it is so true I am learning fascinating information about how fascinating history is.
really love it and I think it is well done and would suit everyone.
and of course you can pick and choose the subjects you are most interested in too I do like that.

the whole podcast

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