Kings & Queens

Many of us now associate monarchy with tradition, regalia and longevity, but what we no longer associate it with is power and dominance. In this section the podcasts explore the powerful monarchs of the past, their relationships with each other and with the changes in political power around them. There are lectures on King John and the Magna Carta as well as on those pesky and popular Tudors. Explore history from the view of the leaders from whom the tradition and regalia originate, if not always the longevity!

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  • Medieval Sexualities: Richard I and Philip Augustus

    Podcast

    In this podcast, Dr Gabrielle Storey, discusses sexuality in the medieval world through an examination of the relationship of Richard I of England and Philip Augustus/Philip II of France. To what extent can we apply modern concepts of sexuality to the medieval period?

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  • Britain in the Age of Revolutions

    Podcast

    In this series of videos, produced by Royal Holloway, University of London, staff and students explore British responses to the American and French Revolutions. This playlist includes videos looking at the origins of the American Revolution; specific questions like ‘Why didn’t French-Canadians join the revolution?; and actor readings of key...

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  • English Civil War

    Podcast

    In this series of videos, produced by Royal Holloway, University of London, staff and students examine the English Civil War, including looking at the religious, political, social, and economic causes of the Civil War; the Scottish and Irish dimensions to the conflict; the role of the New Model Army in...

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  • Tudor Rebellions

    Podcast

    In this series of videos, produced by Royal Holloway, University of London, staff and students examine the origins, course and outcome of the Lincolnshire Rising and the Pilgrimage of Grace, the largest popular uprising in Tudor England. The playlist also includes a two-part case study looking at the fortunes of...

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  • Henry III, Simon de Montfort and the Origins of Parliament

    Podcast

    In this series of videos, produced by Royal Holloway, University of London, staff and students explore the reign of Henry III, baronial grievances and the Second Barons’ War, including the 1258 Provisions of Oxford, the most radical scheme of constitutional reform to be attempted in England until the post-Civil War...

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  • Anglo-Saxons and Normans

    Podcast

    In this series of videos, produced by Royal Holloway, University of London, students and staff explore Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, exploring the Anglo-Saxon Witan and Moots, how law and order was maintained and the Norman conquest, including a multi-chronicler account of the Battle of Hastings. Other videos examine how William...

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  • King John, Magna Carta and the First Barons' War

    Podcast

    In this series of videos, produced by Royal Holloway, University of London, students and staff explore the history of King John's reign and the factors that led to the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede and the First Barons' War. In addition, this playlist also contains videos looking specifically at...

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  • Gruffydd ap Cynan

    Podcast

    Gruffudd ap Cynan (c. 1055 - 1137), sometimes written as Gruffydd ap Cynan, was King of Gwynedd from 1081 until his death in 1137.In this podcast Dr David Wyatt of Cardiff University looks at the life and significance of Gruffudd ap Cynan.

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  • Llywelyn the Great

    Podcast

    Llywelyn the Great (Welsh: Llywelyn Fawr), full name Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, (c. 1172 - 11 April 1240) was a Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales and eventually de facto ruler over most of Wales. By a combination of war and diplomacy he dominated Wales for 40 years.In this podcast Dr...

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  • The Southern Princes of Powys

    Podcast

    Gwenwynwyn ab Owain Cyfeiliog (died c. 1216) was the last major ruler of mid Wales before the completion of the Norman English invasion. Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn (died c. 1286), son of Gwenwynwyn ab Owain Cyfeiliog was a Welsh prince who was lord of the part of Powys known as Powys...

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  • Henry VII and Henry VIII

    Podcast

    In this short podcast Dr Sean Cunningham looks at the relationship between Henry VII and his young heir Henry VIII.

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  • Mary Tudor

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Anna Whitelock of Royal Holloway, University of London discusses perceptions of Mary Tudor, Mary Tudor's background, her submission to Henry VIII and the rise of a warrior princess, Mary as a courageous political pioneer, Mary and religion, negative critiques, Mary and policy making, Phillip as king...

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  • Charles II

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor John Miller discusses how we should judge the reign of Charles II and ask what was his domestic and international legacy?

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  • How close was England to Absolutism 1660-88?

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor John Miller of Queen Mary University of London looks at English Absolutism 1660-88.

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  • Tudor Royal Authority

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Sue Doran of Christ Church College, Oxford, looks at the changing nature of royal authority under the Tudors, the impact of the Reformation and the development of a print culture, propaganda, the influence of gender, the extent to which faction undermined royal authority and faction under...

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  • Henry VII - decreasing the power of the Nobility

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Sean Cunnigham examines how did Henry VII decreased the power of the nobility whilst simultaneously increasing the power of the monarchy.

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  • Edward I: Law and State

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Philip Morgan discusses Edward I's impact on Law and State.

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  • Richard III

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor Michael Hicks looks at the reign of Richard III.

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  • Henry VI

    Podcast

    Professor Anne Curry looks at Henry VI

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  • Elizabeth I and Spain: The road to war

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Sue Doran of Christ Church College, Oxford, discusses whether war with Spain was inevitable, why Tudor relations with Spain decline, the Netherlands, Elizabeth I's desire to avoid war, 1581 and the road to war.

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