Early Modern

Traditionally, the Early Modern period covers the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries and we have kept to this tradition. One of history’s’ most famous Kings and his descendants Henry VIII are explored in podcasts in this section. Also featured are changes to Parliament, the relationship between leaders and the British people and the growth of the British Empire. Read more

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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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  • Intellectual & Scientific Revolution in Britain

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Nigel Aston of the University of Leicester looks at the origins of the Enlightenment in England.

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  • Ireland under the reigns of James II and William III

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor David Hayton of Queen's University Belfast looks at the significance of reigns of James II and William III in Ireland.

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  • James II, William III and the Glorious Revolution

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor Tony Claydon of Bangor University discusses the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

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  • Joseph Banks (The Early Years)

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Jordan Goodman discusses the early life of Joseph Banks. In 1778, Joseph Banks (1743-1820) was elected President of the Royal Society, a post he held until his death. There was no one in science, politics and culture, whom Banks did not know.

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  • Law and Justice in Wales: 1543-1830

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Catherine Horler-Underwood of the Cardiff University discusses changes to law and justice in Wales from 1543 to 1830.

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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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  • Oliver Cromwell

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor Gaunt asks what was the importance of Oliver Cromwell both to the Civil War and to the protectorate? What was his legacy?

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  • Parliament & Constitutional Change 1660-1702

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor Tony Claydon looks at Parliamentary and constitutional change between 1660-1702.

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  • Parliamentary Politics in the 18th Century

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Nigel Aston of the University of Leicester discusses the development of Parliament and Party politics in 18th century Britain.

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  • Politics in 18th Century Ireland

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor David Hayton of Queen's University Belfast looks at Eighteenth-century politics and 'ordinary people' in Ireland.

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  • Poverty under the Tudors

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Sue Doran explores poverty, population increase and unemployment under the Tudors. Motives for tackling poverty: charity, rebellion and humanism. Distinctions between the poor: the deserving and the undeserving. Government responses and approaches - the Poor Laws - support and discipline. The approaches of local authorities and...

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  • Queen Anne

    Podcast

    In this podcast Lady Anne Somerset looks at the life, reputation and legacy of Queen Anne – the last of the Stuart monarchs, and the first sovereign of Great Britain. Anne was born on 6 February 1665 in London, the second daughter of James, Duke of York, brother of Charles II. Like many...

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  • South Asian British History 1600-1800

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Sumita Mukherjee looks at the history of South Asians in Britain between 1600 and 1800.

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  • The Acts of Union

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Alex Murdoch of the University of Edinburgh looks at the origins and significance of the 1707 Acts of Union that joined the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland (previously separate states, with separate legislatures but with the same monarch) into a single, united kingdom...

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  • The Civil War: England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor Michael Braddick looks at the impact of the Civil War on relations between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

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  • The Commonwealth, Protectorate and Radicalism

    Podcast

    In this podcast Professor Peter Gaunt of the University of Chester discusses the strengths and weaknesses of of the Commonwealth and Protectorate from 1649-60 and examines how radical the new republic was.

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  • The Development of Parliament during the Tudor period

    Podcast

    In this podcast Dr Sue Doran looks at Parliament as a point of contact between the crown and the community, she explores whether there was an organised puritan opposition group, looks at the growing influence of parliaments under Elizabeth and how Elizabeth managed her parliaments.

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  • The Early Royal Society: From Bacon to Newton

    Podcast

    In this podcast Keith Moore, Head of Libraries and Archives at the Royal Society looks at the early Royal Society.

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  • The Early Stuart Parliaments

    Podcast

    In this podcast Mr Simon Healy from the History of Parliament Research Project looks at the Early Stuart Parliaments.

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