1.4 Founding Kingdoms

7th Century England was inherently unstable, populated by a patchwork of communities, petty kingdoms successful and less so. Into this pagan mix also comes the lure of Christianity again. Meanwhile, in central England a pagan warrior called Penda became king, probably in 626.<hr> ...  Show more

Through much of the 7th Century, Penda increased the power and influence of the Mercians. He built his kingdom as a traditional warrior, tribal leader - defeating the Northumbrians, and East Anglians, raiding and gathering treasure, rewarding his followers; spreading his influenc ...  Show more

Arne Westad discusses the challenges of writing global history, while Sean McGlynn describes how a French invasion nearly overthrew King John Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

Miles Russell explores the mystery of the Roman Ninth Legion, Tara Hamling discusses Elizabethan drama and Paul Addison and Jeremy Crang reveal how British morale held up during the Second World War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about yo ...  Show more

Dynastic turmoil, inconvenient treaties with Scotland, tales of knights, longbows and the golden age of chivalry. In a time of chaos across Europe, England, a minor power of the time, takes on the mighty kingdom of France. Join Tom and Dominic to learn how the Hundred Years' War ...  Show more

A key battle in the history of England and a forgotten uprising in 17th century London round off our 12 (13) Days of Christmas. Back with to our regular schedule next Monday 10th January. *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See th ...  Show more