You’ve probably heard the phrase “it takes money to make money,” and while usually the person telling you that is just trying to sell you something you don’t need….there is some truth to it. At least in the way our economy works. It’s also true of how feudal economies worked.

The post 462 – Defenestration Nation first appeared on The British History Podcast.

We’ve been spending a lot of time with Rufus and Robert. And that was the way things were back in the 11th century, too.  Rufus and Robert got the attention, while Henry… the youngest, and apparently most forgettable brother… was often left out.  And this reality was made most clear when their father died… and, […]

The post 461 – Destabilizing a Nation: A How-To Guide first appeared on The British History Podcast.

It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The White Tower, or more recently, the Tower of London. If you’ve visited London you likely took time to go see it.

The post 460 – The White Tower first appeared on The British History Podcast.

With Count Henry and Robert of Belleme imprisoned under his tender care, Bishop Odo had free rein to guide the impressionable Duke Robert in whatever direction he wanted.  And he had a direction in mind.

The post 459 – Lashing Out first appeared on The British History Podcast.

The last two episodes have been focused on how King William Rufus handled the aftermath of the rebellion, and the political moves being made.  But Rufus didn’t exist in a vacuum… and across the Channel, his brothers were also making moves.

The post 458 – Henry’s Story first appeared on The British History Podcast.

William the Conqueror had not set his sons up for success, and at the heart of it was land. Obviously, the way he distributed those lands in his Will had been a bit of a disaster, as it had set his two eldest sons up for war.  

The post 457 – The Bachelor King first appeared on The British History Podcast.

I’ve gotta be honest, some of these spells seem a bit rude.

The post Medieval Magic Sample: Shout at the Devil first appeared on The British History Podcast.

William Rufus’ first year as King had probably not gone down as he hoped. And as Bishop Odo and his co-conspirators boarded their ships and sought sanctuary in Normandy…Rufus could only return to court and count the rest of his problems..

The post 456 – Law and Order: Durham first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Got a jealousy problem and a spare leek? Boy, do we ever have a cure for you.

The post Medieval Magic Sample: We Read the Latin first appeared on The British History Podcast.

Word of Rufus’ army, and the destruction of the rebel forces at Tunbridge, had no doubt reached Pevensey and its commander, Robert of Mortain… and I think it’s highly likely that the messengers also reported that the King’s army had turned north, towards Rochester. Bishop Odo’s stronghold.

The post 455 – Odo’s Rebellion: Lord of the Flies first appeared on The British History Podcast.

It was Easter of 1088.  This was, typically, a  time when the most powerful figures of England would gather at Court.  But this wasn’t a typical  year.

The post 454 – Odo’s Rebellion: Worst Easter Ever first appeared on The British History Podcast.