• What Forgotten Ballads Reveal About Britain's Past
    Jan 4 2026

    In this episode Amy Jeffs and I delve into the themes of Amy's book 'Old Songs', exploring the intricate relationship between traditional ballads and social history. We discussed the unique structure of the book, which combines fiction and nonfiction, and the role of illustrations and music in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the origins and evolution of ballads, the impact of historical context, and the recurring themes of voyeurism and gender dynamics. We also discussed the modern resonance of these ancient tales and the connection between landscape and storytelling, encouraging readers to appreciate the depth and complexity of traditional narratives.


    You can watch this interview on Youtube on the 'British History' channel. Click Here


    Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more here for you to browse through including over 50 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Carr and many more.

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    56 mins
  • The Tudor Succession: A 400 year old lie!
    Dec 16 2025

    In this interview, Tracy Borman delves into the complexities surrounding the succession of the English crown from Elizabeth I to James VI of Scotland. She reveals how the story was manipulated through political spin and deceit. Philippa and Tracy talked about the various claimants to the throne, the challenges James faced during his reign, and the implications of Elizabeth's decisions regarding her succession.


    If you've enjoyed this please follow and rate this podcast.


    For over 10 minutes of BONUS CONTENT go to Patreon.com/BritishHistory where members also get to submit their own questions for my guests, as well as many other history lover perks.


    Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel.


    Thank you for listening to this episode, I hope you enjoyed it. There are many more here for you to browse through including over 50 fantastic historian interviews with people such as Tracy Borman OBE, Gareth Russell, Helen Carr and many more.


    Buy books from these incredible historians, shipped worldwide from Blackwells - click here (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you).


    Join my Patreon - click here and enjoy ad-free extended interviews with bonus content, Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and more for all for £5/month.


    You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa


    You can support me for free by commenting and rating this episode.

    Visit British History Tours for full details of history tours and events.


    ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

    About Philippa

    Philippa is a Historian and the founder of British History Tours and British History Events.


    Receive weekly history news (including links to new historian interviews) from Philippa by subscribing to my Substack

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    31 mins
  • Margaret Thatcher. "She was a very divisive figure"
    Dec 4 2025

    In my conversation with Iain Dale, recorded at the Warwick Words History Festival, we explore the life and legacy of Margaret Thatcher, focusing on her impact on British politics, her foreign policy, and the challenges she faced as a female leader. The discussion highlights the myths surrounding her leadership and aims to provide a nuanced understanding of her political strategies and decisions.

    Iain is an author, podcast host, and presenter on LBC.


    Chapters

    00:00 The Legacy of Margaret Thatcher

    02:52 Understanding Thatcher's Impact on Modern Politics

    05:51 Thatcher's Foreign Policy and Global Influence

    08:53 Challenges of Leadership: Misogyny and Political Dynamics

    11:36 The Iron Lady: Image and Perception

    14:42 Dispelling Myths: The Pragmatic Politician


    Hi! I'm Philippa, welcome to the British History Channel.

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    20 mins
  • Maria of Modena: Scandal, Faith, and Legacy
    Nov 21 2025

    In this episode Philippa and historian Breeze Barrington, author of "The Graces: The Extraordinary Untold Lives of the Women at the Restoration Court,” where we delved into the lives of women at the court of Charles II and James II, focusing on Maria of Modena and the remarkable community of women she gathered.


    Breeze shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of these women, highlighting their contributions to art, literature, and politics during a transformative period in British history.


    This a under told story of resilience and creativity that deserves to be better known.


    You can watch this episode on Youtube - click here


    Buy Breeze's book (shipped worldwide) - Click Here for Blackwells


    Join Philippa's 'British History' Patreon to access ad-free, extended historian interviews and to subnit your own questions for future guests - click here.

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr
  • Hidden Women Codebreakers of WW2 - revealed!
    Nov 7 2025

    It's been long revealed that women worked at Bletchley Park, the top-secret codebreaking British intelligence service Head Quarters during World War II, but up until now it was thought that they were in menial administration roles, or tea makers! Dermot Turing's investigative work shows that many actually played a pivotal role in the codebreaking efforts of World War II and that this has long been overlooked!


    You can watch this episode on Youtube - click here


    Buy Dermot's book (shipped worldwide) - Click Here for Blackwells


    Join Philippa's 'British History' Patreon to access ad-free, extended historian interviews and to submit your own questions for future guests - click here.

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    21 mins
  • Women Who Ruled
    Oct 21 2025

    Dr. Elizabeth Norton joined me to discuss female monarchs throughout history, exploring the challenges they faced, their roles in governance, and the cultural attitudes towards women in power. We talked about the complexities of female rule, the unique challenges of female-child monarchs, and why being a woman in power does not mean they are a feminist!


    Elizabeth is the author of a brand-new book 'Women Who Ruled. 5000 Years of Female Monarchy,' available now from all good book shops and on audible.


    You can buy Elizabeth's book and get it shipped worldwide from Blackwells. Click Here (This is an affiliate link. I get a commission on books sold via this link but they are at no extra cost to you).


    Watch this interview on Youtube.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the British History Channel

    01:59 Exploring Female Monarchs: Challenges and Discoveries

    05:40 Cleopatra: The Co-Ruler's Dilemma

    08:41 Catherine the Great: Seizing Power in Russia

    12:42 Aggression and Female Rulers: A Complex Dynamic

    15:30 Child Monarchs: The Unique Challenges of Queens

    20:40 Cultural Attitudes Towards Female Monarchs

    24:36 Exceptional Women: Monarchs and Feminism

    27:32 Queen Victoria: Power and Perception

    31:41 The Last Queen of Hawaii: Gender and Power Dynamics

    33:31 Elizabeth II: A Trailblazer for Future Monarchs


    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    40 mins
  • Pirates! The men and women who dominated the seas
    Oct 14 2025

    I was joined by Dr Richard Blakemore, Associate Professor of History at the University of Reading and author of 'Enemies of All: The Rise and Fall of the Pirates' at Warwick Words History Festival to talk Pirates!!

    I began by asking what actually is a pirate but we also talked about women pirates and the reality vs the romanticised version of the life of a pirate, often seen in films.


    To buy Richard's book 'Enemies of All. The Rise and Fall of the Pirates.' click here.


    You can watch this episode on Youtube - click here.


    Chapters

    00:00 Defining Piracy: The Nature of the Pirate

    02:45 Romanticism and Reality: The Image of Pirates

    05:54 Government Responses to Piracy: Cooperation and Conflict

    08:43 Celebrity Status of Pirates: Public Fascination

    11:48 Women in Piracy: Breaking Stereotypes and Social Norms


    Chapters

    00:00 Defining Piracy: The Nature of the Pirate

    02:45 Romanticism and Reality: The Image of Pirates

    05:54 Government Responses to Piracy: Cooperation and Conflict

    08:43 Celebrity Status of Pirates: Public Fascination

    11:48 Women in Piracy: Breaking Stereotypes and Social Norms


    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    16 mins
  • Helen Carr on the 14th Century
    Oct 8 2025

    Helen Carr, author of 'Sceptred Isle. A new history of the 14th century' | Interview with Philippa


    You can also watch this interview on Youtube - click here


    Buy Helen's Book - Click Here

    I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey


    Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    10 mins