THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST
Every object has a story to tell.
But how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places?
In the English Heritage podcast, comedian and writer Amy Matthews brings you entertaining tales from unexpected places. Each week, we begin with a mystery item and with the help of English Heritage experts and special guests, Amy explores what our past can tell us about our present and perhaps our future.
Privilege and play: a history of childhood adventure
English Heritage sites aren’t just great places to learn about our past – they’re also spaces for creativity and play.
In this episode of The English Heritage Podcast, Andrew Hann and historian Abby Van Slyck join Amy to discuss how children’s recreation and ideas of play have evolved, starting with the Swiss Cottage at Osborne – a miniature house designed by Prince Albert to educate his nine children through role-play.
From the dollhouses and playhouses of royal children and a wealthy elite to modern-day treehouses and adventure playgrounds, we’ll explore how changing views on childhood, health, and society have contributed to the adventures children and adults enjoy today.
Listen HereEpisodes to listen to this month
Join us on The English Heritage Podcast as we unpick the real events and people behind the famous story of the Battle of Hastings. We discuss who had the strongest claim to the English throne, what happened in the days and months leading up to the battle and what William I did to cement his reign in the years that followed the Norman Conquest.
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The events and people behind the Battle of Hastings
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What happened after the Battle of Hastings?
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A coin, a castle and a conquest: the Normans in the north of England
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Who was William the Conqueror?
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The rise, reign and fall of Harold Godwinson
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Ask The Experts: everything you want to know about the Battle of Hastings
All Episodes
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If you would like to access any of our episodes in a written format, please email podcast@english-heritage.org.uk to make a request.
Speaking with shadows
When you’re wandering about a historic place, what voices do you hear echoing off the walls? Are they the ones you learnt about at school – or do you wonder about the shadowy, quiet voices that may have gone unheard?
Travel from 17th-century Northamptonshire, where we hear about the heroic servant who may have become Britain’s first black pub landlord, to wartime Essex, where Polish special forces soldiers trained in secrecy for life or death missions to their homeland.
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