History Hit Podcasts

Eisenhower: D-Day and the Birth of the American Superpower

In June 1944, the joint forces of the Allies began the liberation of continental Europe on D-Day. But was there tension within the...

The Tragic Travels of Fynes Moryson

In July 1596, Fynes Moryson - a Lincolnshire gentleman and travel writer - was struck down with grief when his younger brother died as they...

Giggling Granny Serial Killer

Picture a serial killer in your mind’s eye. What do you see... Is it your gran?

Today is the story of one of America’s most notorious...

The Sphinx: Egypt's Greatest Mystery

The Great Sphinx of Giza is the most recognisable statue in the world - and one of the most mysterious. Even its Western name is misleading, since...

1. The Battle of Britain Explained: Preparation, Pilots and Propaganda

1/2. The Battle of Britain was Hitler's first and possibly most important defeat. It defined the course of the Second World War, forcing him to...

The Sirens

The word 'Sirens' conjures up many images, possibly of beautiful mermaid-like creatures luring sailors to their watery deaths. These ancient Greek...

Life Lessons From Historical Women

When women's stories aren't being flat-out ignored from the history books, they can often be sidelined.

Well not here! Joining Kate today is...

William Marshal: Knight & Crusader

William Marshal was one of the most famous and influential figures in English medieval history, rising from a lowly start to becoming the knight...

The Terracotta Warriors

The world was astonished when 8000 terracotta soldiers were unearthed in 1974 by Chinese farmers digging a well; the warriors opened a window to...

President William Howard Taft: The Reluctant Politician?

Sandwiched between Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson is our 26th President of the United States, William Howard Taft. Did he have the...

Origins of Beer

It's one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. But did you know that beer is also one of the world's oldest beverages, with a history...

Medici Popes: Power over Piety

Fueled by ambition and the desire to extend their influence, the House of Medici saw the papacy not only as a religious post but a political one. ...

Salem Witch Trials: Interrogation & Torture

The second part of our story on the Salem Witch Trials. Anthony Delaney takes Maddy Pelling inside the courtroom as unbelievable stories of...

The First Emperor of China

Dan heads to China to discover the incredible story of Qin Shi Haungdi, the man who built the mysterious Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and...

The Battle of Clontarf

On Gone Medieval we like to celebrate the best stories - and storytellers - of history, so today Dr.Eleanor Janega showcases the brilliant podcast...

Renaissance Beauty: Snails, Cat Poo & Fatal Make-Up

Why did Renaissance women say the Lord's prayer while removing pubic hair?

If you're like us you definitely want to know the answer to this,...

Lafayette: The Marquis and the American Revolution

Why did an aristocratic French man fight for American freedom? How influential was Lafayette? And what did he do on his return visit to the United...

Ptolemy XIII: The Forgotten Pharaoh

Antony and Cleopatra. Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. These are household names thanks to Shakespeare’s plays, big budget TV shows and...

Salem Witch Trials: Hysteria & Accusations

First of two episodes on the Salem Witch Trials. We begin the story as accusations are made throughout the town of Salem and a climate of fear...

How Indigenous Americans Discovered Europe

We have long been taught that modern global history began when the 'Old World' encountered the 'New', when Christopher Columbus 'discovered'...

The Cocaine Craze in Victorian Britain

Many things may come to mind when you hear the word 'cocaine' - and we'd wager that the last thing on that list would be the Victorians. But as it...