Looking to weave your way through the tangled web of British history? Perhaps you’re yearning for tales of royalty, revolution, and that awkward period when a tiny island nation decided to paint one-quarter of the world map red? Well, grab your tea and crumpets, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the best British history podcasts available to your eager ears.
British history is a bit like that relative everyone has, the one who shows up at family gatherings dressed impeccably, speaks eloquently about culture and tradition, but conveniently glosses over that time they “borrowed” half the family heirlooms and hasn’t returned them yet. From the Norman Conquest to the not-so-polite “establishment of trading posts” (wink wink) across the globe, the British have a knack for making their imperial adventures sound like they were doing everyone a favor.
Whether you’re interested in the monarchs who lost their heads (literally), the industrial revolution that choked London with smog before it was trendy, or the empire where the sun famously “never set” (mostly because Britain was too busy occupying territories in every time zone), these podcasts will educate, entertain, and occasionally make you wince at the realization that many of those beautiful museum artifacts probably have some very uncomfortable origin stories.
The British History Podcast
Listen to The British History Podcast
The British History Podcast delivers a sequential narrative of Britain’s past, emphasizing the experiences of its inhabitants rather than just recording events. Instead of an arid enumeration of conflicts and timelines, listeners discover the authentic personalities behind historical figures, their ambitions, anxieties, and imperfections that collectively molded this nation perched on the world’s periphery. And make no mistake, some of those ambitions venture into thoroughly salacious territory.
Step into the Past
Join historian Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Findmypast experts as they explore National Trust properties, uncovering hidden stories from Britain’s past. Each episode traces a guest’s family tree, revealing their ancestors’ connections to these historic sites. Whether you’re curious about your own lineage, intrigued by forgotten mysteries, or fascinated by historical archives, Step into the Past offers a unique journey through time.
British History Podcast
Listen to British History Podcast
Tune in as your presenter, Philippa Lacey Brewell, conducts conversations with scholars and delivers real-time discussions.
Stuff The British Stole
Listen to Stuff The British Stole
Award-winning journalist and self-described genetic potluck Marc Fennell traces looted treasures from the British Empire in this hit podcast. Each episode follows stolen artifacts now displayed in museums and collections worldwide, revealing the complex stories behind their polite exhibition plaques. These objects offer a fresh perspective on our world and ourselves.
Pax Britannica: A History of the British Empire
This podcast chronicles the saga of the vast dominion where daylight never ceased. A finalist in the 2023 Independent Podcast Awards, Pax Britannica examines the developments that established a global superpower. Presented by Dr Samuel Hume, a scholar specializing in British colonial studies, Imperial Sunset seeks to unravel the ascent and ultimate collapse of history’s most expansive empire. After all, just how tranquil was the so-called ‘British Peace’?
Empire
What propels imperial powers to greatness? What causes their decline? And how have these dominant forces molded our contemporary world? William Dalrymple and Anita Anand investigate the narratives, individuals, and historical moments that have defined empires throughout the ages.
The English Heritage Podcast
Listen to The English Heritage Podcast
English Heritage preserves and maintains more than 400 historical landmarks, structures, and locations, bringing England’s rich narrative to life for over 10 million visitors annually.
The Modern British History Podcast
Listen to The Modern British History Podcast
This podcast is designed for those with an interest in modern British political history from 1945 to 2010. The primary focus will be on domestic policy, with each episode either featuring an interview with a knowledgeable guest or drawing from books, documentaries, and other sources to fuel discussion.
Never Mind The Dambusters
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Join historians Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies as they explore the history of RAF Bomber Command in World War II. In this weekly podcast, they examine strategy, policy, and key events beyond the famous Dambusters raid. With expert guests, firsthand accounts, and deep dives into aircraft and media, *Never Mind the Dambusters* offers a fresh look at one of the war’s most controversial campaigns.
Yesterday’s London Times
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Digging through the fascinating and eccentric layers of London’s past…
The BackTracker History Show
Listen to The BackTracker History Show
Based in the UK, this passionate history enthusiast invites you on a journey through the past, uncovering fascinating stories and intriguing facts along the way. From moments of heartbreak and loss to incredible acts of bravery and ingenuity, history is filled with individuals who have left their mark—no matter how small.
Renaissance English History Podcast: A Show About the Tudors
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Renaissance England was a vibrant and dynamic era, new religious movements, a break from Rome, wars with Scotland, France, and Spain, and the dawn of the modern world! In this weekly podcast, each episode will dive into a different aspect of 16th-century life, offering a deeper insight into this thrilling period of history.
The Redcoat History Podcast
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This podcast is for military history enthusiasts and lovers of compelling stories. It explores British and Commonwealth military history, covering everything from the rise of the redcoat era to contemporary warfare.
Rex Factor
“Rex Factor” is an entertaining podcast that reviews and ranks the kings and queens of England and Scotland.
Killing Victoria
Over Queen Victoria’s 63-year reign, seven men made the life-altering choice to attempt her assassination. Each came within moments of altering history, potentially ending the Victorian era far too soon—yet all have faded into obscurity. In this new podcast series, narrated by Dr. Bob Nicholson, the motivations behind these would-be assassins are explored, uncovering the reasons they targeted the most famous and powerful woman of their time.
The Belgrano Diary
The sinking of the *General Belgrano* was the most deadly and contentious event of the Falklands War. This is a tale of government secrecy, conspiracies, and the relentless efforts of whistleblowers, determined politicians, and journalists seeking the truth. At the heart of it all was a young officer whose version of events stood in stark contrast to Margaret Thatcher’s—challenging her account on every key point.
The History of England
Listen to The History of England
This podcast offers a fresh retelling of England’s story, presented with honesty, depth, and a deep appreciation for the nation’s history. Following a chronological format, it begins at the end of Roman Britain and moves forward through time. While major events are covered, the podcast also explores everyday life, language, and the influences that shaped people’s experiences and futures.
Anglo-Saxon England
Anglo-Saxon England is a podcast that explores the history of Anglo-Saxon England, starting from the decline of Roman Britain and concluding with the Norman Conquest. In addition to historical events, the podcast delves into the literature, culture, and historiography of the Anglo-Saxon era. The aim of the show is to provide a clear and engaging yet academically thorough perspective, catering to both newcomers and seasoned experts alike.
British Scandal
In a nation fixated on gossip, the elite dread one thing above all: scandal. British scandals reshape history, toppling governments, dethroning the wealthy, and humbling the powerful. Whether rooted in sex, money, or ultimately power, they leave lasting marks. Yet at their core, scandals often reveal ordinary human tales, those swept up in the storm of public fury. Who was truly at fault? What drove their actions? And in the end, did anything truly change?
British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics
Listen to British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics
Encounter legendary and notorious figures, stroll alongside playwrights and common folk, and explore the halls of castles and the grandeur of cathedrals.
Bad Manors
UK comedian The Honourable Tom Houghton invites you into Britain’s stately homes, castles, and country estates to uncover their local histories, scandals, mysteries, and sometimes even the odd ghost that shapes their unique character. These are the stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Extraordinary Stories of Britain
Listen to Extraordinary Stories of Britain
Extraordinary Stories of Britain is a history podcast filled with entertaining and insightful tales from the UK’s rich past. Exploring hidden corners of British history, reimagining well-known figures, and uncovering quirky, sometimes bizarre facts, this podcast is perfect for anglophiles, history lovers, and anyone curious about the UK. From murderous monarchs to medieval medicine, celebrity cats to pickled philosophers, no historical stone is left unturned.
Normal Women
Philippa Gregory’s *Normal Women* is a new HarperCollins podcast, released alongside her groundbreaking book. This work, blending scholarship and storytelling, redefines Britain’s history, shifting focus from kings and occasional queens to the social and cultural transformations driven by women from 1066 to today.
Not Just the Tudors
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores a wide range of topics, from the Aztecs to witches, Velázquez to Shakespeare, and Mughal India to the Mayflower. While not limited to the Tudors, they certainly feature prominently. In each episode, Suzannah is joined by historians and specialists to uncover captivating stories about one of history’s most intriguing eras.
The History of English Podcast
Listen to The History of English Podcast
The spoken history of a global language.
Tales of Britain and Ireland
Listen to Tales of Britain and Ireland
A podcast dedicated to storytelling and folklore, sharing both well-known and lesser-known British and Irish myths, legends, and folktales, presented in no specific order. Hailing directly from South Yorkshire, the podcast releases episodes on a somewhat regular schedule, featuring a mix of these tales and other miscellaneous snippets that capture the creator’s interest.
Do you know of another British history podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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