logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2022
29m 22s

Medieval Christmas (Radio Edit)

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Greg Jenner and his guests Miles Jupp and Dr Eleanor Janega go back to the medieval Christmas for this one-off festive special. They look at the history and traditions that have thankfully continued through the ages, like gift-giving and stuffed wild boars (although numbers on stuffed wild boar we're told are down from previous years) and some that have mysteriously fallen off the radar completely, like masked carol singers and jellied eels.

For the full-length version of this episode, please look further back in the feed.

Research: Lloyd Roberts Script: Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Project Management: Siefe Miyo Edit Producer: Cornelius Mendez

Up next
Today
New: The Hitler Diaries Scandal (from The History Podcast)
When Germany's biggest magazine Stern announced in 1983 that they'd found the long-lost diaries of Adolf Hitler, the world was poised to rewrite history. Unfortunately, they were fake. In this new series of The History Podcast, The Hitler Diaries Scandal, Andrew Hunter Murray goe ... Show More
10m 14s
Oct 9
Scottish Supernatural Beliefs: witches, ghosts and fairies in the early modern period
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Martha McGill and comedian Marjolein Robertson in early modern Scotland to learn all about beliefs in witches, fairies, ghosts and more. Jacobean Scotland is famous for witch trials, partly inspired by King James’ obsession with witches – he even publi ... Show More
58m 1s
Oct 2
Special Episode: 1066 and the Battle of Hastings
Greg Jenner is joined in medieval England by Dr Erin Goeres and comedian Alison Spittle to learn all about the tumultuous events of 1066, famously depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, to celebrate its arrival in London. The death of Edward the Confessor without an heir in January 106 ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Midwinter Medieval Traditions
<p>Ever wondered how Christmas was celebrated in Medieval times? Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis explore the fascinating world of Medieval festive traditions. From the violent brawls of medieval football to the quirky custom of 'mumming,' Eleanor and Matt dive into the rich tap ... Show More
42m 19s
Dec 2020
Nateland | Ep #26 - Christmas
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. So this episode, the guys delve into the history of many of our Christmas traditions and share a few Christmas traditions of their own. Co-hosts: Brian Bates ( https://www.instagram.com/brianbatescomic) & Aaron Weber ( https://www.inst ... Show More
1h 45m
Dec 2020
Ep 28: How the Judgies Saved Christmas
Gather 'round the Yule Log and listen to this week's Holiday Special from the Judgies! We share a few stories we found about Christmas time gifting traditions, a set of twins who tried a real life parent trap, and returning a gift that was opened too early. We also have a liste ... Show More
55m 16s
Dec 2021
Christmas feasts: Medieval & Tudor revelry
From brawn to plum pottage, Annie Gray takes us back to the raucous world of festive feasting in the medieval and Tudor eras. Speaking to Ellie Cawthorne, for the first episode in our new mini-series on Christmas food through history, she also touches on subversive merrymaking, s ... Show More
30m 27s
Dec 2019
Krampus and Friends Holiday Special, Part 4
Our holiday special is back! We're once again looking at holiday figures from around the world. Today, we’re going to have a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese traditions as we cover the nisse, the Yule Goat, and the Seven Lucky Gods. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www ... Show More
26m 33s
Sep 2025
Ballads of Love and Death
In this enchanting episode, Dr. Eleanor Janega dissolves the boundaries between history, folklore, and music to explore the haunting world of medieval ballads. Joined by author Amy Jeffs, illustrator Gwen Burns and composer/singer Natalie Brice, Eleanor uncovers the timeless stor ... Show More
1h 1m
Dec 2023
Christmas Special
We take a deep dive into some classic culinary Christmas traditions. Chiara Rimella and Fernando Augusto Pacheco sit down in the studio for a battle of the panettones. Plus: Monica Lillis sings the praises of Christmas pudding and Nina dos Santos tells us why cod will be on her t ... Show More
27m 10s
Dec 2022
The Silver Gonads of Santa Claus in the mouth of a Gelding Foal
A festive Christmas episode&nbsp;<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> 
1h 2m