From etchings scratched into the earliest monuments, to the spray can designs that appear on structures today, the urge to leave our mark is universal. But in 18th-century Britain, the nature of graffiti changed; both exploding in popularity and becoming much more radical in nature. Speaking to Elinor Evans about her new book, Writing on the Wall, Madeleine ... Show More
Mar 2024
18th Century Graffiti: Sex, Murder & Rebellion
<p>Whether it's a declaration of love, anger or rebellion against the government, graffiti can give us incredible insight into the social history of everyday people.</p><br><p>By the 18th century it's recognised by authorities a serious social problem and a threat to their positi ... Show More
48m 37s
Feb 2023
How to Write Historical Fiction | Interview with historian and author Dan Jones on his new novel Essex Dogs
<p>Every historian I know has a secret dream of writing historical fiction, but few ever do it. Dan Jones, a longtime friend of Tides of History and an outstanding historian, has actually done it: <em>Essex Dogs</em>, his fantastic debut novel about a group of soldiers during the ... Show More
58m 38s
Oct 2023
Ann Radcliffe, Gothic Great Enchantress, Part 1
<p>In the space of a decade, Ann Radcliffe married, started writing, and had an incredibly successful career as an author. But after her 1797 novel, she retired, much to the confusion of her readers. </p> <p><strong>Research: </strong></p> <ul> <li>Britannica, The Editors of Ency ... Show More
32m 16s
Oct 2023
Ann Radcliffe, Gothic Great Enchantress, Part 2
<p>Once Ann Radcliffe retired from publishing, all kinds of rumors started to spread about her, including some that distressed her greatly. After she died, there was even more speculation.</p> <p><strong>Research:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "A ... Show More
37m 30s
Oct 2022
The Rise and Fall of Roman London
<p>In 43 AD, the Romans set up temporary forts along the banks of a river to wait for their Emperor, Claudius, to march onto the enemy capital of Camulodunum (Colchester), and eventually conquer Britain. The river was the River Thames. At the time, it was an area of marshy low-ly ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2023
Boudica's Battle of Britain
<p>The Celtic queen who led a major uprising against the Roman Empire in ancient Britain, Boudica, is a name known throughout history. Her rebellion, fuelled by grievances against Roman oppression and with the aim of protecting her people, resulted in the destruction of numerous ... Show More
38m 55s
Jul 2023
Unearthed! Summer 2023, Part 1
<p>This installation of literally and figuratively unearthed items includes updates to previous podcast topics, edibles and potables, shipwrecks, and some surprises -- including items that turned out to be surprisingly valuable.</p> <p>Research:</p> <ul> <li>“Archaeologists unear ... Show More
41m 48s