logo
episode-header-image
Sep 25
50m 10s

Circle of Days and the building of Stone...

English Heritage
About this episode
Stonehenge has captured the imaginations of people for millennia, leading to conspiracy theories and fantastical ideas about its construction. But cutting-edge historical analysis has allowed us to reveal more of its secrets in recent times.  Now, author Ken Follett has turned his hand to an imagined epic about the early days of the site’s construction and ... Show More
Up next
Nov 20
A delicious history of pudding
What do Charles Darwin’s wife, a Victorian cook, and a food historian with a sweet tooth have in common? Pudding — and plenty of it.   This week, Amy Matthews is joined by Dr Annie Gray and Dr Andrew Hann to dig through centuries of recipes, from Emma Darwin’s handwritten notes ... Show More
40m 14s
Nov 13
From Brodsworth with love: the girl who knitted for the front
In 1916, 11-year-old Amy Tyreman picked up her knitting needles and joined the war effort, sending handmade comforts to soldiers she’d never met. This community effort from the children of the Brodsworth estate in Yorkshire led to an exchange of letters with brave troops. More th ... Show More
39m 59s
Nov 6
Disability and care in medieval England
In medieval England, community and religion played an important role in how people cared for each other. Ideas about charity and care helped lay the foundations for some of our most important public services today. This time on The English Heritage Podcast, Amy Matthews chats wit ... Show More
38m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Stonehenge (Repeat)
Older than the pyramids and just as cryptic, the prehistoric British site of Stonehenge has dominated its landscape for thousands of years. But what is Stonehenge? A celestial clock? An ancient computer to predict eclipses? Was it a temple, a cemetery, or a site of execution? And ... Show More
58m 7s
Aug 2024
84. The Stonehenge Mysteries
In this episode, Payton investigates the legends surrounding Stonehenge. How was it built? Who built it? And most importantly, why was it built? Case Sources: Stonehenge: A New Interpretation of Prehistoric Man and the Cosmos by John North Stonehenge: A Brief History by Mike Pa ... Show More
36m 12s
May 2025
Glendalough & The History Tourists Are Never Told
Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Its medieval monastery and stunning mountain landscape attract around one million tourists every year. However behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a history that rarely makes it into the tourist brochu ... Show More
35 m
Jun 2025
The Ultimate Mesopotamian Mystery
<p>For thousands of years, ancient cuneiform - the script of the ancient Mesopotamians was lost to time, until being dramatically rediscovered in the 19th century by an adventurous group of unlikely Victorians. A dashing archaeologist, an officer turned diplomat and a reclusive c ... Show More
38m 7s
Jun 2025
The Mysteries of Easter Island
<p>In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, over 2,000 miles from the nearest continent, lies one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasure troves - Rapa Nui, known to the outside world as Easter Island. Famed for the towering stone faces of the <em>moai</em>, the island has u ... Show More
41m 27s
Jun 2025
Seahenge
<p>As a 4,000-year-old timber circle uncovered on a Norfolk beach, Seahenge is one of Britain’s most remarkable prehistoric finds. Discovered in 1998, it drew quick comparison as a 'Stonehenge by the sea' - but who built it and what was it used for?</p><br><p>In this episode of < ... Show More
45m 50s
May 2024
Hadrian's Wall
<p>It's the most famous Roman frontier in the world. A massive c.13-foot high wall that spanned the length of northern Britain, dividing the empire between Roman and 'barbarian' land. But how was it built? Who lived along it? And why was it named after Emperor Hadrian?</p><br><p> ... Show More
51m 47s
Mar 2025
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the architectural wonders of the world. Stretching for over 21,000km - as far as London to New York and back, twice - it follows what used to be the border between China and Mongolia. Built over a period of 2,000 years by millions of conscripted ... Show More
53m 5s
Jul 2025
Medieval England's Top 5 Sites
Here on Gone Medieval we love to share the historical nuggets you won't commonly find.We are the insider's guide to Medieval times. and today Matt Lewis is taken on a whistle-stop tour of Medieval England by Julian Humphrys, to explore five noteworthy locations that might just be ... Show More
52 m
Nov 2024
Tower of Babel
<p>The Tower of Babel story is iconic. Featured in the Book of Genesis, it explains how different languages came to be across the world. But what are its origins?</p><br><p>Join Tristan Hughes and Prof. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones in this special episode of The Ancients - recorded live ... Show More
47m 57s