The English Heritage Podcast

The day that changed English history forever has dawned.

In this episode of English Heritage’s special 1066 series, host Amy Matthews looks at the Battle of Hastings as it happened, using established facts and some creative speculation.

Joining her are Roy Porter, Senior Curator of Properties at English Heritage, and Professor Tom Licence, Professor of Medieval History and Literature at the University of East Anglia and author of Harold: Warrior King.

Together, they unpack fresh research to separate myth from reality and explore the chaotic rumours and turning points that nearly tipped the scales in either direction as the day progressed. And with such different fighting styles and armies, was William's triumph was down to tactical genius or simple good luck?
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Following our look at the Bayeux Tapestry in Episode 1, host Amy Matthews explores the dramatic events leading up to the Battle of Hastings. Joining her are regular guest Roy Porter (Senior Curator of Properties at English Heritage) and Dr Rebecca Tyson (expert in 11th-century maritime history at the University of Bristol).



Together, they dive into the chaos following Edward the Confessor's death, Harold Godwinson’s rapid coronation, and Duke William of Normandy’s perilous Channel crossing. From Viking-style ship experiments to Harold’s bloody victory at Stamford Bridge, discover the practical challenges, stormy weather, and high-stakes drama on the very eve of the Battle itself.
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From Long Meg and her Daughters to the Devil’s Arrows to Hetty Pegler’s Tump, the British Isles is dotted with ancient places with curious names. But who came up with those titles and what inspired them?

This time, Amy is joined by English Heritage’s Curator of History, Al Oswald and Curator of Properties, Stonehenge and the West, Win Scutt, to uncover the myths and folklore that have been woven around these sites. Join them to discover, amongst other things, the inspiration for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, why dancing on the sabbath was a terrible idea if you’re a woman, why counting stones could be fatal and why the Devil wasn’t a very good shot.

Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠   

Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.*     

Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠      

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.     

 *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals.  

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Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new, seven-part English Heritage Podcast video series exploring the historic events of 1066.



This episode unravels the years long journey to bring the iconic 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry back to English soil for a landmark exhibition at the British Museum. From negotiations and transport logistics to hidden embroidery secrets and missing end panels, discover how this 11th-century masterpiece survived and how it still captivates us today.



Join host Amy Matthews as she kicks off our journey with two expert guests: Jeremy Ashbee, Head Curator of Properties at English Heritage, and Professor Michael Lewis, Curator of the Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum.



Step back nearly 1,000 years and watch or listen now.
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In this episode, host Amy Matthews is joined by Kevin Booth, English Heritage’s Head Curator of Collections, and Professor Caroline Wilkinson, Director of Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University. Together, they explore how forensic science created a lifelike facial depiction of "Conquest Man" found buried at St Peter’s Church in Barton-upon-Humber around 50 years ago and known archaeologically as skeleton SK1863.

What can three mysterious applewood wands and a grass pillow reveal about his burial? How do tooth isotopes and 3D digital facial mapping uncover the overseas roots and facial features of someone who lived at the time of the Norman Conquest?

Discover how cutting-edge technology can bridge the gap to an ordinary person from the past and breathe new life into history life one thousand years later.

Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠   

Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.*     

Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠      

The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.     

 *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals.  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
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