
History Rage
- Folgen
- 345
- Erscheint
- mehrmals pro Woche
- Letzte Folge
- 9. Nov. 2026
Über den Podcast
History Rage is the history podcast that challenges everything you thought you knew about the past. Every Monday, host Paul Bavill invites professional historians, acclaimed authors and leading experts to expose historical myths, debunk popular misconceptions and reveal the truth behind the stories that shaped our world.
From ancient history and the Vikings to medieval Britain, the Tudor monarchy, the British Empire, world wars and modern history, History Rage tackles the myths, clichés and half-truths that refuse to die. Were Viking helmets really horned? Did Britain fight alone in 1940? Were medieval people really filthy? Discover what actually happened, why the accepted story is often wrong, and how history is far more fascinating than the version you were taught.
Whether you love British history, European history, military history, social history or uncovering the hidden stories behind famous people and events, History Rage brings you fascinating historical facts, surprising discoveries and expert insights with a healthy dose of irreverence.
Forget dry lectures and dusty textbooks. This is history with attitude: passionate historians challenging conventional wisdom, questioning the accepted narrative and raging against the historical myths we need to stop believing.
🎧 New episodes every Monday.
Follow History Rage on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for your weekly dose of history, historical myth-busting, extraordinary true stories and the past explained by the experts who know it best.
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Folgen 345
344. Europe Was Never Just a Judeo-Christian Entity! with Tharik Hussain
Is Europe strictly a Judeo-Christian entity, or have we forgotten 1400 years of Islamic history?In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with author, journalist, and historian …
Shownotes
Is Europe strictly a Judeo-Christian entity, or have we forgotten 1400 years of Islamic history?
In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with author, journalist, and historian Tharik Hussain to smash the persistent myth that Europe’s cultural identity is solely Judeo-Christian. Tharik exposes how Islamic heritage is woven directly into the fabric of European identity, tracing back to the earliest days of Islam.
Key Insights & Episode Highlights
- The First Muslim European Navy: Discover how Caliph Uthman and Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan launched Islam’s first organized naval presence in Cyprus around the 640s AD, placing early companions of Prophet Muhammad on European soil within the first generation of the faith.
- The Myth of Conquest vs Liberation: Revisit the 711 AD Muslim arrival in the Iberian Peninsula and how local Jewish communities viewed it as a liberation from severe Visigothic persecution, sparking the Jewish Golden Age.
- Golden Age Innovations: Learn about Abbas ibn Firnas—the 9th-century polymath who achieved human flight 600 years before Leonardo da Vinci—and Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi (Albukasis), the father of modern surgery whose tools mirror modern medical instruments today.
- Weaponized Mythologies: Deconstruct nation-building legends like Santiago Matamoros ("Moor Slayer") and the fictional Tribute of 100 Virgins, created to fuel anti-Muslim rhetoric during the Reconquista and Crusades.
- Living Indigenous History: Recognize indigenous European Muslims across Bosnia, Albania, and Kosovo, proving that Islam never left the continent.
Guest Information & Book Links
- Guest: Tharik Hussain
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tharik_hussein
- Buy the Book: Support independent bookshops and the podcast by purchasing Muslim Europe: A Journey in Search of the 1400 Years of History at the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780241742822
Recommended Episodes
Keep the historical rage going with these referenced episodes from the archive:
- Episode 304: Tom Asbridge on why the Black Death was actually a global problem
- Episode 237: Steve Tibble on dismantling the glamorization of the Assassins
Follow & Support History Rage
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/historyrage
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyrage
- Patreon: Join the Angry Mob for early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
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343. Marilyn Monroe was Neither Diva Nor Dumb Blonde with Lucy Jane Santos
Marilyn Monroe was a savvy, trailblazing studio boss—not a helpless starlet.In this centennial year of Marilyn Monroe's birth, historian and author Lucy Jane Santos joins Paul Bavill on History Rage to shatter …
Shownotes
Marilyn Monroe was a savvy, trailblazing studio boss—not a helpless starlet.
In this centennial year of Marilyn Monroe's birth, historian and author Lucy Jane Santos joins Paul Bavill on History Rage to shatter decades of Hollywood mythmaking.
From taking on studio executives to setting up her own production company, Marilyn Monroe fought relentless 1950s misogyny to take control of her career—only to be dismissed by contemporaries as a "dumb blonde" or a "diva" on set.
Lucy peels back the layers of retro gossip surrounding the chaotic, brilliant production of Some Like It Hot. Discover the real dynamics between Marilyn, director Billy Wilder, and co-stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Plus, unearth the truth about acting coach Paula Strasburg and why this timeless comedy continues to captivate audiences over six decades later.
Guest Information & Recommended Book
- Guest: Lucy Jane Santos
- Website: https://www.lucyjanesantos.com/
- Social Media: Follow Lucy on X @lucyjanesantos and Instagram @lucyjanesantos_
- Buy the Book: Support the guest and the podcast by buying Nobody's Perfect: The Making of Some Like It Hot from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781036138806
Recommended Additional Episodes
- Episode 175: Guy Walters on our obsession with the Mitford sisters.
- Episode 227: Anne de Courcy on Coco Chanel.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
- Support on Patreon: Join the Rage Train at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage for £5/month to get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug!
- Follow Us: Twitter/X @HistoryRage | Instagram @HistoryRage
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
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342. America Hasn’t Always Been This Bastion of Democracy with Jackson Van Uden
Is America really the global saviour of democracy it claims to be, or is that just a myth? Dive deep into the complex world of US Politics and American History with host Paul Bavill and guest historian Jackson …
Shownotes
Is America really the global saviour of democracy it claims to be, or is that just a myth?
Dive deep into the complex world of US Politics and American History with host Paul Bavill and guest historian Jackson Van Uden on this special episode of History Rage. Far from being a pure bastion of freedom from its inception, the History of the United States reveals a consistent, hidden vein of authoritarianism and anti-democratic behaviour that stretches all the way from the American Revolution to the modern era.
Discover how Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson used George III as a political scapegoat, why early elections like 1824 subverted the popular will, and how figures from Abraham Lincoln to Richard Nixon wrestled with executive overreach. Whether you are fascinated by American Presidents, the History of Democracy, or the complex realities of US Midterm Elections, this episode dismantles centuries of sanitized Political History to challenge everything you thought you knew.
Key Highlights & Topics Covered
- The Founding Myth: Unpacking how Thomas Jefferson blamed King George III to mask elite power grabs during the American Revolution.
- Elitism and the Electoral College: Why the architects of the Constitution feared direct democracy and how early presidential choices sidelined everyday citizens.
- Wartime Powers & Expansion: Examining executive overreach, civil liberties, and authoritarian measures from the Civil War to Woodrow Wilson and FDR.
- Homegrown Tyrants & Watergate: Looking at domestic demagogues like Huey Long and the legacy of Richard Nixon and Watergate.
Recommended Episodes Referenced in This Transcript
- Episode 262: It's Time to Stop Glorifying Henry VIII
- Episode 129: Totalitarianism is a 20th Century Phenomenon
Guest Information & Links
- Guest: Jackson Van Uden (Historian of authoritarianism, curator of the Katherine of Aragon Festival, and host of History with Jackson)
- History with Jackson Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms
- https://historywithjackson.co.uk/podcast
- Katherine of Aragon Festival: Keep an eye out for the festival coming to Peterborough in January 2027
How to Follow, Contact, and Support History Rage
- Support the Show on Patreon: Join as a History Rager at patreon.com/historyrage to get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug (tiers starting at £3 to £5 per month).
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe for early, ad-free episodes directly through Apple Podcasts.
- Spread the Word: Tell a friend and help grow the community—stay angry!
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341. Stop Believing the CIA Tried to Overthrow Albania with Stephen Long
Think you know the history of early Cold War espionage? Think again.In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with Dr. Stephen Long, Assistant Professor of International Relations and …
Shownotes
Think you know the history of early Cold War espionage? Think again.
In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with Dr. Stephen Long, Assistant Professor of International Relations and author of A Rich Harvest of Bitter Fruit, to dismantle decades of myths surrounding the CIA and MI6’s covert operations in communist Albania.
For years, mainstream history has claimed that the West launched a failed "rollback" operation to achieve regime change against Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, and that notorious Soviet mole Kim Philby single-handedly sabotaged the mission. Using a massive cache of recently declassified CIA documents, Dr. Long exposes these narratives as fundamental fallacies. Discover how the operation was actually constrained by geopolitical anxieties surrounding Yugoslavia's Tito, how the CIA "cut its teeth" on a sophisticated propaganda war, and why Kim Philby's true significance has been vastly distorted by his historical celebrity.
From the heartbreaking double-cross of the "Apple" agent team to the tactical lineage that led directly to the Bay of Pigs, this episode completely rewrites the playbook on early Western intelligence failures.
Recommended Additional Episodes
- Episode 103: Beyond the Stasi: The Untold Story of East Germany with Katja Hoyer
- Episode 285: The Cambridge Five Are a Bunch of Shit with Antonia Senior
About the Guest
- Dr. Stephen Long is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and an expert in US foreign policy and intelligence history.
- Buy the Book: Grab your copy of A Rich Harvest of Bitter Fruit: MI6, CIA Covert Action in Communist Albania directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837732241
Support & Follow History Rage
- Support us on Patreon: Get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug for just £5/month: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Follow the Rage: Share this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Google, and help another passenger climb aboard the rage train!
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340. The Real Sherlock Holmes Was a Victorian Surgeon: Dr. Joe Bell with Lindsey Fitzharris
Think the legendary detective began at 221B Baker Street?Step onto the Victorian hospital wards of 19th-century Edinburgh! Before Arthur Conan Doyle created the master sleuth, he was a medical student …
Shownotes
Think the legendary detective began at 221B Baker Street?
Step onto the Victorian hospital wards of 19th-century Edinburgh! Before Arthur Conan Doyle created the master sleuth, he was a medical student mesmerized by Dr. Joseph Bell—a Scottish surgeon who could read a human body like a crime scene. Long before standard forensic science existed, Bell used acute observational deduction to unmask army deserters, uncover poisons, and assist Edinburgh’s police surgeon in solving headline-grabbing murders.
In this gripping episode, medical historian, bestselling author, and YouTube host Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris joins Paul Bavill to tear away the fictional facade and reveal the real, complex man behind the Sherlock Holmes legend. Discover how Bell’s groundbreaking diagnostic eye helped pioneer courtroom expert testimony, reform Victorian nursing, and inspire a literary icon—even if both Bell and Doyle grew to despise the famous detective!
Guest Links & Social Details:
- Official Website: https://drlindseyfitzharris.com/
- YouTube Series (Under the Knife): https://www.youtube.com/@UnderTheKnifeShow
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindseyfitzharris/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/DrLindseyFitz
- Buy the Book (History Rage Bookshop): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780241632611
Recommended Episodes Referenced in Transcript:
- Episode 1: Cat Irving rages that Burke and Hare were not body snatchers.
- Episode 254: Debunking the Lizzie Borden axe murder myths.
- Episode 280: Alanna Skuse rages that Renaissance medicine is not quackery.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage:
- Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Follow on X (Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage
- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/
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339. Of Course Medieval and Tudor People Ate Vegetables with Sam Bilton
Can we please stop believing that our ancestors didn't eat vegetables?Are you tired of the myth that historical diets consisted only of giant turkey legs and gout-inducing meats? In this episode of History …
Shownotes
Can we please stop believing that our ancestors didn't eat vegetables?
Are you tired of the myth that historical diets consisted only of giant turkey legs and gout-inducing meats? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes food historian, author, and podcaster Sam Bilton to dismantle the persistent lie that people in the past avoided fruit and veg. From the misconception that medieval tables lacked greens to the Victorian culinary crimes that saw Brussels sprouts boiled for 40 minutes, Sam sets the record straight using the very text evidence left behind by historical cooks.
Discover how Tudor banquets actually incorporated seasonal produce, why Giacomo Castelvetro tried to get early 17th-century Brits to eat more celery, and how potatoes became the ultimate Shakespearean aphrodisiac. Plus, Sam reveals why an Elizabethan "boiled salad" is actually closer to modern gastropub fare than you think. It’s time to torch the meat-only myth and find out what our ancestors were really cooking.
Recommended Episodes
If you loved diving into the realities of historical dining, check out these recommended episodes from the History Rage archive:
- Episode 204: Neil Buttery rages that medieval people did have table manners.
- Episode 208: Annie Grey rages that British food is not dull and beige.
About the Guest
Sam Bilton is a food historian, lecturer, and author specializing in historical culinary arts. She is the author of Much Ado About Cooking: Delicious Shakespearean Feasts for Every Occasion.
- Buy the Book: Get your copy of Much Ado About Cooking directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781035427680
- Podcasts: Listen to Sam on the Comfortably Hungry podcast and A Is for Apple.
- Social Media: Follow Sam on all platforms @MrsSBilton.
Support & Follow History Rage
Help us keep the rage train rolling! You can support the podcast, get ad-free early access, join monthly live streams, and grab your exclusive History Rage mug by becoming a patron.
- Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/HistoryRage
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
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338. Did the Ancient Greeks and Romans Invent Homophobia? With Harry Tanner
Did the ancient world celebrate queer love, or did they invent homophobia?Stop repeating the myth that the ancient Greeks and Romans lived out an enlightened, carefree bisexual paradise. In this explosive …
Shownotes
Did the ancient world celebrate queer love, or did they invent homophobia?
Stop repeating the myth that the ancient Greeks and Romans lived out an enlightened, carefree bisexual paradise. In this explosive episode of the History Rage Podcast, where historical myths are debunked, host Paul Bavill sits down with historian, linguist, and author Harry Tanner to tear down everything you think you know about ancient sexuality truths.
From popular pop-history literature to classic classrooms, we are constantly told that sexuality is a modern 19th-century invention and that ancient city-states completely tolerated same-sex love. But the original ancient Greek texts paint a much darker reality, exposing the deep roots of ancient Greek homophobia. In discussing his book, The Queer Thing About Sin, Harry exposes the starting gun of systemic bias in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, tracking how societal crises, severe wealth inequality, plagues, and wars forced ancient cultures to turn aggressively on their queer citizens.
Discover the hidden truth behind discriminatory laws in Athens and Sparta, the reality of Romans and homosexuality, and the broader history of queer phobia. We explore why we must finally stop confusing brutal acts of wartime dominance with actual sexual tolerance. We also dive into the linguistic traps of the New Testament, confronting the intersection of religion and homophobia, and how academic nuance is the ultimate antidote to dogmatic prejudice. It is raw, it is angry, and it is a vital rewrite of Western history from History Rage.
Recommended Episodes to Binge Next
- Episode 275: The Lives and Loves of Alexander the Great with Stephen Harrison
- Episode 185: The Relationships of James I with Gareth Russell
About Our Guest
- Buy the Book: Grab your copy of The Queer Thing About Sin directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399422314
- Follow Harry Tanner: Connect on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/harryjamestanner or find him on Threads at https://www.threads.net/@harryjamestanner
Support & Follow History Rage
- Support us on Patreon: Unlock early, ad-free episodes, monthly livestreams, and the highly coveted History Rage mug for just £5 a month at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Follow the Show: Stay updated with the latest historical rants on Twitter/X at https://x.com/HistoryRage or visit our central hub at https://www.historyrage.com
- Spread the Rage: If you are loving the show, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and tell a friend to get aboard the rage train!
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337. Civilisation Does Not Start With Romans and Greeks with Patrick Wyman
Think history is a neat, upward march of progress? Think again.We love to tell ourselves a cozy story about human history: we started as innocent hunter-gatherers in perfect harmony with nature, invented …
Shownotes
Think history is a neat, upward march of progress? Think again.
We love to tell ourselves a cozy story about human history: we started as innocent hunter-gatherers in perfect harmony with nature, invented farming, and smoothly leveled up all the way to modern civilization. But Patrick Wyman—historian, author, and creator of the smash-hit Tides of History podcast—is here to tell us that standard textbook narrative is absolute bollocks. In this explosive episode of History Rage, Patrick unleashes on the myth of the "golden age" of human innocence and exposes the messy, chaotic reality of our deep past.
The truth? Human prehistory isn’t a straight line—it’s 10,000 years of spectacular booms, violent crashes, and desperate trade-offs. From prehistoric European societies tearing themselves apart in mysterious waves of conflict to sophisticated urban centers that completely rejected the need for kings or rulers, our ancestors weren't floating through an age of innocence. They were just like us: making shit up as they went along, altering their environments, and desperately trying to stay in the game.
Plus, Patrick stays fired up to deliver a much-needed, historically accurate beatdown to the internet's favorite conspiracy theory: no, aliens did not build the pyramids.
Ready to abandon the march of progress and see our ancestors for who they truly were? Hit play now to get angry, get smart, and look at human history with a whole new perspective.
About Our Guest: Patrick Wyman
Patrick Wyman is a historian, author, and the brilliant mind behind the massive history podcasts The Fall of Rome and Tides of History.
- Buy the Book: Support the podcast and pick up Patrick's incredible new book, The Lost Worlds, directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780063256484
- Listen to the Podcast: Search for Tides of History on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio.
- Follow Patrick on Threads & Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@wyman_patrick or https://www.instagram.com/wyman_patrick
- Follow Patrick on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/patrick_wyman
Recommended Additional Episodes
If you loved diving into the mysteries of the ancient world, make sure to queue up these recommended episodes of History Rage next:
- Episode 17: Caroline Nicolay rages that there was plenty of rich civilization thriving long before the Romans ever turned up.
- Episode 132: Professor Jim Leary talks about the deep prehistory of human movement and migration.
Support & Follow History Rage
History Rage relies entirely on the support of our legendary listeners to keep the rage train rolling.
- Support us on Patreon: Get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly livestreams, and the coveted History Rage mug for just £5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HistoryRage
- Share the Rage: If you loved this episode, the absolute best thing you can do is leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to get them on board!
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336. They’re the SIX QUEENS not the Six Wives! With Tracy Borman | Historic Royal Palaces Special
Forget Henry VIII: It is Time to Reignite the Power of the Six QueensAre you ready to stop defining these six extraordinary Tudor women by the man they married? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill …
Shownotes
Forget Henry VIII: It is Time to Reignite the Power of the Six Queens
Are you ready to stop defining these six extraordinary Tudor women by the man they married? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back Tracy Borman, Chief Historian of Historic Royal Palaces. Together, they shatter the centuries-old "six wives" narrative to focus on the individual achievements, political savvy, and lasting legacies of these phenomenal rulers.
From Catherine of Aragon’s military leadership and Anne Boleyn’s driving force behind the Reformation, to Jane Seymour’s sharp financial agency, Anne of Cleves’s masterclass in diplomatic survival, Katherine Howard’s misunderstood agency, and Katherine Parr’s radical political and literary intellect—discover why it is time to throw out the "wives" myth and put the Six Queens front and centre.
This episode is produced in proud partnership with Historic Royal Palaces and their Six Queens campaign, an initiative transforming how these legendary women are taught in schools. Discover educational resources, classroom videos, and updates on next year's Six Queens Week at the Historic Royal Palaces website: https://www.hrp.org.uk.
Recommended Additional Episodes
- Episode 262: Stop Glorifying Henry VIII with Jackson Van Uden
- Episode 264: Team Catherine vs. Team Anne with Kate McCaffrey
Guest Info & Resources
- Guest: Tracy Borman (Chief Historian, Historic Royal Palaces)
- Website & Books: Learn more about Tracy's work and her latest novel, The House of Boleyn, at https://www.tracyborman.co.uk
- X/Twitter: @TracyBorman
Follow & Support History Rage
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
- X/Twitter: @HistoryRage
- Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug for £5/month at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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335. Toxic Conspiracy Culture Completely Ruined the JFK Narrative with Martin Fitzgerald
Have you ever noticed that the JFK assassination is the only event in history where absolutely everyone feels entitled to an aggressive opinion? 🤬 The rich, human narrative of Dealey Plaza has been completely …
Shownotes
Have you ever noticed that the JFK assassination is the only event in history where absolutely everyone feels entitled to an aggressive opinion? 🤬 The rich, human narrative of Dealey Plaza has been completely hijacked by toxic internet debates and dogmatic conspiracy culture.
But what if everything we've been arguing over misses the point entirely? 🕵️♂️ In this episode, author Martin Fitzgerald joins the pod to rescue history from the shouting matches. We move past the tired political theories to explore the incredible, bizarre, and deeply moving stories of the ordinary, reluctant witnesses who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
From the absolute chaos of an unpreserved crime scene to government agencies lying out of sheer institutional self-preservation, we unpack how official blunders birthed modern conspiracy culture. We also dive into the fragile nature of memory under trauma—including a witness who swore the six-second shooting lasted five minutes! Plus, Martin finally reveals the idiosyncratic, hilariously human truth behind the infamous "Umbrella Man".
Are you ready to drop the dogmatism and enjoy the fascinating mystery of the unknown? Click your favourite player below to stream the episode right now! 🎧
Links & Resources
Get the Book:
Grab your copy of Martin Fitzgerald's fantastic book, The Umbrella Man and Other Stories, directly from the History Rage Bookshop to support the show:
👉 https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837360253
Connect with the Guest:
- Follow Martin Fitzgerald on Social Media: @4hundredblows
Recommended Companion Episodes:
- Episode 54: Stephen Wisdom rages on the moon landing theories.
- Episode 265: Hallie Rubenhold rages on why identifying Jack the Ripper is completely pointless.
Support & Follow History Rage
If you love tearing down historical myths and want to keep the rage alive, here is how you can support our independent podcast:
- Become a Patron: Join the Rage Train on Patreon for £5/month to get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug!
👉 https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Follow Us: Stay updated with our latest historical rants on social media.
- Spread the Word: Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to get aboard the Rage Train!
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334. Tudor Propaganda? The Yorkists Got There First with Nathen Amin | Gloucester History Festival LIVE
Did the Tudors really invent medieval fake news, or did the Yorkists get there first? When we think of historical spin, Tudor propaganda usually takes centre stage. But host Paul Bavill sits down live at the …
Shownotes
Did the Tudors really invent medieval fake news, or did the Yorkists get there first?
When we think of historical spin, Tudor propaganda usually takes centre stage. But host Paul Bavill sits down live at the Gloucester History Festival with acclaimed medieval historian and author Nathen Amin (House of Beaufort, Son of Prophecy) to completely shatter this dynastic myth.
In this fiery live session, Nathen exposes how Henry VII was simply a student of the game, adopting the very political playbook created by the House of York. From medieval Photoshop on parchment rolls and character assassination against Margaret of Anjou to the destruction of parliamentary records, discover how the Yorkists pioneered every trick in the book long before the Tudors ever claimed the throne.
Digital Passes & Festival Information
Nathen Amin appeared as part of the Gloucester History Festival. Digital passes to catch up on other talks from the festival can be purchased online at https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.
Recommended History Rage Episodes
If you enjoyed this deep dive into medieval politics, check out these related episodes:
- Episode 79: Richard III Fanatics with Nathen Amin – Nathen's famous first appearance unleashing his rage on Ricardian myths.
- Episode 137: Nathen rages that Henry VII should not be the Tudor nobody talks about
Guest Info & Books
Follow Nathen Amin and order his books:
- Website / Books: Find Son of Prophecy, and more at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781398133525
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/nathenamin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathenaminauthor
Connect, Follow & Support History Rage
Angry about bad history? Join the movement, follow us, and help keep the rage alive!
- Support on Patreon: Get early access, exclusive extras, and the coveted History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
- Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast providers.
- Follow on X (Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage
- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage
- Visit the Website: https://www.historyrage.com
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333. Genealogy is not second rate history with Jen Baldwin and FindMyPast
Unlock the hidden secrets of your ancestors because history didn't just happen, it happened to families.Are you tired of dry, dusty history books that only talk about prime ministers and battlefield generals? …
Shownotes
Unlock the hidden secrets of your ancestors because history didn't just happen, it happened to families.
Are you tired of dry, dusty history books that only talk about prime ministers and battlefield generals? It is time to smash the myth that genealogy is just an isolated, second-rate hobby for tracking pedigree charts. In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with professional genealogist and research specialist Jen Baldwin to blow the lid off traditional historical study.
Discover why family history is actually an essential, interdisciplinary gateway to understanding the real human consequences of our past. From the handwriting left on the 1921 Census of England and Wales to the surprising, messy tales preserved in global newspaper archives, learn how ordinary citizens were right in the thick of history's greatest upheavals. Whether you are tracing elusive agricultural laborers, criminal ancestors, or early colonial migrants, this episode will completely reframe how you look at your family's history. Don't leave your family's unique narratives trapped in the attic—tune in, get angry about forgotten history, and start digging today!
About Our Guest
Jen Baldwin has been working as a professional genealogist for over 15 years. She serves as a research specialist for FindMyPast and is a passionate advocate for connecting family archives with broader social and contextual history.
- Instagram: @jenbaldwin_genealogy
- Listen to the FindMyPast Podcast: Start uncovering historical deep-dives by subscribing to A Family History of… podcast, available wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Ready to dive down your own genealogical rabbit hole and start uncovering the truth about your ancestors? All new users can start their FREE FindMyPast trial today!
- Claim Your Free Trial: https://www.findmypast.co.uk
Recommended Additional Episodes
If you loved this episode's deep dive into local, human-centered histories, check out these festival special episodes from the History Rage archive:
- Episode 121: Phil Moss and Andrew Armstrong uncover the surprising, hidden history of Gloucester.
- Episode 176: The Vice Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, Tim Alban Jones, rages that Peterborough is definitely not just some dull new town.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
Join the Rage Train and make sure you never miss an angry historian exposing the myths of the past!
- Support us on Patreon: Join the inner circle of History Ragers for £5 per month to get access to monthly live streams, early ad-free episodes, and the coveted History Rage mug! Subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage.
- Ad-Free Early Releases: Available on both Patreon and Apple Podcasts https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/.
- Spread the Word: If you are loving the show, please tell a friend and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
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332. The SAS Founder History Forgot! With Lt-Col. Tim Spicer OBE
Was the Special Air Service truly built solely by David Stirling and rogue, unmanageable mavericks?Think you know the full origin story of the Special Air Service? The popular myth paints the WWII SAS as a …
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Was the Special Air Service truly built solely by David Stirling and rogue, unmanageable mavericks?
Think you know the full origin story of the Special Air Service? The popular myth paints the WWII SAS as a rogues' gallery of unmanageable, rule-breaking mavericks who single-handedly reshaped special warfare before quietly vanishing at the end of the conflict. But this narrative ignores the quiet leadership, sharp political intellect, and crucial post-war battle that actually preserved the regiment's legacy. Without one man operating behind the scenes in the corridors of power, the modern SAS simply would not exist today.
In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with former British Army officer and author Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE to debunk the romanticized myth of Special Forces and restore a crucial figure to his rightful place in history. Together, they explore the extraordinary life of Brian Franks DSO MC—hotel manager turned Special Forces commander—who not only led operations behind enemy lines during Operation Loyton but personally brought Nazi war criminals to justice and spearheaded the campaign to rebuild the SAS from post-war disbandment.
Guest Details & Book Referrals
- Guest: Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE
- Featured Book: An Axe and Four Balloons: The Biography of Brian Franks DSO MC, The Man Who Saved the SAS by Tim Spicer. Buy your copy directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781999589172
- Other Books by Tim Spicer: A Suspicion of Spies: Risk, Secrets and Shadows – The Biography of Wilfred 'Biffy' Dunderdale and A Dangerous Enterprise: Secret War at Sea
Recommended Additional Episodes
- Episode 310: Damien Lewis rages against the shocking portrayals of Blair 'Paddy' Mayne.
- Episode 218: Tony Rushmer rages that it is high time Reg Seekings got his moment in the sun.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com/
- Email: [email protected]
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331. Rome was NOT just a Land Power with Stephen DeCasien
Why the "Roman Land Power" Myth is a Massive Historic LieThere is a stubborn myth floating around popular culture and older history books that the Romans hated the sea, were terrible at sailing, and let their …
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Why the "Roman Land Power" Myth is a Massive Historic Lie
There is a stubborn myth floating around popular culture and older history books that the Romans hated the sea, were terrible at sailing, and let their navy rot the second a war ended. But according to ancient historian and nautical archaeologist Dr. Stephen DeCasien, that is complete history rage material.
In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill dives deep into the ancient Mediterranean to shatter the misconception that Rome was strictly a land power. By exploring cutting-edge underwater archaeology, ancient naval rams, and the industrial scale of Roman shipbuilding, Dr. DeCasien proves that Rome was just as formidable on the waves as they were on land.
Discover how the Romans fought an ancient naval arms race against Carthage during the First Punic War, engineered devastating boarding tools like the Corvus, and deployed massive warships weighing thousands of kilograms at the legendary Battle of Actium. If you want to understand how Rome truly dominated the ancient world, you have to look at their navy.
About the Guest: Dr. Stephen DeCasien
Dr. Stephen DeCasien is an ancient historian and nautical archaeologist specializing in ancient Greek and Roman naval warfare, shipbuilding, and the bronze naval rams used on the bows of ancient warships.
- Follow Stephen on Social Media: Connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at @DeCasien
Binge These Additional Episodes Next!
If you loved this deep dive into ancient Rome, check out these highly recommended episodes from the History Rage archive:
- Episode 255: Simon Elliott makes the case for why Septimius Severus was the greatest Roman emperor.
- Episode 296: Emma Southon rages against the myth that Roman slavery was somehow better than Roman poverty.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
Do you love historians getting angry about historical inaccuracies? Help us keep the rage train rolling!
- Support us on Patreon: Join the inner circle at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage. For just £5 a month, you get access to our exclusive monthly live stream, early ad-free episodes, and the coveted History Rage mug!
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- Spread the Word: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and tell a friend to get them aboard the rage train!
Until next week, thanks for listening and stay angry!
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330. The Home Guard Were NOT Doddering Old Incompetents with Sinclair McKay | Gloucester History Festival Special
Were 2 million unpaid British civilians really just doddery, helpless old men?Think Private Godfrey and Corporal Jones speak for the Home Guard? Think again! Captain Mannering's platoon gets a complete reality …
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Were 2 million unpaid British civilians really just doddery, helpless old men?
Think Private Godfrey and Corporal Jones speak for the Home Guard? Think again! Captain Mannering's platoon gets a complete reality check in this fiery episode of History Rage.
Join host Paul Bavill as he chats with author and historian Sinclair McKay to shatter the sitcom myths and restore dignity to Britain's WWII civilian army. From guerrilla warfare tactics taught by Spanish Civil War veterans at Osterley Park to the top-secret underground "auxiliaries" trained for sabotage and assassination, discover the deadly serious reality of the men—and women—who stood ready to defend their homes.
Key Takeaways & What You’ll Discover:
- Beyond the Sitcom: Why the "doddery old men" stereotype started in 1940—long before the 1968 BBC series Dad's Army.
- Real Combat Experience: Why the average age was actually 38, packed with First World War veterans and eager teenagers.
- Lethal Tactics: How volunteers were trained in asymmetric warfare, Molotov cocktails, sniper skills, and hand-to-hand combat.
- The Secret Auxiliaries: The underground, top-secret elite units prepared for covert resistance, sabotage, and target eliminations.
- Women on the Front Line: The fierce push for female enlistment, from factory platoons to outshooting MPs on the range.
Catch Sinclair McKay Live!
Sinclair is speaking at the Gloucester History Festival (which runs from 12th–20th September)!
- Event: Sinclair McKay on Dad's Army
- Date & Time: Sunday, 20th September at 10:00 AM
- Tickets: Available now at gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk
Guest Book & Referral Details
- Buy the Book: Grab your copy of Dad's Army: The Glorious True Story of the Home Guard by Sinclair McKay directly from the History Rage Bookshop: uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780241772324
Recommended Additional Episodes
- Episode 205: Nathan Hazlehurst on why there's more to civil defence than just putting bloody lights out.
- Episode 292: Joshua Levine rages against the myths surrounding the Blitz Spirit.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
- Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the coveted History Rage mug at patreon.com/historyrage.
- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Listen ad-free via Apple Podcasts.
- Follow Us: Stay angry and join the conversation on social media @HistoryRage.
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329. Edward VIII Did NOT Give Up The Throne for Love with Sian Evans
The Abdication Crisis DemolishedIn 1936, King Edward VIII gave up the British throne for the woman he loved—or so the story goes. But was the abdication of Edward VIII really the ultimate modern fairy tale, or …
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The Abdication Crisis Demolished
In 1936, King Edward VIII gave up the British throne for the woman he loved—or so the story goes. But was the abdication of Edward VIII really the ultimate modern fairy tale, or a carefully orchestrated establishment takedown?
Journalist and author Sian Evans joins host Paul Bavill on History Rage to shatter the classic fig leaf surrounding Wallis Simpson and the crown. Evans uncovers the political maneuvers, secret service surveillance, and establishment panic behind the year of three kings, exposing Edward VIII not as a romantic hero, but as an unsuitable, petulant playboy king the government desperately needed to replace.
Key Discussion Points
- The Romantic Fig Leaf: Why the "greatest love story" myth served both the royal family and the British government to hide a constitutional coup.
- Playboy Prince to Reluctant King: Edward’s self-indulgence, low boredom threshold, and early threats to renounce his royal duties.
- Enter Wallis Simpson: The dynamic American divorcee, the secret Ipswich divorce trial, and why the establishment saw her as a threat.
- The Establishment Takedown: How Stanley Baldwin, Archbishop Cosmo Lang, and court officials leveraged the crisis to install Bertie (King George VI).
- Royal Duty vs. Personal Desire: The echoes of 1936 in modern royal departures, from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to royal duty.
Recommended History Rage Episodes
- Episode 175: Stop Worshipping the Bloody Mitfords with Guy Walters
- Episode 227: Coco Chanel Was Not a Nazi Spy with Anne de Courcy
Guest Information & Book Link
- Guest: Sian Evans
- Book: 1936: The Year of Three Kings
- Buy the Book: Support the guest, independent booksellers, and History Rage by purchasing from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399722766
Follow, Support & Join History Rage
- Support on Patreon: Get access to live streams and exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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- Follow on Socials: Search @HistoryRage across Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.
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328. Elizabeth Báthory was NOT a Blood-Bathing Serial Killer with Shelley Puhak
Vampires, bloodbaths, and historical smear campaigns: why the legends you know are dead wrong.Think you know the story of Elizabeth Báthory, the "Blood Countess" who bathed in the blood of virgins to stay …
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Vampires, bloodbaths, and historical smear campaigns: why the legends you know are dead wrong.
Think you know the story of Elizabeth Báthory, the "Blood Countess" who bathed in the blood of virgins to stay forever young? Think again. In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill sits down with former professor and author Shelley Puhak to tear down four centuries of myth and reveal the real woman behind the monster.
The canonical legend has cemented Báthory as the world's most prolific female serial killer, a creature walled up in a tower after being caught red-handed. But the reality has nothing to do with horror tropes and everything to do with early modern witch trials, immense wealth, and a cutthroat political turf war against the Habsburg Empire.
Shelley exposes how a powerful, literate, and politically inconvenient widow was systematically dismantled by ambitious, paranoid men who used the era's raging satanic panics to launch a massive land grab. If you love true history, political intrigue, and watching legendary myths get turned to ash, this rage is exactly what you need.
Discover the Real History:
- The Fabricated Myth: Why the infamous "bathing in blood" detail wasn't added until a century after her death by a Jesuit priest looking to sell local folklore.
- A Political Target: How Báthory’s control of vast strategic fortresses and her family's ties to open rebellion made her a massive threat to the Habsburg crown.
- An Investigation Without Bodies: The shocking truth behind the lack of evidence, missing victims, and the hurried torture and execution of her servants.
- The Weapon of Misogyny: How powerful women throughout history—from Anne Boleyn to Catherine de' Medici—are consistently transformed into monsters in the historical imagination.
Links and Resources
- Buy the Book: Grab your copy of Shelley Puhak's gripping book, The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster, from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781639732159
- Follow the Guest: Connect with author Shelley Puhak and dive deeper into her work on marginalized histories by visiting her website: https://www.shelleypuhak.com
Recommended Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode, dive into these angry deep-dives from our archives:
- Episode 254: Rachel McCarthy James rages about the misunderstandings surrounding the Lizzie Borden murders.
- Episode 306: Kate Williams sets the record straight on the royal, scandalous myths of Catherine the Great.
Support History Rage!
If you want to help us keep slaying historical myths, please consider supporting the show:
- Patreon: Join our community as a free or premium member at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Google, and—until next week—stay angry!
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327. Stop Trying To Find The Real King Arthur with Amy Jeffs | Gloucester History Festival Special
Was King Arthur real? or are we looking at history all wrong?If you think finding a 6th-century tomb solves the Arthurian legend, think again. Medievalist, artist, and author Dr. Amy Jeffs (author of Arthur: A …
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Was King Arthur real? or are we looking at history all wrong?
If you think finding a 6th-century tomb solves the Arthurian legend, think again. Medievalist, artist, and author Dr. Amy Jeffs (author of Arthur: A New Life) joins host Paul Bavill to dismantle the obsession with "smoking gun" popular history. From giant-descended queens to shape-shifting wizards, the true power of King Arthur lies not in a single dead warlord, but in centuries of evolving folklore, political propaganda, and captivating mystery.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Gloucester Cathedral Apprentice Bracket Myth: How medieval art history misreads grief vs. miracles.
- The Real Roots of Arthur: 9th-century Breton charters, early Welsh poetry, and monster-slaying heroes.
- Brute Chronicles & Propaganda: How medieval kings twisted myth to justify foreign conquests.
- The Dark Origin of the Round Table: Food fights, brutal executions, and baronial politics.
- Forgotten Women of Arthurian Legend: Morgan le Fay, Guinevere's lineage, and Merlin’s sister.
Stop reducing complex legends to simple answers—embrace the magic of historical mystery!
Guest Info & Book Links:
- Buy the Book: Order Arthur: A New Life via the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781529431681
- Website: https://www.amyjeffshistoria.com/
- Instagram: @amyjeffs_author
- Live Event: See Dr. Amy Jeffs live at the Gloucester History Festival (12th–20th September). Book tickets now at https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.
Recommended Episodes:
- Episode 322: Emily Hauser rages that there is no canonical version of The Odyssey.
- Episode 276: Nick Jubber rages that vampires are not Transylvanian.
Follow & Support History Rage:
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
- Patreon: Join for £3/month for ad-free listening, or £5/month for live streams, early releases, and the History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage.
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe directly on Apple Podcasts for ad-free episodes.
- Social Media: Follow @HistoryRage on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.
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326. Nuclear Civil Defence is NOT a futile joke with Nathan Hazlehurst
Britain’s terrifying Cold War survival plans were far more serious than imagined.Was Cold War civil defence genuinely useful — or simply political theatre designed to comfort a frightened population? In this …
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Britain’s terrifying Cold War survival plans were far more serious than imagined.
Was Cold War civil defence genuinely useful — or simply political theatre designed to comfort a frightened population? In this explosive episode of History Rage, emergency planning historian Dr. Nathan Hazlehurst dismantles decades of myths surrounding Britain’s nuclear preparedness.
From Protect and Survive and regional nuclear bunkers to the grim realism of Threads and When the Wind Blows, Nathan reveals the astonishing scale of Britain’s plans for surviving nuclear war. Far from being laughable, civil defence involved thousands of volunteers, detailed “war books” in every council area, emergency food distribution plans, evacuation schemes, and preparations for maintaining government after atomic attack.
Nathan explains how the UK expected local authorities to become wartime rulers, why police would have received sweeping emergency powers, and how Britain planned to preserve society in the aftermath of nuclear devastation. The discussion also explores the cultural legacy of civil defence, including the influence of Yes Minister, Dad’s Army, and the BBC’s banned 1965 nuclear drama The War Game.
You’ll hear why the famous Protect and Survive booklet may actually contain surprisingly sensible resilience advice — much of which Scandinavian countries still issue to citizens today.
This episode explores:
- The real purpose behind Britain’s Cold War civil defence network
- Why local councils maintained secret nuclear war books
- How Threads accurately portrayed nuclear emergency planning
- The role of the Civil Defence Corps and Green Goddess fire engines
- Britain’s regional seats of government and continuity plans
- Why nuclear-free zones clashed with central government
- How Cold War resilience planning still shapes emergency response today
Guest Details
Dr. Nathan Hazlehurst is an emergency preparedness practitioner and contemporary historian specialising in British civil defence and Cold War emergency planning. He is currently developing his doctoral research into a forthcoming book exploring the history and legacy of UK civil defence.
Follow Nathan on X/Twitter:
https://x.com/n_rh1992
Recommended Episodes
- Episode 43 – Lucy Siebert rages that Protect and Survive isn’t really that bad
- Episode 205 – Nathan Hazlehurst rages there’s more to wartime defence than “putting bloody lights out”
Follow and support History Rage:
Website: https://historyrage.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
Twitter/X: https://x.com/historyrage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyrage
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/historyrage
Support the podcast on Patreon for early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, bonus content, and the legendary History Rage mug.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, share the episode online, and help more people discover the rage.
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325. Tudors are NOT overdone with Joanne Paul | Gloucester History Festival Special
Think we’ve exhausted Tudor history? Think again — what are we missing?Are the Tudors really overdone, or are we simply telling the same stories over and over again? Dr Joanne Paul joins Paul Bavill for a …
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Think we’ve exhausted Tudor history? Think again — what are we missing?
Are the Tudors really overdone, or are we simply telling the same stories over and over again? Dr Joanne Paul joins Paul Bavill for a counter-rage against the idea that historians should stop studying the Tudors.
From the English Reformation and the Break with Rome to poverty, politics, women, immigrants, people of colour and the extraordinary figures operating beyond the royal spotlight, there is far more to sixteenth-century England than Henry VIII, his six wives and Elizabeth I.
Joanne explains why modern Tudor history is busy challenging Victorian misconceptions, uncovering overlooked lives and rethinking how power actually worked. Why did the dissolution of the monasteries fundamentally change the experience of poverty? Were Tudor counsellors sometimes more important than the monarch? Were the seeds of the English Civil War already being planted in sixteenth-century ideas about government?
There is also plenty of discussion about the English Reformation, Lollardy, Renaissance humanism, Edward VI, the Marian regime, Henry VII, the rise of the “new men” and, inevitably, why Edward Seymour sucks.
If you think Tudor history begins and ends with Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, this is your challenge to look again.
Dr Joanne Paul is speaking at the Gloucester History Festival, which runs from 12th–20th September. Joanne will be appearing on Friday 18th September at 4pm, discussing the end of Henry VIII's reign. Find festival information and tickets at: https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk
Find out more about Dr Joanne Paul and follow her work:
Website: https://www.joannepaul.co.uk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoannePaul
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoannepaul/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/drjoannepaul
Joanne is the author of Thomas More: A Life and Death in Tudor England and The House of Dudley. Buy The House of Dudley and support History Rage through the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781405937191
Recommended episodes:
Episode 269: Al Murray argues it’s time to shut up about the Tudors.
Episode 266: Dr Joanne Paul rages that it’s not Lady Jane Grey — it’s Queen Jane Dudley.
Listen to more episodes and find History Rage here:
Website: https://www.historyrage.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage
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If you enjoy History Rage, please follow, subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen — and tell another history lover to climb aboard the rage train.
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324. The British were NOT "too slow" liberating Caen with Ben Mayne
Why Caen’s ‘slow’ liberation actually won the Battle of Normandy.Historian and battlefield guide Ben Mayne joins https://historyrage.com to dismantle one of the most persistent myths of the Second World War …
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Why Caen’s ‘slow’ liberation actually won the Battle of Normandy.
Historian and battlefield guide Ben Mayne joins https://historyrage.com to dismantle one of the most persistent myths of the Second World War: that the British and Canadians were “too slow” to break out from Caen after D-Day.
Drawing on years of battlefield research, veterans’ testimonies and deep study of Operation Charnwood, Ben argues that the fighting around Caen unfolded exactly as Bernard Montgomery intended. Rather than a failed advance, Caen became the crucial “anvil” that trapped and destroyed the bulk of Germany’s Panzer divisions while the Americans prepared their breakout across Normandy.
We explore why the city proved so difficult to capture, the role of the Hillman bunker complex, the impact of Operation Fortitude, and how attritional warfare shaped the wider Normandy campaign. Ben also explains why the RAF bombing raids before Charnwood were never intended to flatten Caen — and how post-war narratives unfairly painted British and Canadian troops as passive or ineffective.
This episode dives into:
- Why Caen mattered so much to Allied strategy after D-Day
- The real purpose of Montgomery’s Normandy campaign plan
- How German SS Panzer divisions concentrated around Caen
- The brutal fighting faced by British and Canadian infantry
- Why Operation Charnwood deserves far greater recognition
- The truth behind the “drinking tea while waiting” myth
- How logistics, manpower and attrition shaped the liberation of Normandy
If you enjoy military history, Normandy battlefield analysis, D-Day history, or debates around Montgomery’s leadership, this episode is essential listening.
Follow Ben Mayne:
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/BattlefieldBen
- Liberation Route Europe UK: https://www.liberationroute.com/uk
- Liberation Route Europe App: https://www.liberationroute.com/app
Related listening:
- James Holland on the Italian Campaign and the “D-Day Dodgers”
- Jack Bowsher on why the Burma Campaign was far more than infantry warfare
Support History Rage:
- Website: https://historyrage.com
- Substack: https://historyrage.substack.com
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/historyrage
Follow History Rage on social media and subscribe for more military history podcasts, historical myth-busting, and expert interviews every week.
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323. Jane Austen was NOT a genteel saintly woman with Izzy Meakin
Jane Austen wasn’t polite—she was sharp, savage, and brilliantly misunderstoodFor generations, Jane Austen has been portrayed as a quiet, genteel figure—an almost saintly observer of polite Regency society. But …
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Jane Austen wasn’t polite—she was sharp, savage, and brilliantly misunderstood
For generations, Jane Austen has been portrayed as a quiet, genteel figure—an almost saintly observer of polite Regency society. But what if that image is completely wrong?
In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Austen expert and What The Austen podcast host Izzy Meakin to dismantle one of literary history’s most persistent myths. Drawing on Austen’s surviving letters, family history, and the subtext of her novels, Izzy reveals a writer who was anything but passive—sharp-tongued, ironic, politically aware, and often brutally funny.
From scathing remarks about neighbours and family to her barely concealed disdain for the Prince Regent, Austen’s private voice tells a very different story. With only around 160 letters surviving—and many deliberately destroyed by her sister Cassandra—the version of Austen we’ve inherited is incomplete at best, curated at worst.
Izzy explores how Austen’s family helped shape her legacy after her death, particularly through her brother Henry’s glowing (and arguably over-sanitised) biography and even her gravestone inscription—both of which emphasised her sweetness and morality while ignoring her literary achievements.
But the real Austen lives in the nuance:
- A writer who channelled personal frustrations into Sense and Sensibility
- A keen observer of social hypocrisy and gender constraints
- A creator of complex, flawed, and deeply human female characters
This episode dives into how Austen’s lived experiences—from financial insecurity to complicated family dynamics—fed directly into her fiction, and why her work continues to reward readers who look beyond the surface.
If you think Austen is all romance and manners, this conversation will change your perspective entirely.
About the Guest
Izzy Meakin is the host of the What The Austen podcast, where she explores the life, works, and cultural legacy of Jane Austen with fresh insight and humour.
- Instagram: @whattheausten
- Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and all major platforms
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whattheausten
Listen & Follow History Rage
- Website: https://historyrage.com
- Subscribe on your favourite podcast app
- Join the mailing list via Substack
- Follow for updates and episode releases
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode:
- Follow and subscribe on your podcast platform
- Leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts
- Share the episode with fellow history lovers
- Join the mailing list for exclusive updates at www.historyrage.com or https://historyrage.substack.com/
Step beyond the myth and rediscover Jane Austen as she really was: complicated, contradictory, and endlessly fascinating.
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322. There is no real version of a Greek Myth with Emily Hauser | Gloucester History Festival Special
Are you sure there is a single, "real" version of Achilles, Helen, or the Odyssey?In this episode, classicist and author Emily Hauser (creator of Mythica) joins Paul Bavill to dismantle one of the biggest …
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Are you sure there is a single, "real" version of Achilles, Helen, or the Odyssey?
In this episode, classicist and author Emily Hauser (creator of Mythica) joins Paul Bavill to dismantle one of the biggest misconceptions in classical literature: the search for a single, definitive "truth" behind ancient myth. From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to modern cinematic interpretations, myth was never meant to be a static rulebook. It is a living, flexible oral tradition shaped by who is telling the story, why they are telling it, and which voices—especially those of women—are written into or out of the narrative.
Together, Emily and Paul explore how figures like Penelope, Cassandra, Helen, Briseis, and Andromache offer richer, more complex insights into the ancient world than any rigid timeline ever could. They unpack the ancient concept of Xenia (guest-friendship), the tragedy of divine curses, and why asking "why was this myth told this way?" is far more powerful than chasing a "canon" that never existed.
Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights
- The Myth of the "Correct" Myth: Why searching for the "real" Achilles or Helen misses the core purpose of fluid, evolving oral storytelling.
- The Silencing of Women: How Telemachus’s rebuke of Penelope in Book 1 of the Odyssey marks one of the earliest Western literary examples of silencing female speech—and how female writers resist it.
- The Real Meaning of Xenia: Why host-guest relationships act as the social glue of ancient Greece, and how both the suitors and Odysseus himself violate these sacred rules.
- Agency and Curses: The tragic dimensions of Cassandra’s truth-telling curse, Helen’s balance of agency and divine intervention, and how Briseis evolved from Homer to Shakespeare.
Featured Guest: Dr. Emily Hauser
Dr. Emily Hauser is a classicist, academic, and author of Mythica: A New History of Homer's World Through the Women Written Out of It.
- Book: Buy Emily's book Mythica at the official History Rage Bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781804992791
- Gloucester History Festival: Emily is speaking live at the festival on Thursday, 17th September at 6:00 PM. The Gloucester History Festival runs from 12th – 20th September. Get your tickets here:
https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk
Related History Rage Episodes
Continue exploring Ancient Greece, historical myths, and classical voices with these recommended episodes:
- Episode 257: Natalie Haynes rages that Greek myth is a lot less male-centric than we think.
- Episode 305: Adrian Goldsworthy rages that Ancient Greece is not all poets and philosophers.
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
Follow & Contact:
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
- X / Twitter: https://x.com/HistoryRage
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage
Support the Podcast: Enjoying the rage? Help keep the thunderbolts raining down by becoming a History Rager! For £5 per month, Patreon supporters receive ad-free episodes, early access, exclusive monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug.
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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321. The English Civil Wars were WAY more than King v Parliament with Jonathan Healey
The English Civil Wars were far messier than King versus ParliamentThe English Civil Wars are often reduced to a simple clash: King versus Parliament, Cavaliers versus Roundheads, tyranny versus democracy. But …
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The English Civil Wars were far messier than King versus Parliament
The English Civil Wars are often reduced to a simple clash: King versus Parliament, Cavaliers versus Roundheads, tyranny versus democracy. But as historian Jonathan Healey reveals, that tidy narrative collapses the moment you look closer.
In this episode of History Rage, Jonathan dismantles the myths surrounding the mid-17th century conflicts and shows just how tangled the reality truly was. Parliament itself was divided, loyalties shifted constantly, and ordinary people weren’t passive followers—they made choices, took sides, and shaped events in ways that still surprise historians today.
We explore why religion mattered—but not always in the way you think—how political factions splintered into ever more radical movements, and why the execution of Charles I was never inevitable. What began as disputes over authority spiralled into debates about sovereignty, representation, and the limits of monarchy—arguments that would echo through centuries of political thought.
Jonathan also challenges the comforting idea of clear heroes and villains. The English Civil Wars were morally grey, filled with figures whose decisions reshaped the kingdom in unpredictable ways. The result is a conflict far more complicated—and far more fascinating—than the schoolbook version.
Whether you're new to the period or already fascinated by 17th-century politics, this episode will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the Civil Wars.
About the Guest
Jonathan Healey is a social historian of early modern England and author of The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England. His work focuses on the lives, politics, and ideas that transformed Britain during the revolutionary decades of the 17th century.
Follow Jonathan Healey:
Bluesky: @JonathanHealey
Buy the Book:
The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England
History Rage Bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781526621696
Listen Next
If this episode sparks your interest in 17th-century conflict, you might also enjoy:
- Episode 35 – Kirstine MacKenzie on why it’s really the War of Three Kingdoms
- Episode 102 – Mark Turnbull’s defence of Charles I
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History isn’t simple—and that’s exactly why it’s worth raging about.
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320. The Crusades are not the only thing going on in the Middle East with Nic Morton | Gloucester History Festival Special
Think the Crusades were the defining conflict of the medieval Middle East? Think again.In this opening special for the Gloucester History Festival, host Paul Bavill welcomes back Associate Professor of History …
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Think the Crusades were the defining conflict of the medieval Middle East? Think again.
In this opening special for the Gloucester History Festival, host Paul Bavill welcomes back Associate Professor of History at Nottingham Trent University, Dr Nicholas Morton, to tear down one of history’s most persistent misconceptions. While popular memory draws a neat line down the Middle East dividing Crusaders and Islamic forces in endless war, the reality was far richer, more complex, and endlessly fascinating.
While Western crusaders captured only a handful of cities, massive nomadic powers like the Seljuk Turks forged vast empires stretching from Central Asia across Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Far from a permanent warzone, the medieval Middle East served as the global crossroads for trade, culture, and technology. From knightly rivalries turning into unexpected friendships to shared siege catapult designs, international currency trading, and mobile artisans crossing borders, Dr Morton reveals why the Crusades were merely one small piece of a much grander Eurasian mosaic.
Guest Information & Book
- Guest: Dr Nicholas Morton (Associate Professor of History, Nottingham Trent University)
- University Profile: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/arts-humanities/nicholas-morton
- New Book: The Crusader Storm
- Buy the Book: Support the podcast and pick up your copy from the History Rage Bookshop at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399818728
- Live Event: Dr Nicholas Morton is speaking at the Gloucester History Festival (running 12th–20th September) on Thursday, 17th September at 12:00 PM. Book tickets now at https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk
Recommended Episodes Mentioned
- Episode 214: Dr Nicholas Morton rages that the Mongols are a civilization, not a rabble.
- Episode 267: Rory McClellan rages that the Hospitallers are way more important than the Templars.
Follow & Support History Rage
- Support on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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319. The Italians Were Not Cowards with Karen Farrington
Were Italian soldiers really cowards in World War Two? Think again!In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by author, former journalist, and WWII enthusiast Karen Farrington to challenge the …
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Were Italian soldiers really cowards in World War Two? Think again!
In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by author, former journalist, and WWII enthusiast Karen Farrington to challenge the widespread myth of "Italian cowardice" during the Second World War.
Together, they dive deep into the overlooked history of Italian soldiers, the harsh realities of the Allied prisoner-of-war camps in Italy, and the incredible, highly dangerous escape network that saved thousands of Allied troops following the September 1943 armistice.
Key Takeaways & Historical Myths Debunked
- The Myth of "Italian Cowardice": Karen dismantles the long-standing stereotype that Italian forces simply ran away or lacked courage. She highlights the severe logistical handicaps, poor leadership, obsolete equipment, and disease that crippled Italian troops in North Africa.
- Bravery on the Eastern Front: Over 200,000 Italians were sent to Stalingrad, fighting in brutal conditions alongside German forces, often receiving recognition for their courage despite inadequate equipment like faulty red devil grenades.
- The Scale of the Italian POW Network: Italy held roughly 80,000 Allied prisoners of war from across the British Empire. The Italian-run camps were remarkably secure, with almost no successful escapes prior to the 1943 armistice.
- The "Stay Put" Order & The 1943 Armistice: Following Mussolini's fall, Allied High Command ("Whitehall") issued controversial orders for POWs to stay inside the camps. Despite this, around 50,000 men escaped, with roughly 10,000 staying on the run for extended periods.
- Italian Civilian Selflessness: Thousands of ordinary, impoverished Italian civilians risked (and lost) their lives, homes, and freedom to feed and shelter Allied escapers from German occupiers.
- The Role of the Church & Vatican: Figures like Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty organized complex escape lines in Rome, hiding fugitives with support from both local clergy and wealthy citizens.
- A-Force & Bold Escape Operations: Special Allied units like "A-Force" operated behind enemy lines—sometimes marching down occupied roads in full British battle dress—to recover POWs via beach extractions like Operation Darlington 2.
Guest Information & Featured Book
- Guest: Karen Farrington (Writer, journalist, and WWII author)
- Book: The Great Italian Breakout
Support the Podcast: Please use the link in these show notes to buy the book via the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837733736! Ordering through this link helps support the show with a small commission and supports independent bookshops.
- Social Links:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.farrington.9237
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/karenfarrington.bsky.social
Related Episodes & Further Reading
- History Rage Ep. 169: James Holland on why Italy was not a soft target.
- History Rage Ep. 211: Keith Lowe on the liberation of Naples.
- Organization Highlight: The Monte San Martino Trust (representing the history of escaped POWs in Italy).
Support History Rage
- Join the Patreon: Support the podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage for £3/month to gain access to live streams, early release ad-free episodes, and more!
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- Spread the Word: Enjoyed the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to hop aboard the rage train!
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318. The Fall of the Byzantine Empire was NOT inevitable with Laura Bolick
The Byzantine Empire didn’t have to fall—history simply chose differently.The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is often presented as the inevitable end of a decaying empire—but what if that narrative is …
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The Byzantine Empire didn’t have to fall—history simply chose differently.
The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is often presented as the inevitable end of a decaying empire—but what if that narrative is completely wrong? In this episode of History Rage, historian and author Laura Bolick dismantles one of history’s most persistent myths: that the Byzantine Empire was doomed long before the Ottoman cannons fired.
Drawing on her book Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an Empire, Laura reveals a world full of missed opportunities, fragile alliances, political infighting, and last-minute efforts that nearly changed history. Rather than a slow collapse caused by decadence, the Byzantine story is one of diplomacy, survival, and desperate attempts to rally Western support that very nearly worked.
At the heart of this story are two remarkable figures—Cardinal Johannes Bessarion and Isidore of Kiev—who risked everything to secure military aid from Western Europe. Their mission to unite the Orthodox and Catholic Churches was intended to bring the crusading forces that might have saved Constantinople. Incredibly, Ottoman commanders themselves nearly abandoned the siege before a final breakthrough changed the course of history forever.
This episode explores the deeper causes behind the fall of Byzantium, including Western complacency, internal European conflicts, and the dangerous assumption that great cities could never truly fall. It’s a powerful reminder that history isn’t predetermined—it's shaped by decisions, timing, and human choices.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- Why the fall of Constantinople was not historically inevitable
- How Western Europe failed to support Byzantium when it mattered most
- The political and religious tensions between Orthodox and Catholic Churches
- The role of crusades in late medieval diplomacy
- How the Ottomans engineered one of history’s most remarkable sieges
- What Byzantium’s fall teaches us about modern geopolitical complacency
About the Guest
Laura Bolick is an art historian and researcher specialising in late medieval Byzantium and Renaissance intellectual culture. Her work focuses on the cultural survival of Byzantium and the figures who fought to preserve its legacy.
Book: Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an Empire
Buy from the History Rage Bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781398122192
(Using this link supports independent bookshops and the podcast.)
Follow Laura Bolick
- Check your preferred bookseller for Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an Empire
- Look out for talks, articles, and appearances connected to Byzantine and Renaissance history
Follow & Support History Rage
Love bold historical debate and myth-busting scholarship? Here’s how to stay connected:
- Website: https://historyrage.com
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Support the Podcast
- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
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Your support helps keep historical myths under siege.
Why This Episode Matters
History often looks inevitable in hindsight—but as this episode reveals, the fall of Byzantium was anything but certain. From near-abandoned sieges to failed crusades and shifting alliances, the fate of Constantinople hung on fragile moments and human decisions. Understanding those moments doesn’t just reshape medieval history—it challenges how we think about the future.
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317. The Russians and Austro-Hungarians in WWI are not rubbish with Nicolai Eberholst | Great War Group Conference Special
Think the First World War was just the Western Front and incompetent Eastern armies? Think again!In this explosive episode of History Rage, First World War historian, Trustee of the Great War Group, and Ring of …
Shownotes
Think the First World War was just the Western Front and incompetent Eastern armies? Think again!
In this explosive episode of History Rage, First World War historian, Trustee of the Great War Group, and Ring of Fire co-author Nicolai Eberholst tears down the persistent myths surrounding the Russian and Austro-Hungarian armies. Nicolai breaks down why dismissing these powers as "bad armies" or useless corpses is wrong, proving how vital they were to the conflict.
What You’ll Discover:
- The Russian Army: Beyond the "steamroller" and Tannenberg myths—how Russia inflicted devastating casualties and bound German forces until 1918.
- The Austro-Hungarian Empire: Why fighting a 1.3-front war with an 8-million-man army was essential for Central Power survival.
- Post-War Myths: How interwar bias, post-imperial storytelling, and Western-centric history buried the real story of the Eastern Front.
Don't miss Nicolai speaking live at the Great War Group Conference from 9th – 11th October at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds! Grab your conference tickets here: https://greatwargroup.com/product-category/conference/
Recommended Episodes
- Episode 210: The Great War is a Global War (with Nicolai Eberholst & Alex Churchill)
- Episode 154: The Indian Army Contribution (with Adam Prime)
Books & Referral Details
- Buy Ring of Fire: A New Global History of the Outbreak of the First World War at the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781035903412
Guest Information
- Guest: Nicolai Eberholst
- Social Media: @pikegrey1418
- Great War Group: https://greatwargroup.com
Follow, Contact & Support History Rage
- Website: https://www.historyrage.com
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage
- Patreon: Support us for £5/month for ad-free episodes, early releases, live streams, and the exclusive mug: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage
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316. The B-17 Was Crap with Will Carver aka LordHardthrasher
Was the legendary B-17 really brilliant—or dangerously overrated wartime myth?The B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War—but what if its reputation doesn’t match …
Shownotes
Was the legendary B-17 really brilliant—or dangerously overrated wartime myth?
The B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War—but what if its reputation doesn’t match reality?
In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes aviation historian and YouTube creator Will Carver to challenge one of the biggest myths of Allied air power. Known for his sharp analysis and uncompromising views, Will argues that the B-17’s legendary status owes more to storytelling, culture, and Hollywood than battlefield performance.
From its origins in 1930s military theory to the brutal realities of daylight bombing over Germany, this episode digs into why the aircraft that symbolised American courage may not have delivered the technical superiority it promised.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why the B-17 Flying Fortress became such a powerful cultural icon
- The real limitations of its bomb load, range, and survivability
- How daylight precision bombing proved far harder than planners expected
- The truth about the Norden bombsight and its controversial testing history
- Why raids like Schweinfurt exposed devastating weaknesses
- How aircraft design decisions limited bomb capacity and effectiveness
- Why the courage of crews matters even more when the technology struggles
Despite its fearsome reputation, the B-17 often carried smaller bomb loads than British heavy bombers and struggled to defend itself against increasingly capable German fighters. Its reliance on formation flying reduced speed, altitude flexibility, and survivability—sometimes with catastrophic results.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode isn’t about mocking history—it’s about understanding it properly.
Will makes a powerful point: praising equipment as flawless risks overshadowing the extraordinary bravery of the crews who flew it. Many airmen climbed aboard knowing the risks were immense, flying into intense flak and fighter opposition regardless. Their courage deserves recognition grounded in truth, not mythology.
If you love Second World War aviation, strategic bombing history, or myth-busting history podcasts, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Guest Details — Will Carver
YouTube Channel:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@HardThrasher
Follow Will on Social Media:
- Instagram: @lordhardthrasher
- X (Twitter): @lordhardthrashe
- Bluesky: @lordhardthrasher.bsky.social
- Threads: @lordhardthrasher
Will produces engaging aviation history content that blends humour, research, and critical analysis to challenge long-held assumptions about military aircraft and wartime strategy.
Listen to More from History Rage
If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:
- Episode 23 — Matt Bone challenges Spitfire worship
- Episode 163 — Jane Gulliford Lowe asks: What about the Halifax?
History Rage is the podcast where historians and experts challenge the myths we think we know—and replace them with evidence-based history.
Follow & Contact History Rage
Stay connected and join the rage:
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315. The Battle of Badon was NOT a Britain-defining victory with Nick Higham
The battle that built Arthur’s legend may never have matteredWas the Battle of Badon really the decisive moment that saved Britain from the Anglo-Saxons — or has history given it far more importance than it …
Shownotes
The battle that built Arthur’s legend may never have mattered
Was the Battle of Badon really the decisive moment that saved Britain from the Anglo-Saxons — or has history given it far more importance than it deserves?
In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by leading early medieval historian Professor Nick Higham to challenge one of the most persistent myths in British history. The popular narrative tells us that Badon was a crushing British victory that halted Anglo-Saxon expansion for generations — often linked to the legendary figure of King Arthur. But when you dig into the sources, archaeology, and timeline, that story begins to unravel.
Drawing on early texts, including the writings of Gildas, Professor Higham explains how the earliest reference to Badon describes a siege rather than a dramatic battlefield clash. More importantly, the event seems to have been used mainly as a chronological marker rather than as evidence of a decisive national victory. Later writers transformed this brief reference into a heroic turning point, laying the foundations for the Arthurian tradition that still shapes popular history today.
This episode explores how archaeology challenges the idea of a long pause in Anglo-Saxon expansion after Badon. Instead of retreat, the material record shows continued settlement growth and cultural spread across southern Britain. Rather than one defining battle, the fall of Roman Britain and rise of Anglo-Saxon England appears to have been a long, complex transition shaped by migration, shifting power, and cultural change.
If you enjoy myth-busting history and want to understand how legends are created — and why they endure — this episode delivers a powerful rethink of one of Britain’s most famous early medieval events.
About the Guest — Professor Nick Higham
Professor Nick Higham is Emeritus Professor of Early Medieval History at the University of Manchester and one of the UK’s leading experts on the transition from Roman Britain to Anglo-Saxon England. His research focuses on the origins of England, early medieval warfare, and the development of historical traditions.
Buy the Book Featured in This Episode:
How England Began: From Roman Britain to the Anglo-Saxons
Support the podcast and the author by purchasing here:
https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300254921
Find out more about Professor Nick Higham’s work through his academic publications and public history contributions.
Explore More History Rage Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
- Episode 201 — The Anglo-Saxons Were No Better Than the Vikings
- Episode 148 — Vikings Are Not Just Mass Slaughterers
These episodes expand on the realities behind popular myths about early medieval Britain.
Follow and Contact History Rage
Got a historical myth you’d like to see challenged? Get in touch:
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://historyrage.com
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Support History Rage
If you love bold, myth-busting history, you can help keep the rage alive:
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
📣 Share this episode with fellow history lovers
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https://patreon.com/historyrage
Every share, review, and supporter helps bring more historians and bigger historical debates to the microphone.
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