Inspire Me

THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST

Every object has a story to tell.

But how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? 

In the English Heritage podcast, comedian and writer Amy Matthews brings you entertaining tales from unexpected places. Each week, we begin with a mystery item and with the help of English Heritage experts and special guests, Amy explores what our past can tell us about our present and perhaps our future.

Listen Online

William Marshal: the man behind the myth 

How did a 13th century knight become one of the greatest national heroes of his time?  

In this episode of the English Heritage podcast, Amy Matthews and her guests discover a true knight’s tale. William, a low-level aristocrat, narrowly avoided a violent end as a child and rose to greatness through violent tournaments, warfare and royal service.   

But who was the real William Marshal, and can we trust the reverential account of his life that was written after his death?  

Medieval historian Lindy Grant and English Heritage’s Jeremy Ashbee help Amy sort the man from the myth and discuss the medieval concept of knighthood and chivalry. 

Listen Here

All Episodes

You can subscribe and listen to all of our episodes on your favourite podcast platforms:

Apple.jpg Spotify.jpg Google.jpg Stitcher.jpg

 

REQUEST A READABLE FORMAT

If you would like to access any of our episodes in a written format, please email podcast@english-heritage.org.uk to make a request.

Speaking with shadows

When you’re wandering about a historic place, what voices do you hear echoing off the walls? Are they the ones you learnt about at school – or do you wonder about the shadowy, quiet voices that may have gone unheard?

Travel from 17th-century Northamptonshire, where we hear about the heroic servant who may have become Britain’s first black pub landlord, to wartime Essex, where Polish special forces soldiers trained in secrecy for life or death missions to their homeland. 

Listen now