Free Daily Podcast Summary
The English Heritage Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by English Heritage
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.Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday46 min
Autumn: Legends, Folklore and St Martin’s Day with author Kate Mosse
This week, host Amy Matthews explores the folklore and traditions of the changing seasons. She is joined by Dr Alistair Oswald, English Heritage landscape historian, and Kate Mosse, international best-selling writer of Labyrinth. Celebrating her new book, Autumn, Kate shares her love for the season, the Sussex landscape, its unique bonfire societies and the stories of this time of year that have formed layers of folklore over the centuries. Together, they uncover the fascinating history of St Martin’s Day (11th November); from the mysterious ruined church dedicated to St Martin in Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire to medieval sheep farming, ancient hillforts and causewayed camps. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love a seasonal stroll, discover how our ancestors navigated this russet-coloured season and prepared for the onset of winter. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 days ago38 min
1066: Harrying of the North | Episode 6
Three years after he was crowned, William was struggling to keep the whole of his new kingdom under control. In the winter of 1069, he led his army north, determined to crush those that kept rising against him. The written sources describe how his forces destroyed swathes of Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham and beyond — burning crops, killing livestock, and making it impossible for people to feed themselves. It’s become known as ‘the harrying of the north’. Join Amy and guests English Heritage Curator of History, Dr Will Wyeth and medieval archaeologist, Dr Aleksandra McClain from the University of York. To what extent can we take the written sources at face value? Was William’s campaign a calculated act of political terror, or does a closer study of our evidence reveal a different understanding?? Plus, what does it tell us about the beginning of Norman rule on these shores? Watch this episode on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/EnglishHeritage 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
- 1 weeks ago43 min
Meet the Master of Military Deception: Dudley Clarke
Ever wondered how to trick an enemy army into fighting a battle that doesn’t even exist? At 34 Rutland Gate in London’s Knightsbridge, an arresting inscription commemorates Brigadier Dudley Clarke as "Master of Military Deception". Bound by the Official Secrets Act, Clarke’s genius in inventing fake armies to save thousands of Allied lives went unrecognised in his lifetime. Today, his blue plaque ensures his achievements are finally remembered. In this episode, Amy Matthews explores Clarke’s extraordinary legacy with English Heritage Senior Historian Howard Spencer and author Dr Whitney Bendeck, Professor at Florida State University and author of two books about British military deception and Clarke’s work. Together, they step into his world to discover the phantom armies, false battle plans, and how he helped inspire the British Commandos to save thousands of Allied lives during World War II. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago42 min
1066: The women of the Bayeux Tapestry | Episode 5
In the fifth episode of our special 1066 series, host Amy Matthews takes a deeper look at the Bayeux Tapestry - and in particular, at the women featured in it. The Bayeux Tapestry is 70m long. It has 58 different scenes including 623 human figures. Only six of those figures are women and only three of those women are in the main panels. While the renowned struggle for the throne is very much in the foreground, there are strong female figures behind the scenes, manipulating events and wielding a different kind of power. Join Amy and her guests – historian and author, Sharon Bennet Connelly and English Heritage Senior Collections Curator, Dr Kathryn Bedford - as they explore the queens who shared the lives of these battling kings, the matriarchs pulling the strings of family connection, what the Norman Conquest meant for ordinary women of the time, and why so little has been told about the female side of this story. Join English Heritage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/ Find out more about Sharon’s book Silk and the Sword: Women of the Norman Conquest 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
- 2 weeks ago57 min
Halloween Special: The haunting and history of Chester Castle
Is Chester Castle truly haunted, or is there a historical explanation behind its eerie encounters? Join host Amy Matthews as she uncovers nearly a thousand years of spooky stories and real history from behind its walls perched high above the River Dee. In this special Halloween episode, Amy is joined by Chester Castle Site Manager Gary Ashby, who shares firsthand chilling encounters - from mysterious phantom figures captured on camera to spectral voices whispering in Norman French. Weighing in with historical scepticism is Will Wyeth, English Heritage Curator of History, who reveals the human stories behind the haunting lore, including medieval miracles, royal prisoners, and 17th-century witch trials. Whether you’re a die-hard believer or a sceptic, discover how ghost stories help us connect with the past. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago31 min
1066: Omens, Halley's Comet & the Fall of Kings | Episode 4
In the fourth episode of our special 1066 series, host Amy Matthews takes a step back from the battlefield to look up at the skies. Did a cosmic sign destabilise an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, or was it medieval political spin? Dr Will Wyeth (English Heritage Curator of History) and Dr Jo Edge (historian and writer) join Amy to examine how celestial phenomena were deployed to reshape history. They explore interpretations attributed to the Bayeux Tapestry’s famous "long-haired star" - Halley’s Comet – and the ominous “ghost ships” that pre-empted William of Normandy’s invasion. Also, how numerology shaped medieval worldviews and why comets became linked to fratricide and the fall of monarchs. Find out more about Jo's work here https://joanneedge.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago43 min
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: the woman who discovered what stars are made of
In 1911, when Cecila Payne was eleven, she was so musically gifted that none other than the great composer Gustav Holst encouraged her to take up music as a career. But her sights were set – literally – much higher. Her passion for science would lead her to become one of the leading astronomers of her generation and she changed our understanding of the universe forever when she discovered what stars are actually made of. But in an age where female scientists were frequently marginalised and dismissed, she was initially made to repress her results and struggled against prejudice and discrimination her whole life. To tell her incredible story, Amy is joined by English Heritage Blue Plaques historian, Dr Susan Skedd; Centre for Astrophysics’ Thom Burns and Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, herself a pioneering astrophysicist whose groundbreaking discovery of pulsars in the late 60s also transformed our understanding of the universe. She was subjected to a similar lack of recognition when her name was missed off the Nobel Prize for Physics awarded to her supervisor. We discover how she is working tirelessly to increase diversity in science and to carry on the fight Cecilia began over a century ago. If you’d like to nominate someone for an English Heritage Blue Plaque – especially a woman who has achieved in science – you can do so here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/propose-a-plaque/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Oct 14, 202630 min
1066: The Battle of Hastings blow by blow | Episode 3
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get The English Heritage Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
HistoryExtra podcast
Historical conversations with leading experts explore gripping stories from the past.
The History of England
A chronological history of England from the end of Roman rule, covering major events and daily life.
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Explores the history and stories of six royal palaces through expert interviews and tales of monarchs and forgotten figures.
The British History Podcast
A narrative exploration of British history focused on the lives, motivations, and personal stories of the people who shaped the nation.
Gone Medieval
Explores medieval history across Europe and beyond, uncovering lost stories of people, politics, religion, and myths.
HISTORY This Week
A weekly look at pivotal historical events and the people behind them, from famous figures to unknown influencers.
Half-Hour History: Secrets of the Medieval World
Examines key ideas, conflicts, and political struggles of the medieval world that influenced modern history.
You're Dead to Me
A comedian and historian explore quirky, surprising stories from the past with humor and insight.
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Historians explore eerie, strange, and dark historical events, from hauntings and witch trials to UFOs and infamous crimes.
The Curious History of Your Home
A domestic historian reveals the hidden and often bizarre origins of everyday household objects.
The History of English Podcast
A podcast about the spoken history of the English language as it became a global language.
The Ancients
Explores ancient history through expert interviews, covering topics from Neolithic Britain to the fall of Rome.
About 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.Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The English Heritage Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The English Heritage Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The English Heritage Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The English Heritage Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The English Heritage Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by English Heritage.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The English Heritage Podcast release new episodes?
The English Heritage Podcast publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The English Heritage Podcast cover?
The English Heritage Podcast covers topics including History. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The English Heritage Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.