Medieval Archives

The Anarchy heats up this week! There are beseiged castles, fierce battles and of course, double dealings! Join us as we continuing our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode four "Battlefields" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. Pillars of the Earth Synopsis This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magn

We are continuing the trip through Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode three "Redemption" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. Pillars of the Earth Synopsis This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman A

We are back an ready for 2011! Our first podcast of the year is a recap/review of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the proce

A short history of St. Valentine's Day. Who is the real St Valentine? Why is the day linked to love and romance? Which medieval author can we thank for transforming Valentin's Day into a day of love and romance? Find out how it all began and how it relates to the Middle Ages in this episode of the Medieval Archives Podcast. Audio clips from: Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sonnet 18 by David Gilmour You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Warfare Wednesday Agnes Randolph, Countess of Dunbar and March, also known as Black Agnes of Dunbar, was the wife of Patrick, 9th Earl of Dunbar and March. Black Agnes became renowned for her heroic defense of Dunbar Castle against an English attack by the William Montague, 1st Earl of Salisbury, which began on 13 January 1338. Lady Agnes died in 1369 of natural causes. Her husband, Patrick Dunbar died just a few months after his brave lady. She is buried in the vault near Mordington House. "Of Scotland's King I haud my house, He pays me meat and fee, And I will keep my gude auld house, While my house will keep me." -Black Agnes You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

We are back an ready for 2011! Our first podcast of the year is a recap/review of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's reign over England and the 19 year period of Anarchy. This epic tale of passion and greed begins when a mysterious secret disrupts the succession to the English crown and an unlikely member of King Henry's family takes the throne. A power struggle between Henry's daughter, Maud, and nephew, Stephen, causes England to be torn by war as battles rage for the rightful heir. Meanwhile, Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family manipulate the conflict to satisfy their own ruthless ambitions. Within this tumultuous setting, Prior Philip fights insurmountable obstacles to keep Kingsbridge and his dream of building a magnificent cathedral alive. The task is daunting, but master-mason Tom Builder, his gifted stepson, Jack, and noblewoman Aliena work together to achieve their dreams. And in the proce

Fortress Friday - Halloween Special During the month of October Fortress Friday will be exploring the paranormal. Throughout Europe there are stories of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. In a 6-part series we will look at some of the most haunted Castles in Europe. The final castle in our series is The Tower of London. William the Conqueror built the original White tower in 1078. The tower began as a royal residence and was converted to a prison around 1100. The tower was expanded numerous times throughout the 12th and 13th century to become what we see today, a massive fortress looming over the river Thames. The Tower of London is haunted by some of the most famous names in England’s history including Thomas Becket, Henry VI, the Two Princes and Queen Anne Boleyn. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the

Fortress Friday During the month of October Fortress Friday will be exploring the paranormal. Throughout Europe there are stories of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. In a 6-part series we will look at some of the most haunted Castles in Europe. The fifth castle in our series is Chillingham Castle. Situated on the northern border of England. Chillingham was the staging area for King Edward I as he pushed into Scotland to suppress William Wallace and his Scottish allies. Take a listen and learn about the murderous torturer John Sage and of Lady Mary and see why this is considered one of the most haunted castles of England. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fortress Friday During the month of October Fortress Friday will be exploring the paranormal. Throughout Europe there are stories of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. In a 6-part series we will look at some of the most haunted Castles in Europe. The fourth castle in our series is Edinburgh Castle. Sitting high atop castle rock Edinburgh Castle is the main attraction in the city. Below the castle are mazes of tunnels were residents and prisoners have been lost to the ages. We will take a trip back and see what haunts this magnificent castle. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fortress Friday During the month of October Fortress Friday will be exploring the paranormal. Throughout Europe there are stories of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. In a 6-part series we will look at some of the most haunted Castles in Europe. The third castle in our series is Dover Castle. Dover was started as an earthwork castle by William the Conqueror in 1066. It was completely remolded by Henry II starting in 1178. Today it is a popular tourist destination and home to ghost from its 1000 years of history. If you go you may see the likes of the Red Lady, Sean Flynn, Napoleonic war vets and even WWII veterans. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fortress Friday During the month of October Fortress Friday will be exploring the paranormal. Throughout Europe there are stories of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. In a 6-part series we will look at some of the most haunted Castles in Europe. The second castle in our series is Malahide Castle, located North of Dublin, Ireland. Roger Talbot was given the land by King Henry II and began building the Castle in 1185. Malahide Castle is home to no fewer than five spirits: Lord Galtrim, Lady Maud Plunkett, Lord Chief Justice, Miles Corbett and Puck. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fortress Friday During the month of October Fortress Friday will be exploring the paranormal. Throughout Europe there are stories of ghost sightings and strange occurrences. In a 6-part series we will look at some of the most haunted Castles in Europe. The first castle in our series is Dragsholm Castle. It is arguably one of the most haunted in all of Europe. Located in Denmark it is now a luxurious hotel. Listen in for the tales of the Grey Lady, the Earl of Bothwell and the White Lady. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Medieval Archives Podcast we discuss "The Anarchy" a nineteen year period of civil war and chaos. The death of King Henry I set off a chain reaction of events that set England on a path of destruction. The Scots in the North, the Welsh in the West and the English nobleman all struggled to gain back or acquire land and wealth. Stephen of Blois becomes King Stephen and is a weak and indecisive leader. Empress Matilda is staging attacks from Normandy as the rightful heir to the throne. Will England survive two decades of civil war and infighting? Will King Stephen learn to rule with a strong hand and a decisive nature? Will Empress Matilda gain her rightful place as the Queen of England? You will find out all of this and more in Episode Four of the Medieval Archives Podcast. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. Items discussed: King Stephen Empress Matilda Battle of

In this episode of the Medieval Archives we discuss Eustace the Monk, the most feared pirate of the 13th Century. Eustace the Monk left the monastery and became an outlaw, a magician and a pirate. We discuss his early life, why he left the monastery and how he turned to piracy. We also look at his role in the First Baron’s War and his death. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. Items discussed: Magna Carta Battle of Dover Battle of Sandwich Henry Cannon “Eustace the Monk and the Battle of Sandwich” Glyn Burgess: Two medieval Outlaws: Eustace the Monk and Fouke Fitz Waryn The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Medieval Archives podcast we discuss Edward of Woodstock. Prince Edward, 'The Black Prince" was the oldest son of King Edward III. He proved to be an exceptional military leader during the Hundred Years War. We discuss his personal life, his outstanding military career and the major campaigns he fought. We will also look at his influence in popular culture since his death. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. Items discussed: Military Campaigns: Battle of Crecy - 1346 Battle of Poitiers - 1356 Battle of Najera - 1367 Pop Culture Plays: Shakespeare; Henry V George Bernard Shaw; St. Joan Roger Boyle; The Black Prince Books: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; The White Company and Sir Nigel Karen Harper; The First Princess of Wales Gordon Dickson; The Dragon Knight and The Dragon and the Fair Maiden of Kent Ken Follett; World Without End Bernard Cornwell; The Archer's Tale Movi

In the first episode of the Medieval Archives podcast we discuss Thomas Becket. We discuss his early life, his rise to power as the Lord Chancellor of England and ultimately his role as the Archbishop of Canterbury. We talk about his friendship and loyalty to King Henry II and his loyalty to the Church and Pope. We also look at his influence after his death. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss a single episode. Items discussed: Edward Grimm biography (out of Print) T.S. Elliott Murder in the Cathedral Ken Follett The Pillars of the Earth Pillars of the Earth mini-series Becket 1964 movie 2006 'Worst Briton' BBC Poll The music was provided by Tim Rayburn and Ensemble Sreteniye. It is available at Magnatune.com Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★

The intro podcast is available. There will not be any show notes for this episode as it is pretty straight forward. You can listen to the episode below. Or download the MP3 and listen to it on your favorite MP3 player. Subscribe to the feed so you do not miss an episode. Medieval Archives is available in Podcast Alley My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-9492f3e31b487e00cc4f9fc338391b61} Use the icons below to download the .mp3 audio file, subscribe directly to iTunes or subscribe to the RSS feed. ★ Support this podcast ★