CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words

Episode 32 - Siege of Gloucester, 1643

Episode 31 - Brereton's Body

Episode 30 - Powick Bridge Re-examined

Episode 29 - Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire

Hartlebury Castle was the home of the Bishops of Worcester for centuries. But in 2022, a chance meeting between historian, Doug Smith, and archaeologist, Tim Cornah led to a whirlwind excavation that brought the civil war back to Hartlebury.  The sights, sounds and smell of the period were re-enactment by the Sealed Knot in July 2023, while an excavation trench revealed a civil war bastion. Doug and Tim tell me more ...  ▪️ What sparked Doug's interest in how Hartlebury had been defended du...

Episode 28 - Alice Thornton's Manuscripts

I speak with Professor Cordelia Beattie about the remarkable manuscripts penned by Alice Thornton, a Yorkshire woman who lived through many key events of the 17th century. Though from a well-to-do family, she wasn't rich, and the war affected her in many ways. Cordelia and The Alice Thornton Project are studying Alice's memoirs, interpreting them, and making them available online. There are also public events planned that will bring the stories within them to life. ▪️ Find out more about th...

Episode 27 - Dunbar Part 2 (Durham Death March)

Historian John Sadler is my guest, speaking about the fates of the 5000 prisoners taken at the Battle of Dunbar and force marched across the border to Durham. Much of their story was forgotten until 2013, when a mass grave was discovered in the shadow of the world heritage site that is Durham Cathedral. Warwick Louth also returns to discuss with me the effect of the Battle of Dunbar on Scotland and England. ▪️ What motivated Cromwell & the English to send these Scotsmen into England? ▪️ Wh...

Episode 26 - English Civil War Society

I speak to Thomas Zugic, a captain in Lunsford's Regiment of the English Civil War Society, about a forthcoming re-enactment at Hylton Castle, Sunderland. ▪️Discover more about the ECWS ▪️Find out about this event, as well as some of Thomas's favourites ▪️Learn why Thomas thinks the capture of royalist Selby was a key event that led to Marston Moor. This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which is very much an overlooked part of our histor...

Episode 25 - Battle of Dunbar

Episode 24 - Montrose's Military Report

Warwick and I assess the battle record of The Great Montrose & ponder some fascinating 'what if' questions. Do we both agree?  ▪️Which victory was  his greatest? ▪️What might have happened if the king's cavalry had managed to link up with him after Naseby? ▪️How would he have fared in a pitched battle with Fairfax & Cromwell? This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which is very much an overlooked part of our history. Hopefully CavalierCas...

Episode 23 - Montrose

Find out more about The Great Montrose & his 'year of miracles'. Montrose's latest biographer, Dominic Pearce, describes the man, his campaigns & relationship with Charles I & II. ▪️After a glorious year of miracles, what led to Montrose's defeat at Philiphaugh? ▪️Did Charles II knowingly send the marquis to his death? ▪️Discover more about the women in his life. This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which is very much an overlooked part...

Episode 22 - Civil War Wargaming

Scott Moore, creator of the boardgame 'This War Without an Enemy' joins me to discuss the game, and his interest in the civil wars.  ▪️ Which childhood friend, and civil war historian, helped generate his interest in the period? ▪️ What are the different types of wargaming? ▪️ Which battle would both Scott and Warwick like to table-top war game? This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which is very much an overlooked part of our history. Hop...

Episode 21 - John Hampden

Ian Beckett, a Vice-Chair of the John Hampden Society joins me to talk about this parliamentarian military and political leader. Known as for his civil war regiment of green coats, and opposition to Ship Money tax, Hampden has become an obscure and clouded figure through the centuries. ▪️What myths have grown up about John Hampden? ▪️Why did his 19th century biography exhume his body? ▪️Had he survived, could he have replaced the Earl of Essex as Parliament's Lord General, or John Pym as ...

Episode 20 - Civil War Memorial Project

I chat to Simon Marsh, Battlefield and Threat Co-Ordinator for The Battlefields Trust about an exciting new project aimed at recording all civil war memorials and markers across the world. ▪️How can you get involved? ▪️Hear about some of the lesser-known memorials logged so far. ▪️Find out about the work of The Battlefields Trust & the risks these heritage sites face today. This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which is very much an over...

Episode 19 - Coleshill Manor (HS2 Discovery)

Stuart Pierson, of Wessex Archaeologist, who appeared on BBC's 'Digging for Britain' joins me to discuss this amazing discovery. The episode brings you the very latest news about the site and its future, and explores the history of Coleshill Manor. I also chat to Warwick Louth, qualified conflict and battlefield archaeologist, about theories behind the potential civil war links. ▪️What was it like to discover the lost manor? ▪️How might those shot marks in the gatehouse have got there? ...

Episode 18 - Lady Derby & Lathom House

I speak to Jennifer Kewley Draskau (Senior research Fellow - University of Liverpool) who has written a book about Charlotte, Countess of Derby. The Earl of Derby owned Lathom, and garrisoned it for King Charles I's cause in the Civil War. His wife conducted its defence during the siege of 1644.  Why myths surround Lady Derby & why? How did King Charles II's lack of a legitimate heir affect the widowed Lady Derby? What did Lady Derby think of her spectacular success? Warwick Louth, a qua...

Episode 17 - The Levellers.

I speak to John Rees about the Levellers; a movement that was 200 years ahead of its time, and who advocated a more democratic outcome to the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. John is a British political activist, academic and writer and one of his books is The Leveller Revolution. What were the Leveller beliefs and how did their cause develop? How did Cromwell betray them? John explains the Levellers' impact specifically in 1647 and 1648, and how this affected the outcome of the wars. This po...

Maimed Soldiers & Widows Petitions

I speak to Dr Ismini Pells, who is leading the Civil War Petitions Project.  She explains what these petitions tell us about the ordinary men and women who lived and fought during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.  What wounds did they incur? How did they integrate back into society? Why were some petitions for relief granted, and some not? It's usually the leaders of both sides whose stories are told, but now, this project brings the personal stories of the soldiers and widows to the fore...

Episode 16 - Maimed Soldiers & Widows Petitions

I speak to Dr Ismini Pells, who is leading the Civil War Petitions Project.  She explains what these petitions tell us about the ordinary men and women who lived and fought during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.  What wounds did they incur? How did they integrate back into society? Why were some petitions for relief granted, and some not? It's usually the leaders of both sides whose stories are told, but now, this project brings the personal stories of the soldiers and widows to the fore...

Maimed Soldiers & Widows Petitions

I speak to Dr Ismini Pells, who is leading the Civil War Petitions Project.  She explains what these petitions tell us about the ordinary men and women who lived and fought during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.  What wounds did they incur? How did they integrate back into society? Why were some petitions for relief granted, and some not? It's usually the leaders of both sides whose stories are told, but now, this project brings the personal stories of the soldiers and widows to the fore...

Christmas Special - Tim Bentinck. By the Sword Divided.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the great Tim Bentinck, who played Tom Lacey in the BBC's, 'By the Sword Divided'. This iconic 80's costume drama really brought the Wars of the Three Kingdom's to life. Tim discusses filming the show, and offers glimpses of behind the scenes, as well as how he secured the role and much more. To all those 'Sword' fans, its a great first-hand insight. To find out more about t...

Naseby, Two Kings & The Crown Jewels. Episode 14.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the excellent historian, writer and broadcaster, Leanda de Lisle, about a mysterious 2017 metal detector find near the battlefield of Naseby. Leanda discusses whether the exquisite figure of King Henry VI is, in fact, part of the lost Crown Jewels, most of which were melted down after the end of the civil wars.  What links does the artefact have to King Charles I? Find out ...

Episode 14 - Naseby, Two Kings & The Crown Jewels.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the excellent historian, writer and broadcaster, Leanda de Lisle, about a mysterious 2017 metal detector find near the battlefield of Naseby. Leanda discusses whether the exquisite figure of King Henry VI is, in fact, part of the lost Crown Jewels, most of which were melted down after the end of the civil wars.  What links does the artefact have to King Charles I? Find out ...

Episode 13 - Part 2: Henrietta Maria, Queen Mother.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the excellent historian and anthropologist Andrea Zuvich about Queen Henrietta Maria's years post 1649. It is the second of a two-part episode. Andrea sheds light on Henrietta's exile, her relations with her children and the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. How did the family react to Henrietta's attempts to convert her son, Henry, to Catholicism? What were Henrietta's ...

Part 2: Henrietta Maria, Queen Mother. Episode 13.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the excellent historian and anthropologist Andrea Zuvich about Queen Henrietta Maria's years post 1649. It is the second of a two-part episode. Andrea sheds light on Henrietta's exile, her relations with her children and the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. How did the family react to Henrietta's attempts to convert her son, Henry, to Catholicism? What were Henrietta's ...

Part 1: Henrietta Maria, The Queen. Episode 12.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the excellent historian, writer and broadcaster, Leanda de Lisle about Queen Henrietta Maria. It is the first of a two-part episode. Leanda sheds light on Henrietta's French heritage and childhood, along with: What was it about her that scandalised the Puritans? Should King Charles have listened to her more often? How did she aid the royalist war effort? To find out more ...

Episode 12 - Part 1: Henrietta Maria, The Queen.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to the excellent historian, writer and broadcaster, Leanda de Lisle about Queen Henrietta Maria. It is the first of a two-part episode. Leanda sheds light on Henrietta's French heritage and childhood, along with: What was it about her that scandalised the Puritans? Should King Charles have listened to her more often? How did she aid the royalist war effort? To find out more ...

Sir Thomas Fairfax - Episode 11.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms.  In this episode I speak to 3 expert guests about the overshadowed Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of Parliament's New Model Army. Professor Andrew Hopper, Colonel Nick Lipscombe and MJ Logue discuss who he isn't better remembered, along with: Fairfax's family, military experience and the events he shaped. Reasons behind his appointment as General of the New Model Army. How instrumental he was in Parliame...

Episode 11 - Sir Thomas Fairfax.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms.  In this episode I speak to 3 expert guests about the overshadowed Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of Parliament's New Model Army. Professor Andrew Hopper, Colonel Nick Lipscombe and MJ Logue discuss who he isn't better remembered, along with: Fairfax's family, military experience and the events he shaped. Reasons behind his appointment as General of the New Model Army. How instrumental he was in Parliame...

Civil War Atlas - New Publication. Episode 10.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms.  In this episode I speak to Colonel Nick Lipscombe, whose new book (published by Osprey) has just been released. An Atlas and Concise History of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms maps the various sieges and battles that took place in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland and is the first book to map the wars in their entirety. Nick discusses: The most pivotal actions in each kingdom What the mapping of ...

Episode 10 - Civil War Atlas - New Publication.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms.  In this episode I speak to Colonel Nick Lipscombe, whose new book (published by Osprey) has just been released. An Atlas and Concise History of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms maps the various sieges and battles that took place in England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland and is the first book to map the wars in their entirety. Nick discusses: The most pivotal actions in each kingdom What the mapping of ...

Episode 9 - Royal Armouries Interview.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to Keith Dowen, deputy-curator of the Royal Armouries, about the Littlecote Collection (the most important surviving civil war armoury) and the individual civil war artefacts in the collection such as: Iconic armour which was used by both sides Buff coats and Mortuary Swords King Charles I's armour One 1970 prop from the film 'Cromwell' starring Sir Alec Guinness and Richard ...

Royal Armouries Interview - Episode 009.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In this episode I speak to Keith Dowen, deputy-curator of the Royal Armouries, about the Littlecote Collection (the most important surviving civil war armoury) and the individual civil war artefacts in the collection such as: Iconic armour which was used by both sides Buff coats and Mortuary Swords King Charles I's armour One 1970 prop from the film 'Cromwell' starring Sir Alec Guinness and Richard ...

Episode 8 - Family Men: The King & Cromwell.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In this episode I'll be joined by two very special 17th century authors; Dr Linda Porter (author of Royal Renegades) and Miranda Malins (author of The Puritan Princess). We'll be at home with Charles and Oliver, finding out about the men behind the politics, their marriages and family. To find out more about the civil war, you can read various articles relating to it on my blog: http://www.allegianceof...

Family Men: The King & Cromwell

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In this episode I'll be joined by two very special 17th century authors; Dr Linda Porter (author of Royal Renegades) and Miranda Malins (author of The Puritan Princess). We'll be at home with Charles and Oliver, finding out about the men behind the politics, their marriages and family. To find out more about the civil war, you can read various articles relating to it on my blog: http://www.allegianceof...

Family Men: The King & Cromwell - Episode 008.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In this episode I'll be joined by two very special 17th century authors; Dr Linda Porter (author of Royal Renegades) and Miranda Malins (author of The Puritan Princess). We'll be at home with Charles and Oliver, finding out about the men behind the politics, their marriages and family. To find out more about the civil war, you can read various articles relating to it on my blog: http://www.allegianceof...

Clubmen - Neutrals of the Civil War - Episode 007.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. Clubmen. A third force. Neutrals. They are an overlooked party in a war when the main choice was given as King or Parliament. Yet many thousands did not make that choice and formed 'clubmen' associations against the war. Find out who the Clubmen were, their aims, and fates. I am joined by Haydn, who has been researching Clubmen for five years and has a presence on Facebook, Twitter and at www.clubmen16...

Episode 7 - Clubmen - Neutrals of the Civil War.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. Clubmen. A third force. Neutrals. They are an overlooked party in a war when the main choice was given as King or Parliament. Yet many thousands did not make that choice and formed 'clubmen' associations against the war. Find out who the Clubmen were, their aims, and fates. I am joined by Haydn, who has been researching Clubmen for five years and has a presence on Facebook, Twitter and at www.clubmen16...

Clubmen - Neutrals of the Civil War

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. Clubmen. A third force. Neutrals. They are an overlooked party in a war when the main choice was given as King or Parliament. Yet many thousands did not make that choice and formed 'clubmen' associations against the war. Find out who the Clubmen were, their aims, and fates. I am joined by Haydn, who has been researching Clubmen for five years and has a presence on Facebook, Twitter and at www.clubmen16...

Episode 6 - The Siege of Bristol.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In episode 6, I'll talk about the 1643 Siege of Bristol - the mother of all sieges - and one which would have failed were it not for the efforts of Prince Rupert. I'll also chat with Andy George, the commanding officer of Prince Rupert's Bluecoats, a regiment within The Sealed Knot re-enactment society. Find out what made the 2018 Bristol re-enactment so poignant, and also why Cheriton 2005 was a most ...

The Siege of Bristol - Episode 006.

This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. In episode 6, I'll talk about the 1643 Siege of Bristol - the mother of all sieges - and one which would have failed were it not for the efforts of Prince Rupert. I'll also chat with Andy George, the commanding officer of Prince Rupert's Bluecoats, a regiment within The Sealed Knot re-enactment society. Find out what made the 2018 Bristol re-enactment so poignant, and also why Cheriton 2005 was a most ...

Civil War Museums Part 2: An Interview - Episode 005.

CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. For episode 5, I speak to Kevin Winter, Deputy curator of the National Civil War Centre, Newark Museum and Chair of the Battlefields Trust East Midlands Region. Discover more about their growing civil war library, details of upcoming 2021 and 2022 exhibitions, as well as which item is most appealing to younger visitors, and the artefact that has a very personal conn...

Episode 5 - Civil War Museums Part 2: An Interview.

CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the three Kingdoms. For episode 5, I speak to Kevin Winter, Deputy curator of the National Civil War Centre, Newark Museum and Chair of the Battlefields Trust East Midlands Region. Discover more about their growing civil war library, details of upcoming 2021 and 2022 exhibitions, as well as which item is most appealing to younger visitors, and the artefact that has a very personal conn...

Episode 4 - Civil War Museums: An Interview.

CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the Three Kingdoms. For episode 4, I interviewed Stuart Orme, Curator of The Cromwell Museum, in Huntingdon, about the museum's collection. Find out about Cromwell's death masks and the mystery of his wandering wart, learn about the most overlooked item in the collection, two portraits with mistaken identities, and the item most closely associated with King Charles I. To find out more...

Civil War Museums: An Interview - Episode 004.

CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words This podcast looks at anything and everything to do with the War of the Three Kingdoms. For episode 4, I interviewed Stuart Orme, Curator of The Cromwell Museum, in Huntingdon, about the museum's collection. Find out about Cromwell's death masks and the mystery of his wandering wart, learn about the most overlooked item in the collection, two portraits with mistaken identities, and the item most closely associated with King Charles I. To find out more...

Episode 3 - The Battle of Roundway Down.

CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words. In episode 3, I look at the South West battle of Roundway Down. The limping royalist army, commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton, (who had just been accidentally blown up) were pursued by Sir William Waller and forced to hole up in Devizes. The outcome of Roundway Down would decide the fate of Bristol, a key town in the kingdom, as well as which side would dominate in the South West. For more civil war articles, you can also view my blog at http://www.allegi...

The Battle of Roundway Down - Episode 003.

CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words. In episode 3, I look at the South West battle of Roundway Down. The limping royalist army, commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton, (who had just been accidentally blown up) were pursued by Sir William Waller and forced to hole up in Devizes. The outcome of Roundway Down would decide the fate of Bristol, a key town in the kingdom, as well as which side would dominate in the South West. For more civil war articles, you can also view my blog at http://www.allegi...

Burton Bridge, Derbyshire - Episode 002.

Episode 002 of 'CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words' examines the action that took place at Burton-upon-Trent on 4th July 1643.  Queen Henrietta-Maria and her troops were escorting a large supply of munitions to the King, all of which she had gathered in Holland. Burton declared its very own day of independence by taking a stand against the Queen...

The Battle of Marston Moor - Episode 001.

Examining the 1644 battle which took place outside York, between the royalist army commanded by Prince Rupert, and the combined armies of the parliamentarians and the Scots.