History Rage

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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Apple Podcasts: Subscribe for ad-free listening directly via Apple Subscriptions Follow on Socials: Search @HistoryRage across Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Substack: Subscribe to the History Rage mailing list for updates at https://historyrage.substack.com Website: Find everything History Rage right here at https://www.historyrage.com Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Google, and—until next week— stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage X/Twitter: https://x.com/HistoryRage Want to support the show? Join the Angry Mob on Patreon for £5 per month and get early ad-free episodes, access to the monthly livestream and the coveted History Rage mug: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Support & Follow History Rage Enjoying the show? Here’s how to stay connected and support the podcast: Follow History Rage: Twitter/X: @HistoryRage Facebook: History Rage Podcast Instagram: @historyragepod Support the Podcast: Get ad-free listening and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Subscribe directly on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Leave a rating and review—it helps more listeners discover the show History isn’t simple—and that’s exactly why it’s worth raging about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Follow & Review: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow history enthusiast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Apple Podcasts Subscription: Prefer listening on Apple? You can listen completely ad-free for just £3 per month via your Apple Podcasts app. Spread the Word: Enjoyed the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to hop aboard the rage train! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/historyrage Facebook: https://facebook.com/historyrage Instagram: https://instagram.com/historyrage Support the Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Listen ad-free for £3/month via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Share this episode with fellow history enthusiasts 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: 🌐 Website: https://www.historyrage.com 📧 Email: historyragepod@gmail.com 🐦 X (Twitter): @HistoryRage 📘 Facebook: History Rage Podcast 📸 Instagram: @historyrage Support the Podcast Love the show? Here’s how to help keep History Rage flying: ⭐ Become a Patron: Join the community and access exclusive monthly livestreams https://www.patreon.com/historyrage 🎧 Listen Ad-Free: Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Patreon from just £3 per month 📣 Spread the Word: Tell a friend, share an episode, or post about History Rage online—word of mouth keeps the rage alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: historyragepod@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://historyrage.com 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/historyrage 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/historyrage 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/historyrage 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 🎧 Support on Patreon for bonus content, livestreams, and exclusive perks: https://patreon.com/historyrage Every share, review, and supporter helps bring more historians and bigger historical debates to the microphone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget what you think you know about medieval holy wars. Move over, Richard the Lionheart—the most action-packed, technologically wild campaign happened in the land of the pyramids, and it’s time to stop ignoring it! In this live episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill sits down with public historian, fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and author Thomas Smith to rescue the Fifth Crusade from historical obscurity. If you think the Crusades were just knights waiting around in a dusty Syrian desert, prepare to have your mind blown by a campaign dominated by amphibious warfare, terrifying medieval technology, and a truly jaw-dropping twist ending. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The Strategic Shift: Why Western Europe realized that the true key to holding Jerusalem was actually conquering Egypt—the wealthy breadbasket of the Near East. D-Day in 1218: Discover the incredible engineering behind flat-bottomed landing craft, complete with bow ramps for cavalry charges, used 800 years before Normandy. Medieval Napalm & Hand Grenades: Get a breakdown of Greek fire, the terrifying incendiary weapons used on the Nile, and the highly unpleasant acidic liquids required to put them out. The Floating Siege Engine: Meet Oliver of Cologne, the genius German schoolmaster who built a rotating wooden fortress on stilt-ships to conquer the Nile's impenetrable Chain Tower. Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory: How a combination of apocalyptic prophecy, a flooding River Nile, and a massive, poorly-timed wine-drinking session brought the entire campaign crashing down. Links & Resources Mentioned: Buy the Book: Grab your copy of Thomas Smith's ground-breaking new book, The Fifth Crusade: A History of the Epic Campaign to Conquer Egypt , from the History Rage Bookshop . Recommended Episodes: Episode 174: Steve Tibble rages about crime during the Crusades. Episode 300: Aleks Pluskowski rages that Crusades are not all in the Middle East. Connect with the Guest: Instagram: Follow Tom for more incredible medieval insights @medieval_tom Support & Follow History Rage: Join the Rage Train and make sure you never miss an episode where truth is liberated from the infidels! Support us on Patreon: Get exclusive access to live streams, ask questions directly to our guests, and join the community at patreon.com/HistoryRage . Apple Subscriptions: Listen completely ad-free for just £3 per month via your Apple Podcasts app. Spread the Word: If you love the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to hop aboard the rage train! Are you ready to look past the myths? Stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was England’s greatest medieval villain actually a misunderstood power broker? Thomas Arundel has long been cast as one of the great villains of English history — a persecutor, a political schemer, even the man blamed for burning heretics. But is that reputation deserved, or is it a product of centuries of misunderstanding? In this episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by renowned medieval historian Chris Given-Wilson to challenge one of the most persistent myths of the Plantagenet era. Together, they unpack the life, career, and controversies of the Archbishop of Canterbury who stood at the centre of one of England’s most dramatic regime changes. Arundel’s rise was meteoric — from a wealthy noble family to Bishop of Ely at just 20, and eventually Archbishop of Canterbury. But his true influence came during the turbulent transition from Richard II to Henry IV, where he played a decisive role in legitimising the overthrow of a king. Far from a shadowy manipulator, Arundel emerges as a crucial architect of political authority in a deeply unstable England. The episode dives into the chaos of late 14th-century politics: rebellion, deposition, and the uneasy foundations of Lancastrian rule. Arundel wasn’t simply along for the ride — he helped provide the religious and legal justification that made Henry IV’s kingship possible. But it’s Arundel’s association with the suppression of the Lollards that cemented his dark reputation. Were these early reformers brutally persecuted by a tyrannical churchman? Or was Arundel responding to what he genuinely believed was a dangerous and destabilising religious movement? Chris Given-Wilson explores the reality behind the accusations — including the controversial introduction of heretic burning in England. The truth is more complex than the legend: Arundel did not create these laws, but he operated within a system determined to preserve religious unity at a time of crisis. By the end of this episode, the image of Arundel as a pantomime villain begins to crumble. Instead, we see a deeply embedded medieval figure — a man shaped by the politics, religion, and fears of his time. If you think you know the story of medieval power and persecution, think again. 👤 Guest Information Chris Given-Wilson Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, University of St Andrews Book: Archbishop, Chancellor, Kingmaker: Thomas Arundel and the Politics of Late Medieval England Academic profile: Available via the University of St Andrews website 📚 Buy the Book Support independent bookshops and grab your copy here: 👉 https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300286403 🎧 More from History Rage Love challenging historical myths? There’s plenty more where this came from. Episode 184 with Helen Castor on Medieval Royal Politics Episode 220 with Michael Livingston on the Battle of Agincourt 📢 Follow & Contact History Rage 🌐 Website: https://www.historyrage.com 📧 Email: historyragepod@gmail.com 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/historyrage 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historyrage 📧 Newsletter: https://historyrage.substack.com/ 💥 Support the Podcast Want more rage in your life? 🎟️ Join Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Monthly livestream access Entry into the book draw Submit questions to future guests Exclusive History Rage merch 🍏 Apple Subscriptions: Listen ad-free for £3/month Or simply share the podcast and bring someone else aboard the Rage Train 🚂 History isn’t just about what happened — it’s about who gets remembered, and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stop commercializing historical grief and ignoring the true scale of global warfare. Recorded live at the Imperial War Museum Festival, host Paul Bavill sits down with two of History Rage’s favourite returning guests—Dr. Peter Caddick Adams and Alex Churchill—for an unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply insightful look at how we commemorate global conflicts. From the tacky monetization of grief to the complete erasure of French contributions on the Western Front, this live crowd episode pulls no punches. Why has our memory of the First World War become so lazy? The team breaks down the "Airfix School of Military History," explores the forgotten British conflicts post-1945, and takes aim at the deeply problematic world of Axis reenactment cosplay. Finally, they tackle the terrifying future of AI-generated history slop and explain why preserving your personal family archives on physical paper is the ultimate act of historical preservation. Recommended Episodes to Unleash More Rage If you loved this live panel, dive back into the archives with these essential episodes: Episode 75: Dr. Peter Caddick Adams rages on Bernard Montgomery and explains why "Monty" might not be all he’s cracked up to be. Episode 210: Alex Churchill rages against the narrow British lens of the First World War, proving it truly was a global conflict. Featured Book Support the authors who keep history honest. Grab your copy of Alex Churchill's brilliant book, which balances the scales of global wartime contributions: Buy the Book: Ring of Fire: A Global History of the Great War by Alex Churchill. Order directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781035903429 Support and Follow History Rage Help us keep the rage alive! Subscribe, review, and join our community of history lovers who prefer hard truths over comfortable myths. Subscribe to the Newsletter: Get monthly updates on upcoming shows, guests, and future live appearances at https://historyrage.substack.com or visit our main hub at https://www.historyrage.com . Follow Us on Socials: Search for @HistoryRage across all major podcast directories and social media platforms to download, subscribe, and never miss a rant. Stay Angry. Stay Informed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victorian England wasn’t calm and orderly—it was a powder keg with Ian Breckon Victorian England is often remembered as a world of polite manners, strict morality, and orderly progress. But beneath the surface lay unrest, desperation, and rebellion. In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and novelist Ian Breckon to dismantle the myth of a peaceful Victorian society. Drawing on his research for the book Mad Tom’s Rising, Ian reveals the extraordinary story of Sir William Courtenay—better known as “Mad Tom”—a charismatic imposter who led a rural uprising in Kent in 1838. What followed was violent confrontation, mass mobilisation of labourers, and what has sometimes been described as the last battle fought on English soil . Far from the tranquil image of Victorian England, this episode explores a period rife with poverty, political anxiety, religious fervour, and social upheaval. Ian explains how economic hardship, the legacy of the Poor Laws, and widespread discontent created the conditions for revolt. When “Mad Tom” emerged preaching radical ideas and promising justice for the oppressed, desperate people were ready to follow. Paul and Ian discuss how this forgotten rebellion challenges popular assumptions about the Victorian era. Was England really stable and orderly—or was it simmering with revolutionary potential? And why has this dramatic episode been pushed to the margins of mainstream history? Expect a gripping conversation about imposters, messianic leaders, class anger, and the uneasy reality of life for ordinary people in the early industrial age. About the Guest Ian Breckon is a historical novelist and researcher whose work explores overlooked and dramatic episodes from the past. His book Mad Tom’s Rising tells the extraordinary story of the Courtenay uprising and the social tensions that made it possible. 📚 Buy the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837732289 Listen to More from History Rage If you enjoy historians tearing down popular myths, subscribe to History Rage wherever you get your podcasts. Follow and support the show: 🌐 Website: https://www.historyrage.com 🐦 Twitter/X: @historyrage 📸 Instagram: @historyrage Support the Podcast Love the show? Help keep the rage alive: ⭐ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Follow on your favourite podcast platform 💥 Join the Patreon community for bonus content and live events: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Your support helps bring more historians, more myths to dismantle, and more historical rage every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.