History Extra podcast

Miles Russell explores the mystery of the Roman Ninth Legion, Tara Hamling discusses Elizabethan drama and Paul Addison and Jeremy Crang reveal how British morale held up during the Second World War.

David Edgerton explains why Britain was no underdog in the Second World War, Lucy looks at how hairstyles reflected political and social change and Chris Evans discusses British involvement in Latin American slavery.

Harry Bennett discusses the role of the Merchant Navy in the Battle of the Atlantic, Niall Ferguson considers how much longer western supremacy can last, and Edward Higgs explores the challenges of the Victorian census.

Mark Ormrod discusses the Black Death, Mark Nicholls explores the life of Sir Walter Ralegh and Simon Sebag Montefiore explains the challenges involved in writing a history of Jerusalem.

Ryan Lavelle discusses Viking warfare, Robb Robinson recalls the lives of Edwardian fishing fleets and David Musgrove visits Avebury with archaeologist Nicola Snashall.

The History Extra podcast team dish up a festive history quiz, with questions set by QI’s Justin Pollard.

Mark Stoyle explains the 16th-century Prayer Book Rebellion, Clive Bloom discusses Edwardian Terrorism and a selection of eyewitnesses recall momentous events of the 20th century.

Karen Allen reveals the Yorkshire origins of trick or treat and Richard Carwardine explains the importance of Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 election victory.

Miles Russell discusses the key moments in the Roman occupation of Britain, RJB Bosworth talks about Mussolini’s love life, and Dr Hannah Newton analyses the anguish of bereaved parents in the 17th century.

Tim Benbow offers his thoughts on the Korean War, Helen Castor explains the difficulties of being a queen in the 12th century and Helen Rosslyn describes the impact of The Da Vinci Code on Rosslyn Chapel.

Max Jones on the decline of British heroes, Robert Bartlett talking Normans and Hugh Lunghi recalls his time with Stalin.

Claire Jowitt talks about Elizabeth I’s pirates, Kay Chadwick introduces a Vichy propagandist and John Spurr discusses swearing in history.

Edward Vallance discusses a 17th century radical and Hugh Doherty on true life Robin Hoods. Also in this edition survivors of the Blitz in the Second World War relive the experience.

Laurence Rees explains why Hitler didn’t press his advantage at Dunkirk in 1940. Plus Michael Scott offers his insights into the 490 BC Battle of Marathon. Also this month Gillian Mawson tells the stories of Guernsey’s Second World War child refugees.

Jenny Uglow gives us the lowdown on Charles II and the Restoration. Plus Emma Robertson explores the origins of chocolate in the British Empire.