History Extra podcast

Glenn Foard reflects on the discovery of the true location of the Bosworth battlefield and Ina Zweiniger-Bargielowska explains the role of rationing in the Second World War.

John Morrill explains why we need to look more closely at the words of Oliver Cromwell, Juliet Gardiner considers the 1930s, and Thomas Asbridge delves into Richard I’s crusades.

Neil MacGregor discusses key objects in world history, Robert Hume looks at toilet designer Thomas Crapper and Elaine Leong talks about medicines in the 18th century.

Robert Ferguson considers what drove the Vikings to launch their seaborne attacks, while Peter Martin reviews the life and personality of Dr Johnson.

Rachael Duffett considers how First World War soldiers took to the food they were served. Plus Julian Swann offers his thoughts on the origin of the French Revolution.

Sue Elliott explains how the children of the Britons who tended First World War graves at Ypres went on to fight the Nazis. Also in this issue Jeremy Black reveals why the battle of Quiberon 250 years ago saved Britain from invasion.

First World War special. We begin with oral historian Peter Hart who introduces clips of interviews with war veterans from the Imperial War Museum sound archive. Also, Fiona Reid explores the changing nature of Remembrance Day commemorations.

Michael Scott explains why the 4th century BC was just as important as the previous 100 years in the history of Ancient Greece. Also in this edition we speak to Caroline Dodds Pennock about the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II and the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

Amanda Vickery talks about her new radio series that delves into the history of private lives in Britain. Also in this edition Ian Mortimer explains why he thinks Henry V was a cruel king who doesn’t deserve his heroic reputation.

This month Dan Snow gives his opinions on the momentous Battle of Quebec that took place 250 years ago. Plus we speak to Tracy Borman about how Elizabeth I grew envious of the other women at her court.

This month's podcast is a Second World War special. We speak to Dr Dan Todman about the situation on the home front in 1939 and you can hear exclusive extracts from two new BBC Second World War Audiobooks.

Peter Thompson explains how a 17th-century shipwreck brought Bermuda into the British Empire; Sean McGlynn discusses Medieval atrocities and reveals how they compare to modern-day brutality.

John Gillingham explains how the murder of Thomas Becket inspired a magnificent fortress; Nicholas Orme leafs through a 16th-century guide to the art of swimming.

Mark Ormrod gives a colourful insight into medieval petitions; Christopher Lewis and Alison Boyle discuss two of the 17th century's greatest astronomers: Galileo and Thomas Harriot.

Christine MacLeod challenges popular perceptions of the Industrial Revolution; Mark Collins talks about the history of Big Ben on its 150th anniversary.