Restless Times in History

Part 1: Medieval Tennis - Fun and Death

Part 1 of the history of royal tennis. A ball game once practised by 12th century monks, up against monastic walls,  it came to be the favoured sport of medieval kings.  But even as sovereigns played on their own newly constructed courts,  medieval tennis would be at the heart of several sudden, brutal, and unusual deaths among those, who ruled. 
 
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Part 2/2: The short (and sometimes deadly) history of the fork

From devil's tool to the instrument of modesty - the fork has been called many things! 
A king, who would be beheaded, a sovereign, known as the Sun King, a queen, hailed as Gloriana - all had an opinion on the fork, which saw its fortunes rise and fall, as Empires came and went, and the fork came to represent the ideals of a new era.
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Part 1: The short (and sometimes deadly) history of the fork

"Devil's tool. Murder Weapon, Diplomatic Device"
From the Far East to the Byzantine Empire - from Constantinople to the Jewel of the Renaissance and on to the city of lights. The fork, as we know it, has a colourful history. 

Fantastic Escapes: Edward and the fastest horse

The battle defeat of King Henry III of England led to the captivity of his son and heir, Edward, who was held under guard by the king's greatest enemy. But Edward planned a daring escape!

The origins of geese on Martin’s Eve - history and legend boiled in a dish

Why do Danes celebrate Morten's Aften - Martin's Eve - by eating geese? And who was Martin of Tours, who is celebrated on that day? 
 
For suggestions for future podcast topics, please write to restlesstimesinhistory@gmail.com
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John Bradmore - the metalworker who saved the life of Henry V of England

A metalworker, a surgeon, and quite possibly a counterfeiter. But also, an unsung hero of the 15th century - but for him, the famous Battle of Agincourt might never have happened!

Part 2/2: The Viking Raid on Lindisfarne in 793

The Vikings are here! What happened at Lindisfarne on 8th June 793 - and what was the reaction at the time to the viking raid.
 
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Part 1/2: Lindisfarne and The Vikings - Prologue To A Raid

Part 1: Lead up to the Viking raid on Lindisfarne
What was the significance of Lindisfarne, and why did it come to the attention of the 8th century Vikings?

Santa Lucia and Christmas - from the Roman Empire to a modern crown of candles

She was a 4th century woman in the Roman Empire, at a time when celebrating Christmas would have been a dangerous thing. So what is the history of Lucia and how did she become so closely associated with the festive season and Christmas - learn more on this episode.
Happy Holidays everyone! 

The History of a Battle Song - The story of The Battle Hymn of The Republic

It was an old tune from the frontier, which became a marching song during the American Civil War. But what inspired the 19th century poet and activist, Julia Ward Howe, to write the hymn BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC - and how did it become so popular? Vocals and arrangement: Carlymillerproductions Lyrics: Julia Ward Howe License purchased November 2022