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History Rage

Paul Bavill

Think history is boring? That’s because you’ve only ever heard the fake version. On History Rage, professional historians come in swinging — smashing the myths, clichés, and half-truths that keep getting recycled in classrooms, documentaries, and TikToks. Vikings with horned helmets? Nope. Britain standing alone in 1940? Wrong. Medieval people never bathed? Rubbish. Why listen? Because the truth is way more exciting. You’ll leave every episode with jaw-dropping stories, killer facts to shut down pub bores, and the smug satisfaction of knowing what really happened. 🎧 Episodes drop every Monday. 📲 Follow now and get the history they don’t teach you — raw, raging, and real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    The Battle of Badon was NOT a Britain-defining victory with Nick Higham

    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.

    1hr 1min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    290. Daniel Defoe was WAY more than just a novelist with Marc Mierowsky

    Daniel Defoe wasn’t just a novelist — he helped forge Britain itself Daniel Defoe is remembered as the author of Robinson Crusoe — but that legacy hides a far more dangerous, politically explosive truth. Long before his novels reshaped literature, Defoe was shaping nations. In this episode of History Rage, Paul Bavill is joined by historian Marc Mierowsky, Fellow and Lecturer in English at the University of Melbourne, to rage against the idea that Defoe was “just” a novelist. Instead, we uncover Defoe as a government propagandist, intelligence agent, and covert operator, working at the very heart of early British state power. Marc reveals how Defoe: Operated as a political fixer and spy for Robert HarleyBuilt one of Britain’s earliest nationwide intelligence and propaganda networksInfiltrated Scottish politics during the crisis years before the 1707 Act of UnionManipulated religious divisions, rebellion, and public opinionHelped sabotage organised resistance to the Union of England and Scotland This is a story of dirty tricks, espionage, pamphlet warfare, and political manipulation, all carried out by a man later celebrated as a literary pioneer. It also raises uncomfortable questions about state power, surveillance, and whether the foundations of modern Britain were laid through persuasion — or coercion. If you think you know Daniel Defoe, this episode will leave you furious, fascinated, and questioning everything. About the guest Marc Mierowsky is Fellow and Lecturer in English at the University of Melbourne, specialising in Restoration and early eighteenth-century literature, politics, and espionage. His research focuses on Daniel Defoe’s secret service work, propaganda networks, and the intelligence machinery behind the Anglo-Scottish Union. Marc Mierowsky – links & contact Book: A Spy Amongst Us: Daniel Defoe’s Secret Service and the Plot to End Scottish IndependencePublisher page / book retailers: Available via major academic and online booksellersAffiliation: University of Melbourne Why this episode matters Defoe’s story forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: the modern British state was built using surveillance, propaganda, and manipulation of public opinion. The debates around sovereignty, identity, and union that rage today were already burning in the early 1700s — and Defoe was pouring fuel on the fire. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in: British historyScottish independence and the Act of UnionEarly modern espionageThe hidden political origins of the novelPropaganda, intelligence, and state power About History Rage History Rage is the podcast that smashes historical myths and takes cherished assumptions out back and wrecks them. Hosted by Paul Bavill, each episode gives expert historians space to rage about the misconceptions they want destroyed. Follow & contact History Rage Website: https://historyrage.comTwitter / X: @HistoryRageBluesky: historyrage.bsky.socialEmail: historyragepod@gmail.com Support the podcast If you love fearless history without the myths: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrageApple Subscriptions: Ad-free listening from £3 per month£5 tier: Bonus content and the legendary History Rage mugSupporting the podcast keeps independent, expert-led history alive — and angry. Stay angry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  3. 21 APR • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Stop Saying Roman Slavery Wasn’t That Bad with Emma Southon

    Roman slavery myths shattered with brutal truths historians can’t ignore Roman slavery is often portrayed as mild, civilised, or even preferable to poverty—but that comforting myth collapses under scrutiny. In this explosive episode of History Rage, historian and author Emma Southon unleashes her fury at the persistent sanitising of Roman slavery and reveals the stark, violent realities behind the Roman Empire’s power. Drawing on archaeological evidence, ancient writings, and modern scholarship, Emma dismantles the comforting fiction that Roman slavery was temporary, humane, or somehow “not that bad.” Instead, she exposes a system built on terror, exploitation, and absolute lack of human rights—where millions lived in constant fear of violence, separation, and death. You’ll hear how people became enslaved—from war captives to children born into bondage—and why slavery was so embedded in Roman society that even modest households often owned enslaved people. Emma also reveals the chilling legal reality: for centuries, enslaved people had virtually no protections, and violence against them was both legal and culturally accepted. From the myth of the “happy slave” taught in school textbooks to the romanticised portrayals in television and fiction, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about Rome—and shows why understanding slavery is essential to understanding the empire itself. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why Roman slavery was widespread across every level of society • How people entered slavery through war, birth, crime, or kidnapping • The reality of daily life under constant threat of violence • The truth about manumission and why freedom was rarer than often claimed • How myths about Roman slavery developed—and why they still persist • Why slavery may have slowed Roman technological innovation About the Guest Emma Southon is a historian specialising in the Roman Empire and the social realities behind its power. She is the author of “Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire”, a groundbreaking exploration of slavery’s central role in Roman society. Emma is also co-host of the History Is Sexy, where she explores the ancient world through stories often overlooked in traditional history. Follow Emma Southon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmasouthon Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emmasouton.bsky.social 📚 Buy Emma’s book “Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire “ from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399741255 Support History Rage Love hearing historians destroy popular myths? Here’s how to support History Rage: • ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favourite app • 📣 Share this episode with a friend who loves history • 🎧 Subscribe for ad-free listening via Apple Podcasts • 🔥 Join the rage community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Get in Touch with History Rage 📧 Email: historyragepod@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://www.historyrage.com 📱 Follow on social media: Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/historyrage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage If you’ve ever been told Roman slavery “wasn’t that bad,” this episode will leave you questioning everything—and maybe feeling a little angry too.

    57 min

  4. 19 APR • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Thomas Arundel was NOT a Pantomime Villain with Chris Given-Wilson

    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 o Monthly livestream access o Entry into the book draw o Submit questions to future guests o 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.

    50 min

  5. 19 APR

    289. Stop Thinking Women Matter Only When They Rule with Magdalena Sanchez

    Discover the Spanish Infanta who reshaped Renaissance power from behind the throne. Step into the glittering courts of 16th-century Europe as historian Professor Magdalena Sánchez joins host Paul Bavill to rage against a stubborn myth: that women only matter in history when they command political power. Catalina Micaela — daughter of Philip II of Spain and Duchess of Savoy — has long been treated as a political footnote. But across 3,000 intimate letters, a forceful, devoted, and highly capable woman emerges: one who shaped diplomacy, managed wars, and commanded a court… while enduring ten pregnancies in thirteen years. Professor Sánchez reveals how Catalina: • Asserted her authority as Infanta of Spain, not merely “a duchess” • Governed Savoy during her husband’s campaigns, acting as his lieutenant • Challenged ministers, criticised generals, and organised court life with precision • Maintained deep emotional connection through constant letter-writing and gift-giving • Balanced political influence with religious devotion and motherhood as central duties This episode uncovers Catalina’s love story, her leadership, and the invisible labour of royal women — all of which historians have too often ignored. If you think only queens and rulers shape history, Catalina will change your mind. Further Listening from the History Rage Archive For more on powerful and underestimated women of Renaissance Europe: • Episode 199 — Catherine de’ Medici with Una McElvenna • Episode 232 — Ruling Queens with Elizabeth Norton About Our Guest – Professor Magdalena Sánchez Professor of History at Gettysburg College and author of: Infanta: The Short Remarkable Life of Catalina Michaela (Yale University Press) — the first major biography to spotlight Catalina’s voice and legacy. 📚 Buy the book Infanta: The Short Remarkable Life of Catalina Michaela https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300282832 Listen, Follow & Support History Rage 🎧 New to History Rage? We invite leading historians to vent their anger at the myths we keep getting wrong. Follow for more raging truth: → Search History Rage on Apple Podcasts or your preferred app → Find @HistoryRage on social media (search to connect) 💥 Support the show and unlock benefits: • Ad-free listening available via Apple Podcasts subscription at £3/month • Join the £5/month Patreon for monthly livestream access — search History Rage Patreon to subscribe 📣 Love this episode? Tell one friend, one colleague, one fellow history-nerd — and help the rage spread. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  6. 15 APR

    288. Samuel Pepys Was Not “A Man of His Time” with Guy de la Bédoyère | Gloucester History Festival Special #4

    Samuel Pepys exposed: secrets, suppression, and the truth behind his diary. Samuel Pepys Was Not What You Think… EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING - NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED! For generations, Samuel Pepys has been portrayed as a witty observer of Restoration London — a charming administrator who documented plague, fire, and naval reform. But what if that version of Pepys wasn’t the full story? In this explosive Gloucester History Festival Special, historian and author Guy de la Bédoyère joins History Rage to challenge the long-standing myth that Pepys was simply “a man of his time.” Drawing on decades of research — including learning Pepys’s original shorthand — Guy reveals how editors suppressed, mistranslated, and obscured disturbing passages from the diary for over 200 years. What You’ll Discover in This Episode This episode goes beyond familiar Pepys anecdotes and digs into the hidden layers of his diary — and the people who shaped how history remembers him. Inside this episode: Why large sections of Pepys’s diary were deliberately removed or mistranslated How 19th- and 20th-century editors shaped the public image of Pepys The truth behind Pepys’s secret use of foreign languages and coded shorthand Why the phrase “a man of his time” can dangerously excuse behaviour Why Pepys’s record remains unique in early modern history Guy explains how Pepys deliberately buried controversial actions within routine daily entries — making them easy to overlook unless carefully decoded. Why This Episode Matters Pepys’s diary is one of the most important personal records in English history — documenting events like: The Great Plague of 1665 The Great Fire of London The Restoration of monarchy after the English Civil Wars But Guy argues that understanding Pepys properly means confronting the uncomfortable details — not sanitising them. This episode challenges the idea that historical figures should be excused simply because of the era in which they lived — and asks what happens when historians uncover what earlier editors chose to hide. About the Guest — Guy de la Bédoyère Guy de la Bédoyère is a bestselling historian, broadcaster, and former Time Team presenter. He is widely known for his work on Roman Britain and historical biography, and his latest research focuses on uncovering suppressed truths within Pepys’s writings. 📖 Buy the book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780349147406 Purchasing through the History Rage Bookshop helps support both the podcast and independent booksellers. See Guy Live — Gloucester History Festival 🎟 Live Event Announcement Gloucester History Festival 📅 Saturday 18th April 2026 🎤 The Confessions of Samuel Pepys Guy will be speaking live about the hidden realities behind Pepys’s diary and answering audience questions. 🎟 Get tickets: https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/the-confessions-of-samuel-pepys/ Follow History Rage Stay connected with the podcast and never miss an episode. 📱 Follow History Rage Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/HistoryRage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage Website: https://www.historyrage.com Newsletter: https://historyrage.substack.com/ Support the Podcast If you enjoy History Rage and want to keep the show going, there are several ways to help: ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps others discover the show. 🎧 Share the episode with friends and fellow history lovers. ☕ Support via Patreon — early access, livestreams, and exclusive extras. 👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Subscribers receive: Early episode releases Monthly livestream access Opportunities to submit questions to guests Exclusive History Rage rewards Listen Next If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: Episode 241 — Quakers weren’t peaceful outsiders Episode 284 — The forgotten women of the Restoration court Both continue the theme of challenging historical myths and misconceptions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  7. 12 APR

    287. J. Bruce Ismay was NOT the ‘Coward of the Titanic’ with Clifford Ismay

    Titanic myths sink fast when the real evidence finally surfaces. For decades, J. Bruce Ismay has been cast as the Titanic’s cowardly villain—but what if almost everything you think you know is wrong? In this revelatory episode, Paul Bavill is joined by Clifford Ismay, author of Understanding J. Bruce Ismay: The True Story of the Man They Call the Coward of the Titanic, to explore the real man behind the myths. Drawing on family documents, maritime records, witness statements, and newly uncovered letters, Cliff exposes how false press narratives, Hollywood invention, and long-lived conspiracy theories reshaped Ismay’s legacy beyond recognition. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why the infamous “coward” label doesn’t match documented evidenceHow J. Bruce Ismay actually spent the final hours on the TitanicWhy claims that he forced Captain Smith to speed up are baselessThe truth about “unsinkable” myths and who really said itHow William Randolph Hearst ignited a media assault that changed historyThe bizarre “Olympic switch conspiracy”—and why it’s complete nonsenseHow Ismay lived after the disaster, and why the recluse narrative isn’t trueHow film portrayals from A Night to Remember to Titanic distort the facts This is Titanic history stripped of melodrama and rebuilt from primary sources—the closest you’ll get to the truth without descending to the wreck yourself. ABOUT THE GUEST – Clifford Ismay Clifford Ismay is a maritime historian, museum director, and author specialising in Edwardian shipping history and the legacy of the White Star Line. As a distant relative of J. Bruce Ismay, he brings unparalleled insight into both the man and the myths that engulfed him. Clifford Ismay – Contact & Follow 📘 Book: Understanding J. Bruce Ismay 👉 Order here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780750998666   Listen Next 🎧 Episode 117 – Gareth Russell on Third Class “Locked Below Deck” Myths 🎧 Episode 91 – Anne Fletcher on the Widows of the Scott Expedition FOLLOW & SUPPORT HISTORY RAGE If you’re raging right along with us, here’s how to keep the fury flowing: Follow History Rage 🐦 Twitter/X: @HistoryRage 📸 Instagram: @HistoryRage 🌐 Website: https:www.historyrage.com   Support the Podcast 💷 Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Ad-free listening for £3/month. Tap Subscribe in the Apple Podcasts app. 💷 Patreon: Join for £5/month to get The monthly live streamExclusive perksThe coveted History Rage mug👉 patreon.com/historyrageSpread the Rage If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, share it online, or leave a review. It genuinely helps more listeners discover the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  8. 12 APR • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Victorian England is a hotbed of revolt with Ian Breckon

    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.

    1 hr
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4.9
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

Think history is boring? That’s because you’ve only ever heard the fake version. On History Rage, professional historians come in swinging — smashing the myths, clichés, and half-truths that keep getting recycled in classrooms, documentaries, and TikToks. Vikings with horned helmets? Nope. Britain standing alone in 1940? Wrong. Medieval people never bathed? Rubbish. Why listen? Because the truth is way more exciting. You’ll leave every episode with jaw-dropping stories, killer facts to shut down pub bores, and the smug satisfaction of knowing what really happened. 🎧 Episodes drop every Monday. 📲 Follow now and get the history they don’t teach you — raw, raging, and real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Bavill
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    375
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2025 Paul Bavill
  • Show Website
    History Rage
  • Provider
    PAUL BAVILL

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