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.

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  1. 15h ago

    339. Of Course Medieval and Tudor People Ate Vegetables with Sam Bilton

    Can we please stop believing that our ancestors didn't eat vegetables? Are you tired of the myth that historical diets consisted only of giant turkey legs and gout-inducing meats? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes food historian, author, and podcaster Sam Bilton to dismantle the persistent lie that people in the past avoided fruit and veg. From the misconception that medieval tables lacked greens to the Victorian culinary crimes that saw Brussels sprouts boiled for 40 minutes, Sam sets the record straight using the very text evidence left behind by historical cooks. Discover how Tudor banquets actually incorporated seasonal produce, why Giacomo Castelvetro tried to get early 17th-century Brits to eat more celery, and how potatoes became the ultimate Shakespearean aphrodisiac. Plus, Sam reveals why an Elizabethan "boiled salad" is actually closer to modern gastropub fare than you think. It’s time to torch the meat-only myth and find out what our ancestors were really cooking. Recommended Episodes If you loved diving into the realities of historical dining, check out these recommended episodes from the History Rage archive: Episode 204: Neil Buttery rages that medieval people did have table manners.Episode 208: Annie Grey rages that British food is not dull and beige. About the Guest Sam Bilton is a food historian, lecturer, and author specializing in historical culinary arts. She is the author of Much Ado About Cooking: Delicious Shakespearean Feasts for Every Occasion. Buy the Book: Get your copy of Much Ado About Cooking directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781035427680Podcasts: Listen to Sam on the Comfortably Hungry podcast and A Is for Apple.Social Media: Follow Sam on all platforms @MrsSBilton. Support & Follow History Rage Help us keep the rage train rolling! You can support the podcast, get ad-free early access, join monthly live streams, and grab your exclusive History Rage mug by becoming a patron. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/HistoryRageWebsite: https://www.historyrage.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 15h ago • Subscribers Only

    America’s Manifest Destiny Was Never Inevitable with Clement Knox

    Was the map of the United States an inevitable destiny or a chaotic 90-year conquest? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by author and columnist Clement Knox to dismantle the pervasive myth that the United States emerged fully formed with natural borders in 1776. From the proxy battles of the American Revolution to the high-stakes land deals of the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican-American War, discover how aggressive diplomacy, land speculation, and sheer contingency created the superpower we know today. In this episode, we cover: • The Myth of 1776: Why the original 13 colonies were never destined to span the continent, and how 97% of the early population was trapped east of the Appalachian Mountains. • European Puppet Masters: How French bankrolling, Spanish territory, and British power dynamics shaped the early American West. • The Louisiana Purchase (1803): Why this pivotal transaction—driven by Napoleon's defeat in Haiti—was the single most important event of the 19th century. • Motives Behind the March: How tax rebellion, elite land speculation, and the rapid expansion of slavery fueled the westward push. • The Mexican-American War & Texas: How rogue settlers created facts on the ground, leading to the near-conquest of Mexico City. • The 1844 Turning Point: How 15,000 votes in New York altered the course of history and brought America to the Pacific Ocean. Recommended Episodes: • Episode 243: The Wild West Isn't That Wild with Jem Duducu • Episode 263: The War of 1812 with Matthew Taylor Guest Details: • Guest: Clement Knox (Author of The Scramble for America: How the United States Conquered a Continent) • Follow Clement on X: https://x.com/clement_knox • Buy the Book: Support independent bookshops and the podcast by ordering The Scramble for America via the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008447274 Follow & Support History Rage: • Patreon: Support the show for £5/month to get ad-free early access, monthly live streams, and an exclusive History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage • Socials & More: Follow the podcast on social media @historyrage or spread the word to join the Rage Train!

  3. Oct 11

    338. Did the Ancient Greeks and Romans Invent Homophobia? With Harry Tanner

    Did the ancient world celebrate queer love, or did they invent homophobia? Stop repeating the myth that the ancient Greeks and Romans lived out an enlightened, carefree bisexual paradise. In this explosive episode of the History Rage Podcast, where historical myths are debunked, host Paul Bavill sits down with historian, linguist, and author Harry Tanner to tear down everything you think you know about ancient sexuality truths. From popular pop-history literature to classic classrooms, we are constantly told that sexuality is a modern 19th-century invention and that ancient city-states completely tolerated same-sex love. But the original ancient Greek texts paint a much darker reality, exposing the deep roots of ancient Greek homophobia. In discussing his book, The Queer Thing About Sin, Harry exposes the starting gun of systemic bias in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, tracking how societal crises, severe wealth inequality, plagues, and wars forced ancient cultures to turn aggressively on their queer citizens. Discover the hidden truth behind discriminatory laws in Athens and Sparta, the reality of Romans and homosexuality, and the broader history of queer phobia. We explore why we must finally stop confusing brutal acts of wartime dominance with actual sexual tolerance. We also dive into the linguistic traps of the New Testament, confronting the intersection of religion and homophobia, and how academic nuance is the ultimate antidote to dogmatic prejudice. It is raw, it is angry, and it is a vital rewrite of Western history from History Rage. Recommended Episodes to Binge Next Episode 275: The Lives and Loves of Alexander the Great with Stephen HarrisonEpisode 185: The Relationships of James I with Gareth Russell About Our Guest Buy the Book: Grab your copy of The Queer Thing About Sin directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399422314Follow Harry Tanner: Connect on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/harryjamestanner or find him on Threads at https://www.threads.net/@harryjamestanner Support & Follow History Rage Support us on Patreon: Unlock early, ad-free episodes, monthly livestreams, and the highly coveted History Rage mug for just £5 a month at https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow the Show: Stay updated with the latest historical rants on Twitter/X at https://x.com/HistoryRage or visit our central hub at https://www.historyrage.comSpread the Rage: If you are loving the show, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and tell a friend to get aboard the rage train!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Oct 11 • Subscribers Only

    Elizabeth I DID NOT Hate Women! With Corina Apostu

    Did Elizabeth I actually despise every single woman in her court? Stop believing the lazy misogynistic myth that Queen Elizabeth I hated women. Tudor historian and author Corina Apostu joins Paul Bavill on History Rage to completely dismantle this toxic narrative. Far from being a "man's woman" who loathed her female contemporaries, Elizabeth shared deep, lifelong emotional bonds, built vital political networks, and found safe sanctuaries with the women in her inner circle. Discover the hidden reality behind royal court dynamics, the terrifying pressures of political succession, and why high-profile fallouts with figures like the Grey sisters were driven by state survival rather than petty jealousy. Learn the truth about palace blowups involving Mary Scudamore and Helena Snakenberg, and get a fresh, nuanced perspective on a legendary monarch. • Explore Corina’s Work: Check out https://exploringelizabethanhistory.com/ • Read the Cited Article: Read the deep dive at https://exploringelizabethanhistory.com/2025/03/23/the-many-female-friends-of-elizabeth-i/ • Connect with Corina: Find her social media and contact details at https://x.com/CorinaApostu • Recommended Episodes: Listen to Episode 83 (Tracy Borman on Anne Boleyn) and Episode 69 (Jesse Childs on Elizabeth's tolerance). Ready to join the rage train and help Corina die on this hill? Follow and contact History Rage at https://historyrage.com. Support the podcast and become a History Rager for £5 a month on Patreon to unlock monthly live streams, early ad-free episodes, and a coveted mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage!

  5. Oct 4

    337. Civilisation Does Not Start With Romans and Greeks with Patrick Wyman

    Think history is a neat, upward march of progress? Think again. We love to tell ourselves a cozy story about human history: we started as innocent hunter-gatherers in perfect harmony with nature, invented farming, and smoothly leveled up all the way to modern civilization. But Patrick Wyman—historian, author, and creator of the smash-hit Tides of History podcast—is here to tell us that standard textbook narrative is absolute bollocks. In this explosive episode of History Rage, Patrick unleashes on the myth of the "golden age" of human innocence and exposes the messy, chaotic reality of our deep past. The truth? Human prehistory isn’t a straight line—it’s 10,000 years of spectacular booms, violent crashes, and desperate trade-offs. From prehistoric European societies tearing themselves apart in mysterious waves of conflict to sophisticated urban centers that completely rejected the need for kings or rulers, our ancestors weren't floating through an age of innocence. They were just like us: making shit up as they went along, altering their environments, and desperately trying to stay in the game. Plus, Patrick stays fired up to deliver a much-needed, historically accurate beatdown to the internet's favorite conspiracy theory: no, aliens did not build the pyramids. Ready to abandon the march of progress and see our ancestors for who they truly were? Hit play now to get angry, get smart, and look at human history with a whole new perspective. About Our Guest: Patrick Wyman Patrick Wyman is a historian, author, and the brilliant mind behind the massive history podcasts The Fall of Rome and Tides of History. Buy the Book: Support the podcast and pick up Patrick's incredible new book, The Lost Worlds, directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780063256484Listen to the Podcast: Search for Tides of History on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio.Follow Patrick on Threads & Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@wyman_patrick or https://www.instagram.com/wyman_patrickFollow Patrick on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/patrick_wyman Recommended Additional Episodes If you loved diving into the mysteries of the ancient world, make sure to queue up these recommended episodes of History Rage next: Episode 17: Caroline Nicolay rages that there was plenty of rich civilization thriving long before the Romans ever turned up.Episode 132: Professor Jim Leary talks about the deep prehistory of human movement and migration. Support & Follow History Rage History Rage relies entirely on the support of our legendary listeners to keep the rage train rolling. Support us on Patreon: Get early, ad-free episodes, access to monthly livestreams, and the coveted History Rage mug for just £5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/historyrageFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRageFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HistoryRageShare the Rage: If you loved this episode, the absolute best thing you can do is leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and tell a friend to get them on board!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Oct 4 • Subscribers Only

    Henry VIII’s Final Years Were NOT a Protestant vs Catholic Showdown with Andrew Johnston

    Was the late reign of Henry VIII really just a vicious religious death match? Step away from the popular narrative of cutthroat religious factions and chaotic court intrigue. In this riveting episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes historian Andrew Johnston, author of King’s Secretary, William Paget, and the Last Years of the Reign of Henry the Eighth. Together, they dismantle the long-standing myth that the politics of the 1540s were simply a binary war between religious reformers and conservative crypto-Catholics. Discover how international warfare, crippling royal finances, and an escalating geopolitical crisis actually drove the mid-Tudor period. Learn how William Paget—a brilliant man of humble origins who became the ultimate political survivor—really operated behind the scenes, managing state papers and trying to restrain a dying king. Whether you are a dedicated Tudor history enthusiast or looking to clear up common historical misconceptions, this episode offers a refreshing and vital perspective on a neglected decade. Recommended Additional Episodes • Episode 252: Joanne Paul rages that Thomas More was not some papal martyr. • Episode 235: Nadine Ackerman and Pete Langman talk us through the spies and plots of Elizabethan England. Support the Author & the Podcast • Buy the Book: Order King's Secretary, William Paget, and the Last Years of the Reign of Henry VIII directly from the History Rage Bookshop at https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300285215 to support independent bookshops, the author, and the podcast. • Join Patreon: Become a History Rager for £5 per month to unlock monthly live streams, early ad-free episodes, and an exclusive History Rage mug at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage. • Spread the Word: Share this episode with a friend to grow the rage train! Connect with the Guest & Podcast • Andrew Johnston's Book/Work: Learn more about his research and purchase his biographical work via the History Rage Bookshop Link. • History Rage Website & Socials: Follow the podcast for updates, live streams, and more at https://historyrage.com or search for @HistoryRage on major social media platforms.

  7. Oct 3 • Subscribers Only

    The Real Sherlock Holmes Was a Victorian Surgeon: Dr. Joe Bell with Lindsey Fitzharris

    Think the legendary detective began at 221B Baker Street? Step onto the Victorian hospital wards of 19th-century Edinburgh! Before Arthur Conan Doyle created the master sleuth, he was a medical student mesmerized by Dr. Joseph Bell—a Scottish surgeon who could read a human body like a crime scene. Long before standard forensic science existed, Bell used acute observational deduction to unmask army deserters, uncover poisons, and assist Edinburgh’s police surgeon in solving headline-grabbing murders. In this gripping episode, medical historian, bestselling author, and YouTube host Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris joins Paul Bavill to tear away the fictional facade and reveal the real, complex man behind the Sherlock Holmes legend. Discover how Bell’s groundbreaking diagnostic eye helped pioneer courtroom expert testimony, reform Victorian nursing, and inspire a literary icon—even if both Bell and Doyle grew to despise the famous detective! Guest Links & Social Details: • Official Website: https://drlindseyfitzharris.com/ • YouTube Series (Under the Knife): https://www.youtube.com/@UnderTheKnifeShow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindseyfitzharris/ • X (Twitter): https://x.com/DrLindseyFitz • Buy the Book (History Rage Bookshop): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780241632611 Recommended Episodes Referenced in Transcript: • Episode 1: Cat Irving rages that Burke and Hare were not body snatchers. • Episode 254: Debunking the Lizzie Borden axe murder myths. • Episode 280: Alanna Skuse rages that Renaissance medicine is not quackery. Follow, Contact & Support History Rage: • Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyrage • Follow on X (Twitter): https://x.com/HistoryRage • Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/

  8. Sep 30

    336. They’re the SIX QUEENS not the Six Wives! With Tracy Borman | Historic Royal Palaces Special

    Forget Henry VIII: It is Time to Reignite the Power of the Six Queens Are you ready to stop defining these six extraordinary Tudor women by the man they married? In this episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back Tracy Borman, Chief Historian of Historic Royal Palaces. Together, they shatter the centuries-old "six wives" narrative to focus on the individual achievements, political savvy, and lasting legacies of these phenomenal rulers. From Catherine of Aragon’s military leadership and Anne Boleyn’s driving force behind the Reformation, to Jane Seymour’s sharp financial agency, Anne of Cleves’s masterclass in diplomatic survival, Katherine Howard’s misunderstood agency, and Katherine Parr’s radical political and literary intellect—discover why it is time to throw out the "wives" myth and put the Six Queens front and centre. This episode is produced in proud partnership with Historic Royal Palaces and their Six Queens campaign, an initiative transforming how these legendary women are taught in schools. Discover educational resources, classroom videos, and updates on next year's Six Queens Week at the Historic Royal Palaces website: https://www.hrp.org.uk. Recommended Additional Episodes Episode 262: Stop Glorifying Henry VIII with Jackson Van Uden Episode 264: Team Catherine vs. Team Anne with Kate McCaffrey Guest Info & Resources Guest: Tracy Borman (Chief Historian, Historic Royal Palaces) Website & Books: Learn more about Tracy's work and her latest novel, The House of Boleyn, at https://www.tracyborman.co.uk X/Twitter: @TracyBorman Follow & Support History Rage Website: https://www.historyrage.com X/Twitter: @HistoryRageSupport on Patreon: Get early ad-free episodes, monthly live streams, and the official History Rage mug for £5/month at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
33 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
    436
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2025 Paul Bavill
  • Show Website
    History Rage
  • Provider
    PAUL BAVILL

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