The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

Zack White
  • 4.9 (120)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? What was his legacy on history? And why, more than 200 years later, does the conflict which he gave his name to still matter? Join award-winning Napoleonic historians Dr Zack White, Dr Luke Reynolds, and Liam Telfer as they host Europe's leading show devoted to the American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. From interviews with leading researchers, to deep dive debates on some of the big questions, this show is ideal for those who want to start building their knowledge or deepen their understanding of the period.

  1. 6D AGO

    Battle of Cape St Vincent

    In the mists off the coast of Portugal February 1797, daring disobedience, lacklustre leadership and discipline under fire came together to produce a timely and reputation-defining victory for the British at the Battle of Cape St Vincent. Naval historian Kate Jamieson takes us for a blow by blow journey through the gunsmoke and splinters to help us separate the myth from the historical reality, and understand how this battle managed to forge the reputations to two men, and quash another invasion threat before it could get under way. The conversation delves into the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, exploring the context, key commanders, and the pivotal role of Nelson. It highlights the strategic maneuvers, the impact of weather, and the aftermath of the battle, including the consequences for both the British and Spanish navies. The discussion emphasizes Nelson's bold actions that led to a significant British victory and the subsequent effects on naval morale and strategy during the Revolutionary War. Keywords Battle of Cape St. Vincent, naval warfare, Nelson, Jervis, Cordoba, maritime history, Revolutionary War, British Navy, Spanish Navy, naval strategy Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage: The Battle of Cape St. Vincent 05:47 Commanders and Their Styles: Jervis vs. Cordoba 20:02 The British Fleet: Strengths and Weaknesses 21:00 Opening Moves: Nelson's Strategic Advantage 32:55 The Battle Unfolds: Chaos and Confusion 34:10 The Spanish Fleet's Response 34:59 Nelson's Bold Maneuver 38:55 The Turning Point of the Battle 41:47 The Aftermath of Victory 49:00 The Impact on Naval Reputation 54:58 Mutinies and Morale in the Navy

    1h 4m

  2. FEB 1

    The Battle of La Boissiere Ecole: The 1815 Allied Invasion of France through two sets of eyes and two sets of cameras

    How much do soldiers really remember of battle? What influences that memory process? And what was it like to be in the midst of the maelstrom of combat? Napoleonic re-enactor Liam Telfer, and Napoleonic historian Zack White sit down with the expert on the history of memory Luke Reynolds for an interview on how a living history immersive event can change the way that we understand conflict.  Drawing on their experiences at the La Boissiere Ecole immersive campaign, they relate what they remember, what they have forgotten, and what they learnt in the course of a weekend of hard marching and frenetic fighting (or in Zack's case filming). We also discuss the role of immersive events, what they lend to the study of history, and drop a teaser about an idea that the podcast has in the pipeline. Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

    1h 18m

  3. JAN 25

    Sharpe's Greatest Hits

    In the run up to our hotly anticipated interview with Sean Bean and Bernard Cornwell (titled Sharpe's Confession), Zack, Liam and Louie sit down to discuss some of the greatest moments from the Sharpe franchise. From best books to most diabolical villains we dissect the series to discuss the high points of the novels and TV series which we have so often described as 'the gateway drug into the Napoleonic era'. What do you think? What did we miss? Leave your thoughts in the comments! Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?vanity=user Chapters (All timings approximate): 00:00 Introduction to the Sharpe Series 01:43 Debating the Greatest Sharpe Book 02:55 Liam's Pitch: Sharpe's Storm 18:40 Louie's Pitch: Sharpe's Tiger 32:41 Zack's Pitch: Sharpe's Waterloo 38:43 The Dynamics of Sharpe and Waterloo 41:22 Character Development and Historical Context 44:29 The Appeal of Historical Drama 46:12 TV Adaptations: A Mixed Bag 55:54 Imagining Future Adaptations Tags: Sharpe series, Bernard Cornwell, Napoleonic Wars, historical fiction, book review, character analysis, Sharpe's Storm, Sean Bean, military history, emotional depth.

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 18

    Surviving as a Napoleonic Soldier

    What did it take to survive the Napoleonic Wars? How did soldiers withstand the privations of campaign? And how did they balance the need to carry their worldly possessions on their shoulder, with the need to remain comfortable, and follow army regulations? Away from the famous battles and privileged lives of commanders, daily survival depended on clothing, equipment, and constant improvisation. In this episode, historian Dr Zack White sits down with Napoleonic historian, re-enactor, and British army veteran Liam Telfer to explore the reality of life on campaign for Napoleonic soldiers. We examine what they carried, from uniforms and packs to weapons and personal items, and how practical—or impractical—their kit often proved to be. From worn shoes and heavy coats to the constant struggle to stay dry, fed, and healthy, were uniforms a burden as a badge of identity? The episode also looks beyond the battlefield to what truly mattered when the fighting stopped: food, shelter, firewood, repairs, and rest. We discuss how soldiers adapted their equipment, modified their uniforms, scavenged for supplies, and relied on camaraderie to endure long marches, harsh weather, and relentless campaigning. By focusing on the ordinary soldier rather than the generals, this episode reveals how endurance, routine, and resourcefulness were just as vital as musket and bayonet in surviving the Napoleonic Wars. #NapoleonicWars#MilitaryHistory#LifeOfASoldier#NapoleonicSoldier#HistoricalUniforms#CampaignLife#19thCenturyHistory#WarAndSurvival#LivingHistory#EuropeanHistory#SoldiersOnCampaign

    35 min

  5. JAN 11

    Napoleon's Imperial Guard: Myth & Reality

    The French Imperial Guard has a reputation as the elite, all conquering crack troops of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. But how justified is that reputation? Dr Graeme Callister joins us to talk about the formation of the Guard, its reputation, organisation, combat record and discipline, to unpick the myth from the reality. Get exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

    58 min

  6. JAN 1

    The British Army in Combat

    Professor Kevin Linch joins us for a deep dive into how the British Army waged war. We discuss the army's organisation, the role of regimental guns, infantry tactics, the challenges faced by cavalry, and the importance of artillery innovations. The conversation also explores the complexities of combined arms operations, the integration with allies, and the significant influence of the Royal Navy on military campaigns. Throughout, the discussion highlights the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasising the resilience and adaptability of the British Army over time. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod Keywords British Army, Napoleonic Wars, military structure, tactics, artillery, cavalry, combined arms, regimental guns, Wellington, history Chapters (Timings approximate) 00:00 The Structure of the British Army 07:57 Artillery and Regimental Guns 12:44 Infantry Tactics and Formations 17:19 Defensive Strategies and Perceptions 21:31 Combined Arms Operations 26:13 The Role of Corps and Divisions 30:26 Cavalry Effectiveness and Challenges 32:05 The Doctrine of the British Cavalry 36:54 Artillery Innovations and Tactics 41:05 Commanders in Crisis: Successes and Failures 45:38 Professionalization of the British Army 53:34 Integration with Allied Forces 01:00:00 The Role of the Navy in British Military Success 01:06:34 Lessons Learned: Resilience and Adaptation

    1h 12m

  7. 12/25/2025

    Napoleon's Greatest Marshal: Berthier vs Davout - The Grand Final

    The climax of our epic 'Battle of the Marshals' showdown arrives tonight, as the man who has come to define perceptions of a Chief of Staff, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, and the Iron Marshal Nicolas Davout go head to head in our grand final. After hours of discussion, pitches from our most loyal fans, votes, lobbying, balloon debates and back stabbing, we have whittled France's most exalted commanders of the Napoleonic era down to just two. Who wins? You decide. Professor Edward Coss, Emeritus Professor of the United States Command and General Staff College champions Bethier, whilst the maestro of the Marshal series Rachael Stark fights for Davout in an extended debate that ranges widely on these men's skills, flaws, greatest success, and biggest embarrassment. Who take the crown is in your hands. Comment below, vote on social media, share with your friends, and get involved in the discussion, to see your favourite take one of the greatest titles in Napoleonic history: Napoleon's Greatest Marshal. Merry Christmas to all our fans, and a huge thanks to everyone who has been involved in this incredible series. Support out show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod

    1h 21m

  8. 12/21/2025

    Britain's Forgotten Recruits: The Fencibles

    We delve into the historical context of the British defence during the early 19th century, focusing on the Fencibles, a unique military formation. The discussion highlights the origins, roles, and significance of the Fensibles in Scotland, their impact on British identity, and the complexities of soldiering during this period. Rory Butcher, PhD candidate at the University of Leeds, provides insights into how the Fencibles were formed as a response to military needs and how they navigated issues of loyalty, identity, and service. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod Find out more on Rory's work at: https://x.com/RMB_History Chapters (Timings Approximate) 00:00 The Context of the British Defence 08:53 Understanding the Fencibles 17:46 The Role and Responsibilities of the Fencibles 25:01 Cultural Impact and Legacy of the Fencibles 35:32 Regimental Justice and Discipline 38:46 Desertion and Its Implications 41:14 The Nature of Soldiering Contracts 46:07 Professionalism in the Army 50:51 British Identity and the Fencibles 55:45 The Complexity of Military Identity Keywords British Defence, Fencibles, Scottish History, Napoleonic Wars, Military History, Home Defence, British Identity, Soldiering, 18th Century, Jacobite Rebellion

    1h 7m
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4.9
out of 5
120 Ratings

About

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte? What was his legacy on history? And why, more than 200 years later, does the conflict which he gave his name to still matter? Join award-winning Napoleonic historians Dr Zack White, Dr Luke Reynolds, and Liam Telfer as they host Europe's leading show devoted to the American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. From interviews with leading researchers, to deep dive debates on some of the big questions, this show is ideal for those who want to start building their knowledge or deepen their understanding of the period.

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