History Hit

A century-old injustice needs to be corrected. “More Than a Medal,” follows the extraordinary story of researchers working against time, exploring previously untold heroic stories from the battlefields of France, and the experience of modern-day descendants as they maintain cautious hope of recognition. In September 2018, the Valor Medals Review Task Force began the challenging research task of collecting and reviewing archival records, and carrying out genealogical and descendant outreach to persuade the Department of Defense to execute a systematic review of minority veterans from World War I. Despite their valorous deeds, it emerges that they may have been unjustly denied awards due to their race or religion. To date, researchers have identified 214 service members — 105 Jewish Americans, 73 African Americans, 23 Native Americans, 12 Hispanic Americans and one Asian American — who have qualified for review, finally receiving recognition for their heroic service over 100 years ago. Since 1941, the U.S. Congress and the Department of Defense have reviewed the military’s process for awarding valor medals to ensure minority veterans were recognized equitably, but no review has

History Hit teams up with Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, to test out the firearms that changed the course of history. From the arquebus, a 16th century smoothbore matchlock and one of the earliest guns fired from the shoulder, to the devastatingly powerful First World War Vickers machine gun, we witness the frightening effects of these weapons. In the first episode of the series, History Hit presenters Louee Dessent and Luke Tomes head to the firing range in Leeds to test their accuracy with three British weapons: the arquebus, Brown Bess musket and Lee Enfield rifle (SMLE). Next up, it's a deep dive into the history of the Martini-Henry rifle and its precursors. This weapon was used by the British Army when the British Empire was at its height, famously featuring in the Boer War and Zulu Wars. Dan Snow then joins Jonathan to fire the Vickers machine gun - a weapon which proved so deadly during the trench warfare of the early 20th century. Finally, we head to the American Old

Forgotten Revolutionary War Battlefield Skeletons Discovered | Battle of Camden' History Hit has been up close to a remarkable story from the American War of Independence, exploring the history and attending the commemorations for the dead of the bloody battle of Camden, 1780. Travelling to South Carolina for this special film, Dan Snow investigates some exceptional historic and archaeological discoveries that reveal the course of the battle, meeting key historians, archaeologists and forensics experts. The excavations have uncovered 14 of the fallen - men buried in shallow graves where they died on the battlefield. They have been carefully exhumed, ready for formal memorial. Dan attends the moving services for these men and boys from both sides of the conflict - many of the dead were just teenagers when they died. We witness them being given military honours on the battlefield where they fell. Dan also finds out about the southern sector of the Revolutionary War, a decisive but often forgotten theatre of that conflict, out of which emerged the United States. In making this film, we were very pleased to

In 865 AD, England was invaded by the Great Heathen Army. The Great Viking Army, as it was also known, was made up of a coalition of Scandinavian warriors mainly from Denmark and, legend has it, four of the five sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, including Halfdan Ragnarsson, Ivar the Boneless, Bjorn Ironeside and Ubba. This was an army that would change Britain forever. It would lay siege to towns and cities like York, attack monasteries and kill kings - the most famous of course being St Edmund, who was brutally beheaded by the Norse warriors in 869 AD. Dan Snow was recently joined by bioarchaeologist and Viking specialist Cat Jarman on a road trip across England to retrace the path of this conquering Viking Army.

Could You Survive in the Duke of Wellington's Army?' During the Napoleonic Wars the British Army experienced a time of rapid change. At the beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars in 1793, the army was a small, awkwardly administered force of barely 40,000 men. By the end of the period, the numbers had vastly increased to over a quarter of a million soldiers by 1813. Whilst the battlefields of the early 1800s looked similar to those of centuries gone by, with columns of infantry advancing slowly toward the enemy musket volleys, the British army was starting to diversify, adding specialised and elite units to its forces. In this video, History Hit presenters Luke Tomes (@histluketomes) and Louee Dessent (@loueedj) join the Coldstream Guards 1815 and 95th Rifles - reenactment groups representing real units that served in the Peninsular War and helped to defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo… You can find out more about the groups here: Together, they'll find out how your regiment in the Duke of Wellington’s army would shape your experience on the battlefield and determine

Unravelling the Mystery of Knossos and the Minotaur' The legend of the Minotaur and its labyrinth has captivated us for centuries, but is there any evidence of it really existing? History Hit presenter Tristan Hughes visits the Ashmolean museum in Oxford to interview Dr. Andrew Shapland, the curator of a new exhibition exploring the Bronze Age settlement of Knossos in Crete - the home of the mythical King Minos, the Minotaur and the labyrinth. Together they explore ancient artefacts that hint at human sacrifices being carried out, and find out through archaeological evidence if there is any truth behind the myths.

On 22 June 1941, Hitler's Germany launched ‘Operation Barbarossa’, the attack of the Soviet Union, the largest invasion in military history. In June 2019, twelve dusty notebooks and a wealth of loose paperwork were discovered in Germany; the diaries of Oberleutnant Wilhelm Sander, a young officer in the 11th Panzer-Regiment who took part in the enormous campaign. On every single day Sander, in a brutally honest manner, elaborately recorded his experiences, impressions and the events he witnessed. Now transcribed and translated for the first time, they offer a brutally honest, intimate and fascinating view into the murderous and unforgiving nature of war on the Eastern Front from the summer of 1941 to the eventual German retreat in the terrible winter of 1941/1942, while offering a unique glimpse into the world of thought of a highly politicised officer of the German Wehrmacht and member of the NSDAP. Re-join Leutnant Friedrich Sander, a Panzer officer in the German Wehrmacht as he continues his journey into the heart of the Soviet Union as part of Operation Barbarossa. In Part Two, we pick up

Are these the most accurate scenes depicting modern warfare in movies? War historian, NATO Advisor and presenter of History Hit’s Warfare podcast James Rogers is here to tell us. In this video, James delves into the gritty world of modern warfare, as portrayed in some of the most compelling films from recent times. Starting with 'The Hurt Locker' (2008), a tense and thought-provoking portrayal of bomb disposal units in Iraq, James discusses the film's authenticity, and the psychological toll of war. Moving on to 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015) he analyses the depiction of child soldiers in West Africa and the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in such conflicts. With 'American Sniper' (2014) the focus shifts to the story of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US military history. James examines the film's depiction of the sniper's role, the psychological impact on soldiers, and the wider implications of war on individuals and society. 'Eye in the Sky' (2015) explores the ethical challenges of modern warfare through a drone strike operation. James dissects the complexities of remote warfare, collateral

Join host, Alice Loxton, as she delves deep into the mysterious and haunting story of the Pendle Witch Trials that took place in 17th-century England. Alice speaks to local historian Simon Entwistle and Lancaster Castle's Museum Manager, Dr. Colin Penny to shed light on the secrets and significance of this chilling trial. Alice steps back in time to explore the landscapes of Pendle Hill, the ordinary town which became the heart of witchcraft allegations in Lancashire. She finds out how fear, superstition, and religious tensions conspired to ignite one of the most infamous witch trials in English history. She spends time learning the real stories of Alice Nutter, Elizabeth Device, and other women who were entangled in the web of accusations and examines the evidence against the accused, exploring potential motivations behind their persecution. Film directed by Mark Bowsher.

Join 'The Ancients' host Tristan Hughes in a captivating exploration of Maiden Castle, an ancient hillfort steeped in mystery. In this video, Tristan is joined by archaeologist Dr. Miles Russell for a fascinating interview that takes us deep into the heart of this enigmatic structure. Located in Dorset, England, Maiden Castle stands as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors. Tristan and Miles guide us through its intricate ramparts, labyrinthine passageways, and awe-inspiring views, unveiling a captivating history that has puzzled scholars for centuries. Through Tristan's expert analysis and Miles' archaeological expertise, they uncover the origins and evolution of Maiden Castle, gaining insights into its purpose and strategic significance and discover more about the daily lives of its inhabitants, their rituals, and their struggles against external threats as they navigate the fortification's remarkable features.

It remains one of the most successful and significant thefts in history. In late 321 BC, a carefully-constructed plot was put into operation that would spark years of bloody conflict between rival warlords. The target of the operation was Alexander the Great’s elaborate funeral carriage, designed as a miniature and gold-adorned mobile temple, and the conqueror’s talismanic corpse housed within. Ptolemy and Perdiccas were at loggerheads. The former was the new governor of Egypt. The latter was the all-powerful regent of Alexander’s empire, whose authority theoretically stretched from Afghanistan to the Aegean.Both knew that war between them was all-but-inevitable. Rather than wait, Ptolemy aimed to provoke it on his terms – a pre-emptive strike. It was a huge risk, but one the governor believed he had to take if he would have any chance of victory. At the end of 321 BC, Alexander the Great’s funeral carriage was heading west from Babylon to the Mediterranean. Perdiccas, who was then stationed in Pisidi, central Anatolia, with the royal army, wanted to take the body back to Macedonia. Returning with the dead

In this video, History Hit duo Louee Dessent and Luke Tomes join the Swords of Penda re-enactment group - volunteers who bring the 7th century to life through painstaking research and experimental archaeology - to test their early medieval mettle. Louee fills the shoes of a Saxon Thane - a lord who held his land directly from the king in return for military service in time of war, while Luke discovers what life would have been like for a Churl, the free peasant who formed the basis of society in Anglo-Saxon England. They explore various aspects of life in Anglo-Saxon England. Covering topics such as society, diet, hygiene, crafts and jewellery-making, cultural changes, medicine and music. The video discusses how the Anglo-Saxon period in England spanned six centuries and marked the arrival of Germanic speaking tribes that formed warlike kingdoms and pushed the native Britons further west. The video explores the different classes of society, from the king and his ealdormen to the thralls who could be bought and sold as property. While wealthier people enjoyed a better standard of

Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, historian Dan Snow reviews depictions of kings and queens of England and Great Britain in famous movies, from Edward I to George VI. First up, he rates Colin Firth's depiction of the stammering George VI in 'The King's Speech' (2010), with sibling rivalry within the royal family popping up as a theme. Next, it's Queen Anne as played by Olivia Colman in 'The Favourite' (2018). Dan thinks we should give more credit to Queen Anne for her role in making Britain a global power. Inaccuracies in the chilling portrayal of Edward I 'Longshanks' in the 90s blockbuster Braveheart (1995) also come under scrutiny. Interactions between Edward and the Prince of Wales, who would go on to become Edward II, are seen as particularly problematic. Kenneth Branagh played Shakespeare's Henry V in a movie of the same name, but how close to reality is the famous speech given by Henry before the Battle of Agincourt? 'The Madness of King George' (1994) is up for review next. Dan discusses the complicated relationship between George

The 10 Key Causes of the Second World War' After the Great War of 1914-18, European powers were desperate to avoid another conflict of that scale. But just 20 years later, they found themselves plunged into catastrophe on an even greater scale. The outbreak of World War Two has been blamed on the policy of 'appeasement' - with the Great Powers of Europe failing to stand up to German leader Adolf Hitler's aggressive foreign policy until it was too late. Tim Bouverie, author of 'Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War', comments on the gathering storm of the 1930s, unleashed in September 1939.

A full series of History Hit the original video platform videos on the most historic and impressive cathedrals and churches in England. Join presenters Dan Snow and Alice Loxton as they travel across the country to discover the incredible secrets that lay inside these iconic sanctuaries of worship. First off, Alice Loxton explores the secrets of Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire. Alice travels up the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom, visits the world's oldest working mechanical clock and sees one of the only four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta. Meanwhile, Dan is joined in the capital by Sir David Cannadine, who shows him around the iconic Westminster Abbey, in the heart of London. With an unrivalled arrange of monuments - ranging from grand royal tombs to the grave of The Unknown Warrior - and spectacular architecture spanning nearly 1,000 years, join the two historians as they explore Britain's greatest church. Staying in London, Alice travels to one of Britain's most fascinating buildings, boasting nearly nine centuries of history - Temple Church, built by the holy order of

Brutal Reality of Eastern Front Exposed by Lost German Diaries' On 22 June 1941, Hitler's Germany launched ‘Operation Barbarossa’, the attack of the Soviet Union, the largest invasion in military history. In June 2019, twelve dusty notebooks and a wealth of loose paperwork were discovered in Germany; the diaries of Oberleutnant Wilhelm Sander, a young officer in the 11th Panzer-Regiment who took part in the enormous campaign. On every single day Sander, in a brutally honest manner, elaborately recorded his experiences, impressions and the events he witnessed. Now transcribed and translated for the first time, they offer a brutally honest, intimate and fascinating view into the murderous and unforgiving nature of war on the Eastern Front from the summer of 1941 to the eventual German retreat in the terrible winter of 1941/1942, while offering a unique glimpse into the world of thought of a highly politicised officer of the German Wehrmacht and member of the NSDAP. In the first part of a two-part film, we follow Leutnant Sander on the strenuous, and costly race towards Leningrad and learn about the

The Battle of Brunanburh was one of the bloodiest and biggest battles of early medieval history. The battle features in the new Netflix movie 'The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die', but what really happened? Fought 1100 years ago, Athelstan - the king of the English - opposed a coalition of Irish, Scots and Vikings led by Olaf Guthfrithson, King of Dublin, Constantine II, King of Scotland, and Owain, King of Strathclyde and attained a decisive victory. The enemy shield wall was penetrated. Their troops ran back to their ships for safety. Thousands died. Apart from this we know little else. No physical evidence exists of where the battle was even fought. But recently, a stunning discovery has been made that might provide the answer to the key question - where was the Battle of Brunanbruh fought? Dan Snow heads to a field in Wirral where a group of archaeologists have found a huge amount of battlefield detritus from around the 10th Century. Has the search to find the lost battlefield of Brunanburh finally ended?

As new technologies emerged throughout the 19th century, and the use of water and steam power became commonplace, millions of rural workers, including thousands of children, descended on the growing industrial towns to work in mills and factories. Northern cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield became industrial powerhouses, exporting textiles such as cotton, wool, silk and linen worldwide to Britain's expanding empire. As well as producing textiles, these establishments would generate enormous profits for a new class of industrialists and entrepreneurs. In the first episode of this two-part series, History Hit presenters Luke Tomes and Louee Dessent discovered what a working day was like at Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire in the 1800s, for both a wealthy Victorian industrialist and a poor Victorian labourer respectively. But what was life like for a Victorian factory worker and mill owner outside of the cotton mill? What conditions did they have to live in? What did they eat? How did they spend their leisure time? And how did their lives compare to ours today? In this second episode, Louee Dessent travels to

The Secret Nuclear Bunker Built For the British Government' In the wake of the Second World War, Britain moved to cement itself as one of the world's main nuclear powers. The erection of a series of nuclear bunkers followed across the UK, tasked with protecting a fortunate few against any devastating nuclear attack. Sarah Agha explores Britain's secret nuclear bunker at Kelvedon Hatch and how the Government would have used it, if Britain had suffered a nuclear attack during the Cold War. Film directed by Mark Bowsher.

First, Cat reviews scenes from the hit series 'Vikings', which tells the story of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants. She watches scenes that portray the raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne, the shield maiden Lagertha in single combat, and a clever ploy devised by the Vikings during their attack on Paris. Next up, it's the sequel series 'Vikings: Valhalla'. Cat rates scenes which show a battle taking place on London Bridge and an attack on the fictional town of Kattegat. Cat watches clips from the Netflix series 'The Last Kingdom'. focussing on Uhtred of Bebbanburg's enslavement and the Battle of Edington. It was a climactic battle which really did take place between Alfred the Great of Wessex and the Viking leader Guthrum in 878. Finally, she reviews scenes from the Netflix Viking comedy 'Norsemen'. In one clip, the characters discuss Viking law around homosexuality, while a magic nithing pole leads to disastrous consequences in the second.

Here at History Hit, we love exploring the historic sites managed by the National Trust. In this special film we participate in a major National Trust event, the first Octavia Hill lecture, delivered by renowned art historian and museum director, Neil McGregor. Neil delves into two magnificent houses, Penrhyn Castle in North Wales and Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, to demonstrate how such places can play a critical role in helping everyone to engage with complex histories. Widening the narrative, including all aspects of their history, no matter how challenging, can enrich our understanding of the past and influence our future. Following the lecture, Dan Snow joins a panel discussion alongside Neil MacGregor, Sathnam Sanghera, and Suzannah Lipscomb, all chaired by Times Radio's Aasmah Mir. Made in association with Times Radio

What were the most popular sports of the Middle Ages? In the third episode History Hit's 'Medieval Pleasures' series, historian Eleanor Janega ventures into the Royal Armouries tiltyard to learn about popular medieval sports. Seasoned jouster Andy Deane and his opponent Andrew Balmforth face off in an adrenaline fuelled jousting tournament - and you're invited! We discover the harsh realities of this sport that's synonymous with the Middle Ages, and learn about its close ties to the art of combat and warfare. Our knights run a gauntlet of tests demonstrating the skill and precision needed to smash lances, spear boars and possibly secure a lucrative deal for your kingdom. And it wasn't just the knights that got in on the action, Eleanor joins the Crossbow Guild and explores how it was not only practical, but would have given people from the humbler classes a chance to tour the country, show off their skills and earn some extra coin along the way. Then, it's the thrill of the chase that gets Eleanor's heart fluttering, as Falconry Expert Emma Rapheal introduces us

A full series of History Hit the original video platform exclusive videos on the rarest vehicles of the Second World War. From halftracks and battle cruisers to bombers and gyroplanes, join presenters Luke Tomes, Louee Dessent and James Rogers as they discover the extraordinary vehicles of World War Two. In episode one, Luke and Louee attempt to track down the greatest monster vehicle of World War Two at Armour & Embarkation 2022, an immersive historic event which brings together dozens of original vehicles from the Second World War. The team's challenge was to find some of the biggest, rarest and most impressive vehicles of the Second World War. Among the contenders were the M26 Pacific Dragon Wagon, the M4 High Speed Tractor, the Lloyd Carrier and the Mack NO 7½-ton 6x6 truck pulling a "Long Tom". Military historian James Rogers then dives into the story of one of the world’s best known warships, HMS Belfast. The ship's service in the Royal Navy extended from the beginning of the Second World War to the height of the Cold War, during which

Are these the best World War Two air combat scenes in movies? War historian, NATO Advisor and presenter of History Hit’s Warfare podcast James Rogers reviews scenes from films about World War Two that show aerial combat. First up, he reviews scenes from Memphis Belle (1990) which depict the famed B-17F being attacked by a fleet of German planes, praising the film for its historical accuracy in telling the story of the iconic bomber. Next, he rates the scene from Dunkirk (2017) where a dogfight takes place over the English Channel. While he likes the film, he points out that there are a few factual inconsistencies, including the lack of diversity in the actors chosen to portray pilots. James then reviews the Japanese surprise attack from Pearl Harbour (2001), so important in history as it was the trigger for drawing the United States into the war. James praises the film for its accuracy in showing the level of destruction enacted on the harbour. Next, it’s the ending scene from Saving Private Ryan (1998) where Tom Hanks faces off against a

What made you attractive in the Middle Ages? In this filmed episode of the History Hit podcast Betwixt the Sheets, Dr Kate Lister interviews medieval historian Eleanor Janega about medieval beauty standards, hygiene and the perspectives of women throughout the Middle Ages. They also discuss Eleanor's new book 'The Once and Future Sex'. It's an illuminating exploration of medieval thinking on women’s beauty, sexuality, and behaviour. What makes for the ideal woman? How should she look, love, and be? You'll also find out if medieval people washed, shaved or brushed their teeth. Plus, why weren't nuns allowed to look after the sick overnight?

Could You Survive as a Victorian Factory Worker?' As new technologies emerged throughout the 19th century, and the use of water and steam power became commonplace, millions of rural workers, including thousands of children, descended on the growing industrial towns to work in mills and factories. Northern cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield became industrial powerhouses, exporting textiles such as cotton, wool, silk and linen worldwide to Britain's expanding empire. As well as producing textiles, these establishments would generate enormous profits for a new class of industrialists and entrepreneurs. But what was ordinary life like for a Victorian factory worker? What were the conditions and safety standards like in a mill in Victorian England? And how did their lives compare to ours today? In episode one of this two-part series, History Hit presenters Luke Tomes and Louee Dessent delve deep into the historic spirit of the 1800s industrial revolution, filling the shoes of a wealthy Victorian industrialist and a poor Victorian labourer respectively at National Trust's Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire, built in 1784 by the renowned entrepreneur Samuel

A full series of History Hit the original video platform exclusive videos on the most fascinating megastructures of the Second World War. Join presenters Dan Snow and James Rogers as they travel across Europe to discover the monumental physical remains of World War Two. In episode one, James heads to Normandy to explore shipwrecks left over from the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940. He then sees the huge bunkers of Hitler's Atlantic Wall on a stretch of coastline in Denmark, entering the ruins to see German graffiti and other evidence of the soldiers' daily lives. Dan Snow then lands in the Channel Islands, exploring the warren of World War Two defences built by the Wehrmacht on Alderney. The concrete bunkers and tunnels even incorporate earlier defences built during the Napoleonic Wars. James then visits one of the most impressive underground fortresses in the world, Eben-Emael in Belgium. This impressive subterranean megastructure was built to prevent a land invasion, but was captured in one of the first attacks by German paratroopers. Moving forward to D-Day and Operation Overlord, James views the surviving

Historian Dan Snow reviews the top five historical movies of all time, as voted for by the public in a History Hit poll. First up, he reviews famous scenes from the Ridley Scott masterpiece Gladiator (2000), starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Is it the greatest Hollywood movie set in the ancient world? You certainly thought so. Next, it's one of the greatest Hollywood movies about space exploration, Apollo 13 (1995). According to the astronauts who really took part in the ill-fated mission to the moon, this film is particularly faithful to the true story. Third, Dan reviews scenes from one of his own favourite films, Last of the Mohicans (1992). This movie brilliantly depicts combat between Native Americans and European colonial soldiers during the 1750s, and features an incredible lead performance from Daniel Day Lewis. In second place is one of the most moving films of the last century, Schindler's List (1993), in which Liam Neeson plays the leading role. Oskar Schindler really did save the lives of thousands of Jews during the Second World War, but Dan believes

Would Britain Have Surrendered to Nazi Germany Without Churchill? The host of History Hit's 'Warfare' podcast James Rogers sits down with author and military historian John Buckley in the (IWM) Churchill War Rooms to discuss his new book: 'The Armchair General: Can You Defeat the Nazis?' In this episode, the two discuss why and how Winston Churchill was chosen to replace Neville Chamberlain, whose policy of appeasement had failed to secure peace in Europe, and how his characteristics enabled him to lead Britain through its so-called Darkest Hour. How did Churchill manage to defeat his greatest political rival Lord Halifax to become prime minister? And what might have happened if Churchill hadn't been chosen to lead the country? How close was he to making a peace deal with Hitler? When was Britain closest to losing the war? What made Winston Churchill the ideal wartime leader? Find out in this video! John's book invites you to take the hotseat and make the key decisions that swung the result of the Second World War. It focusses on eight pivotal moments: Britain's Darkest

What was life really like for Anne Boleyn growing up? Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates the story of Anne Boleyn's remarkable upbringing in the Netherlands and France before she arrived at the heart of Tudor England. For all Anne Boleyn’s fame, this is a period of her life where the evidence is hard to find and fact needs to be carefully sifted from fiction. Suzannah explores Anne’s childhood home, beautiful Hever Castle, to discover what made her - what formed her into the extraordinary woman who would change the course of history. With special access to a remarkable new exhibition at Hever, Suzannah joins the curatorial team to handle and analyse the original evidence relating to Anne’s upbringing and the shaping of her character, including a significant illuminated book of hours complete with Anne’s personal signature and a newly re-examined original painting, reattributed as being of Catherine of Aragon, Henry’s queen when Anne arrived at court.

How the Russian Civil War Led to the 'Red Terror' and Infamous Gulag' Host of History Hit podcast 'Warfare' Dr James Rogers sits down with military historian and author of 'Russia: Revolution and Civil War, 1917—1921', Antony Beevor to discuss the causes and major events of the Russian Civil War between 1919 and 1922. Speaking in the Three John's pub in Islington, allegedly where Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky met in 1903 and sowed the seeds of one of the most significant revolutions in history, James and Antony cover the bloody aftermath of the Russian Revolution - a civil war fought between those loyal to the Tsar or simply hostile to Bolshevism and the newly formed Red Army under the leadership Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Joseph Stalin and others. But how did Russia descend into such a chaotic conflict? How did the Red Army defeat an overwhelming White Army coalition attacking on three fronts? Where did the 'Gulag' come from? And what made Lenin commit to a campaign of political repression and executions on a scale never seen before, carried

Top Medieval Historian Rates Vikings in Movies' First, Cat reviews Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor and the depiction of Asgard, home of the Norse gods, in the 2011 Marvel movie 'Thor'. She then takes a look at a classic Hollywood film from 1958, 'The Vikings', starring Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis, which recreates the death of the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok. Next up, it's 'The 13th Warrior' starring Antonio Banderas and Vladimir Kulich, which shows the interaction between the Viking and Islamic worlds, as well as featuring a Viking prayer which closely resembles the one described by the Muslim traveller Ahmad ibn Fadlan. Then she rates a brief scene from the 2009 film 'Valhalla Rising', which recreates a meeting between the Viking One-Eye and North American tribesmen. The animated movie 'How to Train Your Dragon' is next, which leans into popular tropes about the Viking world - including horned helmets - but does hint at the important societal role played by Viking women. Finally, it's the 2022 Viking blockbuster 'The Northman' starring Alexander Skarsgård. Although the film is rated highly

These Skeletons Reveal Horrific Injuries From The Battle of Towton' The Battle of Towton in 1461 has long held the distinction of being the largest and bloodiest battle on English soil. A decisive moment in the Wars of the Roses, it saw the Yorkist Edward IV defeat his Lancastrian rival Henry VI and claim the English throne. But what made this so battle so uniquely brutal? We analyse real medieval skeletons found in a mass grave on the battlefield, all exhibiting evidence of horrendous injuries suffered at Towton. In the second episode of this two-part series, medieval historian Matt Lewis gets a taste of what the battle was like for an ordinary soldier. With the help of leading experts from Bradford University, he pairs the terrifying wounds on the Towton skeletons with the weapons that likely caused them. He learns about the damage that could be done with a medieval sword, warhammer, poleaxe and mace, all commonly used in the Wars of the Roses. Don’t forget to check out the first episode, where he joined Chris Berendt, Chairman of the

Antony Beevor Breaks Down the Russian Revolution of 1917' Host of History Hit podcast 'Warfare' Dr James Rogers sits down with military historian and author of 'Russia: Revolution and Civil War, 1917—1921', Antony Beevor to discuss the causes and major events of the Russian Revolution. Speaking in the Three John's pub in Islington, allegedly where Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky met in 1903 and sowed the seeds of one of the most significant revolutions in history, the pair cover the February and October Revolution of 1917, the fall of a weak Tsar Nicholas II, the failure of Kerensky's provisional government and the role of the First World War in creating discontent, providing Vladimir Lenin the opportunity to capitalise on chaos.

Who Were the First Humans on British Shores? | The Story of 'Cheddar Man' If the words British history conjure up images of Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Boudica, Mary Seacole, The Beatles and the Blitz, you’re squinting at a small spec of the history of humanity of these Isles. Even if you go back to the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD, or even further to the Iron Age or the Bronze Age, you’re still only looking at 1% of humankind’s story in this land. This is a 900,000 year old story of ice ages, glaciers and hunter gatherers. Of lions, hyenas, hippos, rhinos and woolly mammoths. Of archaeological discoveries like Cheddar Man, who was once thought to be the oldest Englishman who ever lived. The story of the First Britons is a story of a species that would come and go many times before calling this land home. A story that has travel, and the movement of people, at its heart. So what do we know about these early migrants to Britain’s shores? Travel writer Noo Saro-Wiwa talks us

The bones of up to 10 soldiers killed at the Battle of Waterloo have been discovered - some in an attic in Belgium - the largest cache of Waterloo casualties ever found. Uncovered by a team of Belgian and German academics, it's believed these bones belong to a mix of Prussian, French and British soldiers, all killed during the fighting on Sunday 18th June 1815. A French army under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by two of the armies of the Seventh Coalition, leading to Napoleon's surrender and exile. Having worked with the academics to break the story, Dan Snow made the journey from History Hit HQ to Belgium where the remains are being held. He spoke with the team leading the groundbreaking analysis and found out what the bones tell us about the regular soldiers. At the time, the Battle of Waterloo was one of the bloodiest battles in European history, but remarkably, only two full skeletons have been discovered until now. Join Dan as he learns about the fate of these men and their remains and

Homo erectus | Why Did the Most Successful Early Human Go Extinct? The Ancients host Tristan Hughes sits down with Professor John Mcnabb at the University of Southampton to discuss the extinct species of archaic human, Homo Erectus (aka the 'Upright Man') that existed about 2 million years ago. Were these ancient ancestors the first to make stone tools? Were they the first to create fires? How did they hunt? How similar were they to Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens? Why did they go extinct? Tristan and John cover all of this ground as well as touching upon another species of human that lived on the remote islands of Indonesia, Homo Floresiensis, otherwise known as 'The Hobbit' due to its small structure and features.

The Incredible Historic Shipwrecks Still Lying in British Rivers' In 2013, a survey around the UK identified 199 different assemblages of hulks, remains of craft. These included paddle ships, ferries, steamboats, sail ships, submarines and fishing boats. All around the UK, in rivers and streams, and in the mud on the side of riverbeds are the remains of our maritime past, which helps us understand who were are today. In this stunning documentary, historian and archaeologist Dr Sam Willis travels along the River Dart, from Totnes to Dartmouth, to explore the wreckage of ships of our maritime past. Along the way Sam finds wreckage of an old Edwardian paddle steamer, a floating harbour used during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944 and an 18th Century bathing house. He also stops off at the temporary residence of best-selling novelist and crime writer, Agatha Christie.

From the earliest hill forts, through King Alfred’s burghs, the Conqueror’s castles, pleasure palaces, romantic ruins, to tourist attractions, the history of the castle in Britain is long, bloody and fascinating. Join medieval historian Matt Lewis as he takes you on a journey through the evolution of the castle from basic wooden fort to elaborate stone fortress. Where was the first castle in Britain? What are the key components of a castle? What were the rules of castle warfare? Matt has the answer to all these questions and more. Castles now dot the landscape of the UK that they used to dominate, but how many have you visited?

The Secrets of Ham House | And What's so Strange about the Bath!' About 10 miles from the centre of London is one of the most magnificent houses of Stuart England, Ham House. This lavish mansion is a treasure trove of 17th century art and architecture, a dazzling red-brick jewel on the muddy banks of the River Thames. But Ham House also has a remarkable history of espionage and secrets. During the tumultuous years of the English Civil War, the Commonwealth and the Restoration, Ham House lay at the heart of political conflict. In this documentary, Alice Loxton discovers how the Murray family - friends of Charles I and led by a remarkable mother-daughter team of Catherine and Elizabeth Murray - survived this troublesome period. Despite being fiercely loyal to the crown - even ferrying secret letters to the exiled Charles II - the Murray’s also maintained a friendship with the Cromwell family. It was an audacious act of bravery, resilience and espionage.

Inside a German WW2 Tank Destroyer with Historian James Holland' James Holland investigates the mighty 'Jagdpanther', a German tank destroyer of WWII. The German Jagdpanther armoured vehicle was proposed in October 1942 and Adolf Hitler inspected a prototype some fourteen months later. A total of 392 were produced by two manufacturers up to March 1945. The turreted Panther tank mounted a 75mm gun but, by eliminating the turret and adding a fixed superstructure it proved possible to mount a larger gun, the Tiger’s formidable 88mm. The Jagdpanther was also renowned for the exceptional use of sloped armour and it remains a modern, sleek looking design. Join Military and Second World War Historian James Holland as he analyses this unique and rare tank destroyer, getting inside the vehicle with Mike Gibb from the Weald Foundation.

We met up with Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, to learn about a weapon that was made famous by the Boer and Zulu Wars: the Martini-Henry rifle. During the 1860s, several European armies began to equip their troops with modern breech-loading rifles, leaving behind the now-outdated muzzle-loading musket. By the turn of the decade the British had adopted a breech-loading single-shot lever-action rifle - the Martini-Henry, named after Friedrich von Martini, a Swiss engineer and Alexander Henry, a Scottish gunsmith. Produced at the Royal Small Arms Manufactory at Enfield, the Martini-Henry Rifle became the standard issue weapon for the British army from 1871 until 1889 and was used in campaigns across the British Empire, in Afghanistan, the far east, Sudan and South Africa. The speed of innovation during the mid-19th Century was truly staggering. Within a few decades of the Napoleonic Wars, the British army’s standard issue weapon had evolved from a heavy, smoothbore Brown Bess musket to a deadly rifle equipped with a new breech-loading, ignition and rifling system. The

Discover the hidden messages and symbolism in the famous portraits of Elizabeth I - the powerful Tudor queen. Elizabeth I is one of the most iconic figures from British history - her image can be recognised in an instant. But this was no mistake, for Elizabeth’s portraits were an audacious act of spin to cement her image of female majesty. In this documentary, Dr Nicola Tallis and Prof Anna Whitelock take a close look at the progression of these portraits in light of surrounding political turmoil. By exploring the portraits in forensic detail, they decode a puzzle of bizarre symbolism and hidden meaning, and shine a surprising light on the Elizabethan era. Why did objects such as moons, pelicans, globes and roses carry so much meaning? How did Elizabeth forge and utilise her apparent virginity to strengthen her position? How, in short, did Elizabeth I become an icon?

The Ultimate History Quiz of 2022' Fingers on buzzers for a very special History Hit end-of-year treat. Tricky expert questions, history in the headlines, historical fact or fiction? It can only be the History Hit Big Quiz of 2022 - a seasonal test where you can pit your wits against our in-house history brains, or just sit back, grab a glass of whatever you fancy, and enjoy a fact-filled competition, chaired by Quizmaster supreme, Dan Snow. Battling it out are contestants Prof. Suzannah Lipscomb, Tristan Hughes, Matt Lewis and Alice Loxton. Everyone is welcome - from history know-it-alls to the whole family. Who can tell the difference between Mary Tudor and Marie Antoinette; the battles of Bosworth and Bunker Hill; Cleopatra’s needle and the Washington Monument? We’re all living through history, now let’s find out who’s been paying attention! ROUNDS

The real guns of the Old West are some of the most recognisable and iconic firearms from history. From the Colt Single Action Army to the Winchester 1873 rifle, the weapons that were once the choice of Wild West outlaws like Jesse James are familiar to a new generation of history fans through games like Red Dead Redemption. History Hit presenters Louee Dessent and Luke Tomes head to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds for a Wild West shootout. Joined by curator and firearms historian Jonathan Ferguson, they test their accuracy with three iconic Wild West guns: the Colt revolver, Winchester rifle and shotgun. First up, they fire the Colt Navy 1861 and Colt SAA revolvers, six-shooters favoured by notorious outlaws like Jesse James as well as lawmen. Next, it's the iconic Winchester 1873 repeating rifle, made famous by its rapid fire lever-action mechanism. Finally, the competition is decided by the shotgun. Jonathan uses a sawn-off while Luke and Louee use a modern over-and-under.

Dan Snow joins food historian Annie Gray to explore festive food through the ages. Porpoises, beaver tails, boar's head and puffins: these are just some of the exquisite dishes that have appeared at festive feasts in the past. In this episode food historian, Annie Gray joins Dan Snow in his kitchen to cook up some delicious Christmas fare from ages past. They make wassail - an ancient alcoholic punch - and mince meat pies as they talk about the pagan rituals, medieval feasts and Victorian traditions that dictate what we put on our Christmas dinner tables. You can make these festive delicacies at home as you listen! Find the easy-to-follow traditional recipes Dan and Annie used here: Annie's book is called 'At Christmas We Feast'.

Military history expert and TV presenter Dan Snow reviews the most realistic movie battle scenes of all time. Spanning the ancient world to the Second World War, he chooses some of the most iconic scenes from cinema history, and a few surprises. First up, he reviews The Battle of Gaugamela 331BC as recreated in the movie Alexander (2004). He praises the film for its attention to historical accuracy, faithfully depicting the climactic clash between the Macedonian Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius III. Next, it's the Battle of Loudoun Hill as portrayed in Outlaw King (2018), which took place in May 1307. Although the movie has Robert the Bruce's Scottish force facing off against Edward, Prince of Wales (who wasn't actually there), Dan still rates the film highly for its vision of a northern European medieval battlefield. Dan then reviews the ambush scene from one of his favourite movies, Last of the Mohicans (1992), in which a Britsh redcoat column is wiped out in the forests near Fort William Henry. Although this large scale battle never took place

We Cooked an Authentic Tudor Feast!' It's nearly Christmas time, and Luke Tomes and Louee Dessent are donning their chef's aprons at the Weald and Downland Living Museum in Sussex, to cook a Christmas classic - Tudor style. On the menu is an authentic Tudor mince pie, the kind King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I would have eaten, filled with real shredded meat, dried fruit and an array of exotic spices that would have been used in the 16th century. In charge of the Tudor kitchen, designed and decorated as a kitchen would have been in the 1570s, is food historian and faithful re-creator of historic dishes Alex Compiani from The Time Traveller's Kitchen. Dressed in Tudor chef attire, Alex tests Luke and Louee's 16th century culinary skills as they attempt to rustle up a Tudor masterpiece. Who will prove themselves to be the Time Traveller's Kitchen's next apprentice? Watch the video to find out! List of Ingredients used: For the Filling: 800g lamb shoulder 150g suet 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground mace 1/2 tsp black pepper A