History Hub

In Episode 9, Sam looks at the American Revolution..

In this episode Sam looks at how ideas relating to freeborn Englishmen helped to underpin the American colonies political arguments, how they were able to defeat the British and its Empire, and considers the political implications of American independence on British domestic politics.

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In Episode 8, Sam looks at what happened following the execution of Charles I. 

Sam assess the Rump Parliament, looks at the Instrument of Government, and asks whether Cromwell was King in all but name? Before looking at why the monarchy was restored.

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In Episode 7, Sam looks at the causes of the English Civil War.

Some of this episodes central questions are: What was the cause of civil war? What did it mean for the English people to execute their king, Charles I, and what did his execution lead to? Did Charles’ death fundamentally change the relationship between people and power, and if so, was this change permanent?

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In Episode 6, Sam looks at the events and consequences of the Pilgrimage of Grace.

What caused the people to rebel? What were their motives and what did they seek to change? In this episode we will dive into 1536 and try to understand the series of events that led to the death of Robert Aske, the leader of the rebellion, and many of his fellow Yorkshire rebels.

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In Episode 5, Sam reflects on the previous three episodes and looks to draw-out continuity in the ideas and themes discussed.

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Episode 4 sees Sam discuss the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.  The Peasants’ Revolt was the first time that the commons, rather than the nobility, rebelled against Royal Authority en masse.  

But what caused the rebellion and, after its failure, did it make any difference to society?  Lastly, Sam asks Is it time we stopped using the term 'Peasants' Revolt' to describe the great uprising of 1381?

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In Episode 3, Sam reflects on the life and legacy of Simon De Montfort. 

Given the posthumous title of 'The Father of Parliament', how did Simon De Montfort manage to assemble what many still recognise as the first modern Parliament? How closely did his Parliament resemble that of ours today? Why was it formed? Why was De Montfort able to essentially rule England for several months when Henry III still held the position of king? 

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Episode 2 sees Sam focus his attention on the reign of King John and, in particular, the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215. This episode will give some background to the creation of the Magna Carta as well as some insight into what life was like for people in the 13th Century. 

Sam answers the big questions:  how did it come to pass in a country ruled by absolute power? How was King John convinced to give up some of his sovereignty? How successful was Magna Carta at the time and why is it remembered today? 

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A welcome to the Citizens Project podcast hosted by Sam Angell.  This podcast aims to help school and college students gain a better understanding of the development of the relationship between the citizen and the state in Britain over the last 800 years.  By charting the journey from feudalism and serfdom to democracy and equality, the project will reveal how, in different periods, the state has responded to challenges to its authority and how change was brought about.   

Join us in our introductory episode as Sam explains how he feels these podcasts could be used to assist with learning and revision.

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