The General Strike wasn’t revolutionary chaos—it was disciplined working-class resistance The 1926 General Strike is often painted as Britain’s near-miss with revolution—but the reality is far more revealing, and far more powerful. In this episode of History Rage , Paul Bavill is joined by historian Geoff Andrews to dismantle the myths and uncover the true story of working-class politics, solidarity, and identity in modern Britain. Far from a Bolshevik uprising, the General Strike was a highly o...
Mar 26, 2026•47 min
Renaissance medicine wasn’t ignorant—its cures were stranger and smarter than you think. Step back into a world of blood, bones, bile, and groundbreaking innovation as Dr Alanna Skuse dismantles the biggest myths about Renaissance medicine . From battlefield surgeries and prosthetics, to midwives, quacks, toads, and the four humours, this episode reveals a medical world far more logical, experimental, and effective than popular history suggests. Discover why Renaissance surgeons weren’t reckless...
Mar 23, 2026•54 min•Season 21Ep. 7
Jungle warfare that reshaped the war – and history forgot it Step into the dense, unforgiving jungles of Burma in WWII as Dr Richard Duckett and Duncan Gilmour uncover the astonishing, largely untold story of Lt. Col. Edgar Peacock – the man they argue was Britain’s greatest SOE commander . In this gripping episode of History Rage , we expose the scale, the bravery, and the strategic brilliance of Operation Character, the SOE mission whose impact rivals anything achieved in Europe… yet is almost...
Mar 16, 2026•56 min•Season 21Ep. 6
When a respectable Victorian doctor became Britain’s most feared poisoner Victorian England believed murder belonged to the gutters. Then Dr William Palmer shattered that illusion. In this gripping episode of History Rage , award-winning journalist and author Stephen Bates exposes the dark truth behind the case of William Palmer — the Midlands doctor hanged in 1856 for poisoning his friend John Parsons Cook . Known as the “Rugeley Poisoner”, Palmer was a churchgoing professional, a gambler drown...
Mar 12, 2026•49 min
Britain’s upper class isn’t a relic of the past—it’s still here, still powerful, and still shaping the land beneath our feet. In this gripping episode, journalist and author Eleanor Doughty dismantles the pervasive myth that the aristocracy simply “disappeared” in the 20th century. Spoiler: they didn’t. They just got quieter. Eleanor takes us inside the private estates, inherited titles, and soft power that still define the modern British upper class. With first-hand insight from years spent int...
Mar 09, 2026•1 hr 2 min•Season 21Ep. 5
The vampire didn’t rise from Transylvania — it crawled out of the Balkans. Forget Count Dracula — before Stoker’s gothic horror came centuries of chilling folklore, blood-soaked superstition, and very real vampire panics. In this spine-tingling episode, travel writer and award-winning author Nick Jubber joins Paul Bavill to rage against the myth that vampires were born in Transylvania. From Serbian graveyards and Croatian legends to the age of Enlightenment and Hammer Horror, Nick traces how fea...
Mar 02, 2026•50 min•Season 21Ep. 4
A conqueror, a god, or just a man lost in myth? Alexander the Great: the name conjures images of conquest, charisma, and an empire that stretched from Greece to India. But how much of what we “know” is actually true? In this episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by Dr Stephen Harrison , lecturer in Ancient History at Swansea University and author of Alexander: The Lives and Legacies , to rage against the myths that have defined Alexander for over two thousand years. Stephen disman...
Feb 23, 2026•1 hr•Season 21Ep. 3
Forget the katana myth — Japan’s samurai didn’t shun guns, they embraced them. 🔥 Were the samurai really noble warriors who turned their noses up at guns? This week on History Rage , host Paul Bavill sits down with historian, author, and YouTuber Matt Okuhara to demolish the myth of the “honourable warrior.” From matchlocks and martial arts to gun control laws in the 1600s, Matt reveals how Japan’s most famous warriors were some of the earliest adopters of firearms — and how Hollywood got it al...
Feb 16, 2026•47 min•Season 21Ep. 2
Discover how drugs shaped empires, creativity, and chaos throughout history. From ancient battlefields to Victorian medicine cabinets, this week’s episode of History Rage dives into the surprising — and often shocking — role of substance use across the ages. Host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and writer Sam Kelly ( @humanhistoryondrugs ) for a deep, thought-provoking journey through how drugs influenced the world’s most famous figures, ideas, and empires. Together, they uncover how Alexande...
Feb 09, 2026•47 min•Season 21Ep. 1
Anne Boleyn myths destroyed live at Katherine of Aragon Festival Recorded live at the Katherine of Aragon Festival , this special episode of History Rage sees host Paul Bavill joined on stage by Owen Emerson (Assistant Curator, Hever Castle) and Alfred Hawkins (Curator, Tower of London) to challenge the biggest myths surrounding Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and Tudor England. Anne Boleyn remains one of the most mythologised figures in British history. Was she a ruthless schemer? A Protestant heroine?...
Feb 05, 2026•51 min
The Desert Fox legend endures, but how much of it is true? In this landmark 200th episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined once again by military historian and author Peter Caddick Adams to dismantle the enduring myths surrounding one of WWII’s most famous — and most misunderstood — figures: Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox. Rommel has long been painted as the daring genius of North Africa and even as a “good German” who stood against Hitler. But how much of that is reality,...
Feb 02, 2026•1 hr 10 min•Season 20Ep. 10
Why history lessons drain passion – and how we can fix it History should ignite curiosity, creativity and connection. Instead, too often, it does the opposite. In this powerful History Rage Live episode, host Paul Bavill is joined by medievalist, broadcaster and historian Professor Janina Ramirez to rage against the way history is taught – and how rigid curricula, “great man” narratives and siloed subjects are snuffing out a lifelong love of the past. Drawing on her own personal journey, Janina ...
Jan 29, 2026•58 min
Why are we still obsessed with the Tudors? In this lively episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the brilliant comedian and World War II historian Al Murray to tackle the relentless fixation on the Tudor dynasty. With a blend of humour and historical insight, Al argues that it’s high time we move beyond the soap opera of Henry VIII and his six wives to explore the far more transformative events of the 17th century — namely, the English Civil War. Join us as we delve into: - Tudor...
Jan 26, 2026•52 min•Season 20Ep. 9
James I wasn’t weak, stupid, or slobbering — history got lazy James I has gone down in history as a disappointment, a fool, a drunken slob — a king wedged awkwardly between Elizabeth I and Charles I and remembered largely for what others did to him. But what if almost everything you think you know about James I is wrong? Historian and author Gareth Russell returns for a record-breaking fifth appearance to dismantle the enduring caricature of James I of England and VI of Scotland. From supposed p...
Jan 22, 2026•56 min
Templars weren’t the greatest, the longest-lasting, or even the most useful of the medieval military orders. ⚔️ Forget the Bloody Templars. It's Time for the Knights Hospitaller. In this fiery episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian Rory MacClellan (author of Warrior Monks: Politics and Power in Mediaeval Britain ) to tear down the Templar myth and put the spotlight where it belongs—on the far more fascinating Knights Hospitaller. 🔥 The Hospitallers: Beyond the Crusades...
Jan 19, 2026•57 min•Season 20Ep. 8
She wasn’t a pawn — Lady Jane Dudley was shaped by power, politics and purpose For centuries she has been remembered as Lady Jane Grey : the tragic, passive “Nine Days’ Queen.” - But what if that story is wrong? In this episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Dr Joanne Paul to rage against one of Tudor history’s most persistent myths — the erasure of Lady Jane Dudley and the deliberate sidelining of the Dudley dynasty from her story. This conversation dismant...
Jan 15, 2026•57 min
Why the Jack the Ripper legend is completely useless. Get ready to hear the truth behind the headlines with social historian Hallie Rubenhold. Her groundbreaking book, The Five , challenges everything you thought you knew about the case by focusing on the victims, not the killer. Hallie explains why the endless speculation about Jack the Ripper's identity is "useless" and built on "pure mythology". As a trained museum curator, she argues that applying modern DNA testing is impossible due to tain...
Jan 12, 2026•47 min•Season 20Ep. 7
Stop pitting Tudor queens against each other and confront the real villain. Two of the most famous women in Tudor history are still framed as enemies—but what if that story is fundamentally wrong? In this History Rage festival special for the Katherine of Aragon Festival , castle historian and Assistant Curator of Hever Castle , Kate McCaffrey , dismantles the deeply entrenched myth that Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn were bitter rivals defined by loyalty versus seduction. Instead, this con...
Jan 08, 2026•50 min
The War of 1812 wasn’t sailors’ rights — it was empire. Think you know why the War of 1812 started? Most people believe it was all about the Royal Navy “pressing” innocent American sailors. Historian Matt Taylor calls nonsense on that myth – and reveals how the real story is far darker, and far more explosive. Paul Bavill is joined by Matt Taylor, author of Black Redcoats , to uncover the hidden narratives of the War of 1812. From the forgotten African Americans who fought for Britain to the pol...
Jan 05, 2026•1 hr•Season 20Ep. 6
Henry VIII: beloved monarch or mass-murdering tyrant we refuse to confront? Why do we glorify a king who executed 1% of England and displaced over 10,000 people for his own power? It’s time to dismantle everything you thought you knew about Henry VIII. Historian and educator Jackson Van Uden joins History Rage to expose the real Tudor ruler: a man his own contemporaries labelled a tyrant , not the charming Christmas-bauble king of Hampton Court gift shops. Henry didn’t just kill wives — he destr...
Jan 01, 2026•58 min
In this exhilarating episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill takes to the skies with social historian and author Midge Gillies, whose latest book, Atlantic Furies: The Women Who Risked Everything to Be the First to Fly , uncovers the remarkable stories of the female pioneers of early aviation. Join us as we journey through the daring feats and forgotten legacies of women who soared to new heights long before the fame of Amelia Earhart. Challenging the Narrative: Midge passionately argues that...
Dec 29, 2025•38 min•Season 20Ep. 5
Jane Boleyn did not orchestrate the downfall of Anne and George Boleyn In this gripping episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by Tudor historian and author Adam Pennington to unravel the tangled web of intrigue surrounding Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford. Adam passionately dismantles the long-held belief that Jane was an evil schemer responsible for the downfall of her husband, George Boleyn, and sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn. Reassessing Jane Boleyn: Adam challenges the narrative ...
Dec 22, 2025•47 min•Season 20Ep. 4
💥 Jane Austen wasn’t all tea, weddings, and waltzes — she was writing through war, poverty, and radical politics! In this episode of History Rage Live , host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Dr Helena Kelly to take a sledgehammer to the myths surrounding one of England’s most beloved writers — Jane Austen. Think Austen only wrote about polite society, balls, and matchmaking? Think again. Dr Kelly reveals how Pride and Prejudice , Sense and Sensibility , and Persuasion are steeped i...
Dec 16, 2025•58 min
Hollywood got it wrong: The Spitfire was not the work of one man. Aviation historian Paul Beaver dismantles the myths created by the Hollywood film, First of the Few . He reveals that while Mitchell was a brilliant engineer, the idea of him single-handedly designing the Spitfire is a fantasy. Instead, the aircraft was the result of a collaborative, unsung team at Supermarine. Discover how films distort historical truths and why figures like Mitchell and Alan Turing are often misrepresented to cr...
Dec 15, 2025•50 min•Season 20Ep. 3
This week on History Rage , host Paul Bavill welcomes the brilliant mythologist and author Natalie Haynes , to unravel the tangled web of Greek mythology and challenge the male-centric narratives that often dominate our understanding of these ancient tales. Myth vs. Reality: Natalie passionately argues that the stories from ancient Greece are not as male-dominated as they are often portrayed. She encourages listeners to reconsider the powerful roles women play in these myths, particularly throug...
Dec 08, 2025•55 min•Season 20Ep. 2
This week on History Rage , host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Mark Ellis , known for his gripping Frank Merlin detective novels and his latest work, Boom Time: True Crime in World War II London . Together, they traverse the shadowy underbelly of wartime Britain, revealing the grim realities that lay beneath the celebrated Blitz spirit. The Dark Side of the Blitz: Mark passionately confronts the myth that the British public maintained a dignified composure during the war. He unve...
Dec 01, 2025•40 min•Season 20Ep. 1
This week on History Rage, Paul is joined by historian, archaeologist, and author Dr. Simon Elliott, who takes us on an enlightening journey through the life of Septimius Severus, the often-overlooked African emperor of Rome. Together, they challenge the prevailing myths surrounding Julius Caesar and explore the rich tapestry of Severus's reign. Debunking Caesar: Simon passionately argues against the common misconceptions about Julius Caesar, asserting that he was never an emperor and highlighti...
Nov 24, 2025•44 min•Season 19Ep. 10
This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Rachel McCarthy James, the mind behind the intriguing book " Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder ." Together, they delve into the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, a crime so notorious it has inspired nursery rhymes and countless myths. Debunking the 40 Whacks: Rachel sets the record straight on the infamous rhyme, revealing that Lizzie did not deliver 40 whacks, but rather a significantly lower number—18 to her stepmothe...
Nov 17, 2025•46 min•Season 19Ep. 9
This week on History Rage , host Paul Bavill welcomes the insightful Dr. Faith Tibble, a historian specialising in iconography and the author of Crown of Thorns, Humble Gods and Humiliated Kings . Together, they delve into the complex and often misunderstood symbolism of one of Christianity's most iconic images: the crown of thorns. Join them as they unravel the layers of history, art, and theology that have shaped our perception of this powerful symbol. The Crown of Thorns Reimagined Beyond the...
Nov 10, 2025•44 min•Season 19Ep. 8
This week on History Rage , host Paul Bavill welcomes Tudor historian and author Dr. Joanne Paul to dissect the life and legacy of the enigmatic Thomas More. As they navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor England, they delve into the myths and misconceptions surrounding this controversial figure, aiming to separate fact from fiction. Episode Highlights: - The Man Behind the Myths: Joanne shares her journey into the world of Thomas More, shedding light on his complex character and the historica...
Nov 03, 2025•43 min•Season 19Ep. 7
