Hello and welcome to the History of England, episode 46 Richard and the Road to Traumé.

It feels absolutely ages since I was here last, so I had a real trouble remembering actually

where we were.

But anyway, welcome to 2012 and another 50 episodes of the History of England.

I thought maybe we could have a sweepstake about where I should end up at the end of 2012.

In 2011, I did just about 700 years in 45 episodes, so roughly 15 years and episode.

But with Richard, I think we're down to one and a half years per episode.

So on that basis, Lord knows where we'll be.

But it does suggest that the sun will have turned dark and hell will have frozen over

before I get to 1901 and flop over the line.

Anyway, to start off the new year, first of all, my thanks to three newdenators over the break

to George, Chad and Brian.

Thanks very much indeed for your donations.

I really appreciate it.

And thanks also of course to Rob for setting up the Great British Coin Giveaway.

It was just fantastic for me to see all those comments and ideas, advice and questions.

It was really a thrill.

So without wanting to be needy or flaky obviously, it can be a bit lonely podcasting.

So any comment, even if it's a quick, how's your father or still listening, is great.

I'm particularly conscious of a helpful comment by Vampire Red.

Hello Vampire, that I'm going too fast just so that I can get over the agonies of doing the recording,

which is actually a fair point.

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