Here in America, we're celebrating Thanksgiving, which is honestly one of my favorite

holidays. Because while there are historical elements as to where it came from, at its core,

it's just a feasting holiday. And like feasting holidays throughout history, that means it's

mostly about community and strengthening bonds. You gather together, you appreciate the people in your lives, and then you eat far too much.

It's the kind of thing that Penda did.

Now, granted, there were more warriors taking oaths of fealty's at his feast than there will be at my house.

And rather than rings, I'll be handing out sausage

rolls. But the basic gist is there. Community, bonds, fellowship. And so it makes me really

happy that I've carved out a little time to release an episode today, because community is

important. And I am so thankful for the kind and welcoming

community that's grown up around this silly little project of ours. It's been incredible to

be part of the pleasantry. And you guys have completely changed my life. And I can't thank you

enough for that. So I wanted to say it at the opening of the show.

All right. Speaking of that show, let's get to it.

Welcome to the British History podcast. My name is Jamie and this is episode 463.

Finding Out. This show is ad-free due to member support, and as a way of thanking members for keeping the show independent,

I offer members-only content, including extra episodes and rough transcripts, and you can get instant access to all the members' extras by signing up for membership

at the British History Podcast.com for about the price of a latte per month.

And thank you very much

to Shankar, Sally, and Heather for signing up already. After Robert kicked Henry out of Ruan,

the Duke tried to restabilize his position in Normandy. And his first move was to make an alliance

with Robert of Bilem.

...