S8 E9 | Henry the Conqueror

THIS IS HISTORY — A DYNASTY TO DIE FOR

Sony Music

History, Society & Culture

4.8 • 2.5K Ratings

🗓️ 11 November 2025

⏱️ 27 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

We have a small favour to ask! We’ve put together a survey about This Is History, and it would mean a lot to us if you could fill it out. You can find it at: https://bit.ly/4oFyVRg In northern France, Henry V spots a glaring weakness — an undefended flank begging to be conquered. It’s the perfect chance to flip the script on history and avenge England’s humiliation in 1066, when William the Conqueror launched his invasion from Caen. Now, Henry storms that very town, rewriting the legacy of Normandy with fire and steel. But while victory brews abroad, rebellion festers at home. The infamous Lollard heretic John Oldcastle resurfaces in Wales — defiant, dangerous, and utterly unrepentant. The crown may be winning battles, but the war for England’s soul is far from over. To learn more about the last time a Norman took the English throne, listen back to episode 3, season 1 — Rough Crossings — where Henry II settles a civil war. And for more on the civil unrest in Paris, listen back to our miniseries, The Glass King. Remember, you can always delve deeper into the history behind each episode by becoming a This Is History Royal Favourite on Patreon. In addition to ad-free listening and bonus episodes — now available to watch on video — you get to chat with mediaeval buffs from around the world, chat with Dan and the team, and get exclusive access to behind the scenes extras just for favourites. Don’t miss out. Sign up at patreon.com/thisishistory – A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Written and presented by Dan Jones Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Simon Poole Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator - Eric Ryan Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hello, Dan here. Now, we're about to get down and dirty with Henry V as the Plantagenet's top Trump warrior king begins to turn the screw on the French.
0:10.5	There's a fair bit of blood and gore, so consider yourself warned if you're of a squeamish disposition.
0:17.3	Now, we've just ticked over 1,000 subscribers on Patreon.
0:22.7	Really, guys, I'm well and truly chuffed.
0:26.0	We launched our Patreon in season seven,
0:28.2	and I've loved being able to connect with you all,
0:30.9	and even more than that, seeing you all connect with each other.
0:35.5	This milestone has made me think about how, me and the team can make This Is History
0:40.8	even better for you.
0:42.8	So, I've squirrelled away and worked on a listener survey just for you, which I've put in this
0:49.1	episode's show notes.
0:51.0	And five lucky survey respondents will receive a signed copy of my book, Henry
0:56.1	the 5th. So, it'd be really great if you could do me a favour and fill out that survey.
1:02.7	Now, on with the show.
1:06.1	Oh, hello, I'm Simon May. Oh, hello, I'm Mark Kermode. And on this week's take, it's a pack show, we have reviews of
1:12.4	Predator Badlands, Coral, Die My Love, and Anemone with our very special guests plural. Yes,
1:20.5	its director, Ronan Day Lewis, and one of it stars, his father, Daniel DeLuis, or Sir Daniel
1:26.8	DeLois. Or Danny Boer?
1:28.3	No, wrong one.
1:29.3	Everything is fantastic.
1:30.3	We'll see you there.
1:31.3	And if you're not subscribed already, what are you thinking?
	...

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