Before we start, just a quick warning that this episode contains descriptions of violence

or sexual content that may not be suitable for all listeners.

There are good times to cross the English channel and there are bad times.

Then there are terrible times.

The start of January 1153 is a terrible time.

Theas winter gales, huge waves and near freezing temperatures mean that sailors are loathed

to leave court.

Late medieval ships are more robust than we might think, but they're designed for sailing

in sight of land.

Crossing the channel is a short trip, but it means losing sight of anything but water

and seaweed for several hours.

In good weather, that's okay if you know roughly where you're heading.

In a winter storm, you're taking your life in your hands.

Nineteen-year-old Henry Plantagenet doesn't care about any of that.

He's the most powerful man in France, probably even above the king.

He's in Normandy.

He needs to get to England fast and he's not prepared to wait around until the skies

clear or someone works out how to build the Euro Star.

Because there's a glittering prize dangling on the other side of the channel, the English

crown.

Henry's supporters in England are under siege and every second he delays brings them a step

closer to defeat, which could put the throne out of reach forever.

...