Our latest special episode is on Thomas Becket, the boy from Cheapside who rose to the extraordinary heights of Archbishop of Canterbury and then to the (perhaps less desirable) status of martyr. We trace the whole of his life and look in depth at how his rapid rise ended with his tragic and brutal murder in 1170. You can listen a preview of the special episode below or read on to find out more about Thomas Becket and how to purchase the episode.
William the Lion had one of the longest reigns in Scottish history and it was largely dominated by his determination to win back the Earldom of Northumberland. The problem was, he was going to have to win it back from Henry II, one of England’s most powerful and successful kings. As if that was not enough, there were unresolved issues with dynastic rivals and rebellious territories within Scotland. To find out how William got on, listen to his podcast episode here or read on to find out more.
Malcolm had a tough act to follow in the form of his grandfather, David I, who had taken Scotland to a position of unprecedented power. However, Malcolm was only a boy and he was facing rebellion all across Scotland and a Rex Factor behemoth in the form of Henry II in England asking for his land back. Would the good times continue to roll, or would Scotland be brought back to earth with a bump?
Malcolm IV, King of Scots
To listen to Malcolm’s episode, click here, or read on to find out more.
One of Scotland’s most significant monarchs, David I developed from a protege of Henry I to take advantage of the Anarchy in England to expand Scotland’s borders to an extent never seen before or since. A cultured and religious man, David’s reign also saw extensive reforms that had a lasting impact on Scotland. However, did his reign also represent the death of Gaelic Scotland in favour of the Norman world? And were his victories built on sand? To listen to David’s episode, click here or read on to find out more.
In our second special episode, we review the life and times of the medieval knight and courtier, William (the) Marshal. His extraordinary career sees him serve Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, John and the young Henry III as well as encompassing the world of tournaments and the emerging concept of knighthood and chivalry. You can listen a preview of the special episode below or read on to find out more about William and how to purchase the episode.
After four years of podcasting, we have finally come to the end of the series and are ready to reveal your favourite royal dynasty and to crown the Rex Factor champion. Alfred the Great, Henry II and Elizabeth I were the three finalists and the winner was decided entirely by the public vote. Read on to find out who will forever wear the Rex Factor crown…
[Warning: Spoilers!]
You have until 31 July to decide who you want to be crowned the Rex Factor champion, but how to make up your mind? We’ve already done one blog on why you should vote for Alfred the Great, but he has some very stiff competition and Henry II is a very credible alternative. So, read on to find out why you should cast your vote for Henry II.
After four years of reviewing all the kings and queens of England from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II, we are finally at an end. There were 18 monarchs awarded the Rex Factor but the play-offs have seen various legends fall away and now just three monarchs remain: Alfred the Great, Henry II and Elizabeth I. However, only one can be crowned the Rex Factor champion – read on for a summary of the final three and then click the link to vote for who you think should win Rex Factor – the deadline for voting is Thursday 31 July.
The battle to reach the grand final has been hard fought but now the day of reckoning is upon us. Alfred the Great, Athelstan, Henry II, Edward I, Edward III, Henry V, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Victoria: nine monarchs, but only three will make it through to the final. To find out the results, watch the video or click for the stats but beware – spoilers!
The voting for the Semi-Finals of the Rex Factor play-offs is nearly finished – you have until the close of play on Thursday 12 June to cast your vote for the three monarchs who you think should make it through to the final. If you’re not sure who to vote for and don’t have time to listen to the three play-off episodes, here’s a quick guide to the 9 monarchs competing for a place in the final as well as links to all the surveys.
Rex Factor 