Sir Marmaduke Constable: The Veteran of Bosworth Killed by a Frog

A BBC news story today revealed that descendants from those who fought on either side of the Battle of Bosworth were set to meet in Leicester as part of the commemoration of Richard III’s reinterment. This is now, however, surely overshadowed by the fact that one of the ancestors who fought at Bosworth was a man called Sir Marmaduke Constable, about whom you need to know three things: firstly, his name was Sir Marmaduke Constable; secondly, he had a long and interesting career in a turbulent period of English history; thirdly, he was eventually brought to mortal conclusion by a frog.

The Grand Final Results

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!]

Semi-Finals – Last Chance to Vote!

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.

Semi-Final B – Vote Now!

In the second of the three play-off contests, two of England’s most successful warrior kings (Athelstan and Henry V) take on one of its most iconic (Elizabeth I) but only one monarch can make it through to the Grand Final. Read on for more information about the three contenders and how you can influence the outcome!

Group C – Vote Now!

The third and final first round tie of the play-offs is now live. Doing battle in Group C are William the Conqueror, Edward III, Henry V, William IV, Victoria and George V. Read on for a quick introduction to the six contenders and details on how you can vote to decide the outcome.

Dynasty Survey – Vote Now!

Before we begin the play-offs, we’d quite like to make sure that the voting side of things actually works, so we’ve opened a survey asking you which is your favourite (English) royal dynasty.

The Rex Factor Hopefuls

There were 18 monarchs to receive the Rex Factor and who are now competing for the Rex Factor crown. Each of them has their own dedicated podcast but as a quick (re)introduction, here’s a guide to England’s greatest monarchs and their greatest achievements: