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.
Richard III kept a pretty low profile for the first 527 years after his defeat and death in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, but since his exhumation in 2012 his diary has been much more active. The next week will see him re-interred at Leicester Cathedral (after which his activity levels will quieten down considerably) so read on to find out what is happening where and when, and how you can follow the all of the events.
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 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.
In the third and final play-off, some personal favourites come to blows in the battle for the final place in the Grand Final. Alfred the Great flies the flag for the Anglo-Saxons while Edward I and his grandson Edward III hold their swords aloft for the Plantagenets. Read on for more information about the three contenders and how you can help to decide who will go through to the final.
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!
With the first round now complete, we move into the Semi-Finals of the Rex Factor play-offs. Semi-Final A could prove to be one of the most keenly fought battles with the top seed, Henry II, up against two of the most iconic monarchs in Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. Read on for more information about the three contenders and how you can influence the outcome!
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.
Rex Factor 