HistoryExtra podcast

What comes to mind when you think D-Day? Perhaps it’s the tactical brilliance of the commanders, or the brutal combat fought by the troops. But, what about meteorologist James Stagg? He’s the subject of the new Second World War thriller Pressure, and to find out more about his contribution to the War – and how you go about turning a Second World War story into a blockbuster – in this episode, Charlotte Vosper spoke to the writer of the film, David Haig, and Catherine Ross, the Met Office’s archive and library manager, who helped advise on the film.



This episode was recorded live at the Royal Society of Arts, in partnership STUDIOCANAL. Pressure is now available to buy and rent from digital platforms, and will be available to own on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD from 30 November.

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For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠.

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Ghosts, witches, flying nuns, and spirits summoned from beyond the grave might seem to belong to a less rational age. But were our ancestors really so different from us in their beliefs? In this episode, historian Malcolm Gaskill joins Elinor Evans to discuss his new book, Worlds of Fear and Wonder, and reveals how emotions like grief and uncertainty have shaped our relationship with the supernatural for centuries.

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You can hear more from Malcolm Gaskill, talking about Helen Duncan, also known as 'Hellish Nell', the last woman to be convicted and imprisoned under the 1735 Witchcraft Act, in this episode: https://bit.ly/4z11DRV
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If you had to survive a siege, which medieval fortress would you choose to be holed up inside? In today's episode, Dan Jones surveys the world's historic fortifications to cherry-pick the fashionable and functional features which he thinks would make the ultimate castle. Speaking to Charlotte Vosper, Dan guides us through the creation of his dream fortification, and reveals the most important principle for making a castle truly impregnable.

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If you'd like to find out more about how castles have changed the shape of warfare over time – from ancient Troy to 19th-century America – then check out this article from Dan Jones: https://bit.ly/4if4znp
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Richard III is one of the most divisive kings in all of English history – a man whose seizure of the throne in 1483 has provoked fierce debate for more than five centuries. But to what extent was his rise to power the product of his turbulent childhood? Chris Skidmore tells Spencer Mizen how a traumatic youth – witnessing war, rebellion and the brutal death of his father – shaped his reign.

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THE FULL STORY

Today’s episode is a special preview of our new series, The Full Story, which offers in-depth, expert guides to some of history’s most compelling moments. To hear the rest of the series – and unlock access to the brand new channel, enjoy ad-free listening, and receive our exclusive membership newsletter – become a HistoryExtra podcast member today.

Find out more and sign up here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/
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How do you make history hilarious without mangling the facts? As Ghosts: The Possession of Button House arrives on the big screen, co-creator, writer and actor Laurence Rickard (AKA Robin and Sir Humphrey Bone) reveals how the team brought the much-loved sitcom characters back to life for the feature film. Talking to Elinor Evans, he shares the team’s approach to historical accuracy, discusses why our understanding of the past is always changing, and explains how Ghosts has become an unexpected source of comfort for many.

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Find out more about the real history behind the stories on the big screen, with our guides to the latest movie releases – from Sense and Sensibility and Pressure to The Uprising: https://bit.ly/4hDcR85
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