Open thread this week - let’s scattergun our historical topics. Non-historical also fine. I’ll drop in on the thread over the next couple of days to answer questions, then round up the best on the audio post this Friday.
How about a game of "Behead, befriend, become" for the Plantagenet monarchs, what you thinking? Self explanatory but which monarch would you wanna get rid of, which would you want to hang with on a daily basis, and which would you like to have been?
When are you going to visit the US again? I know it is a gun infested hellhole, but my friends and I would love to see you (we have driven to Louisville and Baltimore to see you speak before and it was wonderful!
Stephen vs Matilda, the Wars of the Roses, Charles I vs the Parliamentarians... Which English Civil War had the greatest impact on the country as a whole?
Your having a piss up BBQ party who is on your guest list to make interesting? Genghis Khan, Edward iv and Churchill would make an interesting trio for me
I’m sure you’ve been asked this plenty of times, but I’d love to know: Would you be interested in researching history from another part of the world (outside of Europe etc) in detail and then write about it?
I've recently watched your interview with GRRM (per your recommendation in the podcast), and seeing as "Essex Dogs" is released this September, I just have to ask what are your favourite Medieval based fantasy/historical fiction books (or book series) and have they had an impact on your writing?
I know those are two different questions, but still. As a recommendation, if you haven't read Bernard Cornwell's "The Saxon Stories", the series is very good. Love ya, Dan. xoxo
Tell me something that will help deal at least intellectually with the senseless violence that permeates American society. Is that possible? The politicians who could do something are blinded by their lust for power. I saw a TV ad today for a candidate wanting to protect our 2nd amendment rights...I guess they'll want to arm the kids to defend themselves. It's pathetic
I live in the shadow of Knaresborough castle. How did Hugh de Moreville and his three fellow assassins, Reginald Fitzurse, William de Tracy and Richard le Bret manage to remain there for over a year after they murdered Thomas Becket? What finally drove them out?
Thinking about family relationships, those that were mutually beneficial and those that were antagonistic. Curious if the differences can be attributed to anything besides "personality." For example, the tensions between Edward II and Thomas of Lancaster vs the close relationship between Edward III and Henry of Grosmont. Or how Henry II was ,at one time or another, at war with some or all of his sons vs how Edward III managed to find useful roles for all of his sons and retained their loyalty and support.
When can we do the historic castle ABnB? 22 rooms would break down too...$$ per person...and add options like dye plant foraging, cooking and culminate with an authentic meal the last night. Anyone that get sick or dies will have signed a release, so no harm, no foul.
Ok I have a question that has been bothering me as I learn more about Henry vii and Maximillian: would there have been so much contention/ animosity between them if not influenced by Margaret Plantagenet duchess of burgundy ? Even before Max's support or Lambert Simnel there's some evidence of animosity but I can't figure out why? Especially since Henry supportive his fiancé at the time Anne of Brittany and Isabella and Ferdinand pushed to get them to reconcile -
I just challenged myself to record my podcast for next week al fresco on my phone, inspired by yours. Many bullfrog and bird sounds as I circled the pond. Thank you for inspiring me.
What historical events do you think should be taught in every school worldwide, apart from the pupils' national history, as an essential part of becoming a responsible citizen? So "need to know", not "nice to know" (it's not forbidden to learn more 🙂 ). I was thinking slavery, discovery/colonialism, the holocaust, the nuclear threat - what am I missing, terrorism (very broad subject)...?
We'd better keep everybody in school for at least 20 years 🙄
I have been helping my son with 'The Abysynian conflict' which asked for a Peel paragraph (don't ask! I say a short essay, why mess with what works? 🙄) in regards to a very good cartoon of the time showing the British/French being pulled down a hill whilst on skates by a bulldog (this time Italy). In my explanation to a 12 year old not the least bit interested in history (yep I tried to put him up for adoption when he declared this!) I likened it to the current war in Ukraine. Do you see the similarities or are there better examples in history I can draw on to explain the build up to the 2nd world war and the collapse ultimately to The League of Nations?
If a livery badge was created for you as lord of the History, Etc. Substack newsletter for your retinue/subscribers to wear, what form would it take? What symbols/materials would be used, and what would they signify?
History frequently uses auxiliary disciplines such as paleography, psychology, economics, numismatics, art, etc. But it is with archeology that there is a greater feedback. Many people believe that archeology is for handsome, young, tough guys like Indiana Jones, and that instead historians have to be old, boring people wearing suits. Fortunately, there are people who are not from the environment, but who are clear about the difference between the two disciplines and always ask me why I chose to be a historian and not an archaeologist. I ask my students that same question and often get interesting answers. I don't know if someone here asked you this question before: why did you choose to be a historian and not an archaeologist?
And the eternal question: Should the historian always try to be completely impartial, at any cost, when narrating the facts?
Hi Dan, I was watching a documentary on the refurbishment of Big Ben last night here in Australia and was wondering is it finished yet? If not when will it be unveiled?
Will your new book with Marina Amaral include anything on the Ladies' Bridge (Waterloo Bridge)? I heard a little bit about it on a tour around London, and I was wondering why British women in WWII don't get the recognition that American women did through Rosie the Riveter, as if the fact that at least 60% of the women who put the bridge together should be hidden?
A co-worker of mine, who just recently discovered Secrets of Great British Castles on Netflix and may be going on a trip to London soon wants to know if you have a favorite Cafe? She's looking for locals' recommendations.
If you had to write a new book but it couldn’t be about medieval history or fiction set in that period, what would you write? About another historical period or a biography of someone from a different period or something wild like erotic gangster poetry?
Americans have the right to bear arms, but what the responsibility of bearing arms? Isn't it time America had that conversation with itself?
How about a game of "Behead, befriend, become" for the Plantagenet monarchs, what you thinking? Self explanatory but which monarch would you wanna get rid of, which would you want to hang with on a daily basis, and which would you like to have been?
When are you going to visit the US again? I know it is a gun infested hellhole, but my friends and I would love to see you (we have driven to Louisville and Baltimore to see you speak before and it was wonderful!
Stephen vs Matilda, the Wars of the Roses, Charles I vs the Parliamentarians... Which English Civil War had the greatest impact on the country as a whole?
What did you think you might want to do for a living before history got hold of you?
If you could be part of one monarch's court in British history, which court would you join?
What are your thoughts on apologizing for historical wrongs?
You have a busy family. How do you schedule your writing and research time. Is it written in stone in advance or is each day different?
Hi Dan - what recreational drugs did our medieval fore-bearers enjoy? ie - how did the Tudors get off their tits? 😃
What does the rapid fall of America look like from your perspective across the pond?
Hey Dan,
What is the one historical place that you’ve never visited that you really want to see? Thanks!
Do you have any plans to do an historical tour of the UK? Like the one in France.
Your having a piss up BBQ party who is on your guest list to make interesting? Genghis Khan, Edward iv and Churchill would make an interesting trio for me
Who would you cast in the leading roles if you novel Essex Dogs was turned into a movie?
If you could bring back an item of medieval fashion to 2022 and wear it as part of your everyday attire. What would it be and why?
I’m sure you’ve been asked this plenty of times, but I’d love to know: Would you be interested in researching history from another part of the world (outside of Europe etc) in detail and then write about it?
Will you be doing a book tour when Essex Dogs is released?
What's your take on what happened at Oak Island? What theory do you think is most plausible, or do you have your own?
If the princes in the tower had not “disappeared” how might things have been different?
So what Medieval musical instruments would you play to perform modern rock and roll music? (I understand the hurdy-gurdy is making a comeback.)
I've recently watched your interview with GRRM (per your recommendation in the podcast), and seeing as "Essex Dogs" is released this September, I just have to ask what are your favourite Medieval based fantasy/historical fiction books (or book series) and have they had an impact on your writing?
I know those are two different questions, but still. As a recommendation, if you haven't read Bernard Cornwell's "The Saxon Stories", the series is very good. Love ya, Dan. xoxo
Tell me something that will help deal at least intellectually with the senseless violence that permeates American society. Is that possible? The politicians who could do something are blinded by their lust for power. I saw a TV ad today for a candidate wanting to protect our 2nd amendment rights...I guess they'll want to arm the kids to defend themselves. It's pathetic
Sorry
I live in the shadow of Knaresborough castle. How did Hugh de Moreville and his three fellow assassins, Reginald Fitzurse, William de Tracy and Richard le Bret manage to remain there for over a year after they murdered Thomas Becket? What finally drove them out?
If you could choose a song (any song) to represent the theme song for your life, which one would you choose and why?
How are you feeling about the podcasts now? Finally feeling “official” or still like a poser just doing voice memos? (You’re doing great btw)
Thinking about family relationships, those that were mutually beneficial and those that were antagonistic. Curious if the differences can be attributed to anything besides "personality." For example, the tensions between Edward II and Thomas of Lancaster vs the close relationship between Edward III and Henry of Grosmont. Or how Henry II was ,at one time or another, at war with some or all of his sons vs how Edward III managed to find useful roles for all of his sons and retained their loyalty and support.
You get to travel back to the 15th century and take one modern drink with you to blow their minds…what are you taking?
When can we do the historic castle ABnB? 22 rooms would break down too...$$ per person...and add options like dye plant foraging, cooking and culminate with an authentic meal the last night. Anyone that get sick or dies will have signed a release, so no harm, no foul.
Wow..I am as fascinated by these questions as I am with Mr. Jones' responses
Is the mystery person still watching netflix in your tesla at night?
Ok I have a question that has been bothering me as I learn more about Henry vii and Maximillian: would there have been so much contention/ animosity between them if not influenced by Margaret Plantagenet duchess of burgundy ? Even before Max's support or Lambert Simnel there's some evidence of animosity but I can't figure out why? Especially since Henry supportive his fiancé at the time Anne of Brittany and Isabella and Ferdinand pushed to get them to reconcile -
I just challenged myself to record my podcast for next week al fresco on my phone, inspired by yours. Many bullfrog and bird sounds as I circled the pond. Thank you for inspiring me.
Non historical question- what should I get for my next tattoo?🤔
Why was medieval punishment and torture so gruesome? Where did the torture methods originate?
What historical events do you think should be taught in every school worldwide, apart from the pupils' national history, as an essential part of becoming a responsible citizen? So "need to know", not "nice to know" (it's not forbidden to learn more 🙂 ). I was thinking slavery, discovery/colonialism, the holocaust, the nuclear threat - what am I missing, terrorism (very broad subject)...?
We'd better keep everybody in school for at least 20 years 🙄
Cream cake or Crisps?
What is your pick?
Hi Dan. Hope you are well.
Going with the rent-a-castle theme, what would be your ultimate rental if all were available?
Cheers!
I have been helping my son with 'The Abysynian conflict' which asked for a Peel paragraph (don't ask! I say a short essay, why mess with what works? 🙄) in regards to a very good cartoon of the time showing the British/French being pulled down a hill whilst on skates by a bulldog (this time Italy). In my explanation to a 12 year old not the least bit interested in history (yep I tried to put him up for adoption when he declared this!) I likened it to the current war in Ukraine. Do you see the similarities or are there better examples in history I can draw on to explain the build up to the 2nd world war and the collapse ultimately to The League of Nations?
I’m going to visit Dublin this next couple of days. Any (historical) tips?
Is there enough primary or reliable contemporary material for you to write about the Kett rebellion?
If a livery badge was created for you as lord of the History, Etc. Substack newsletter for your retinue/subscribers to wear, what form would it take? What symbols/materials would be used, and what would they signify?
If you could go back and live in 1 period or under 1 king who would it be and why?
History frequently uses auxiliary disciplines such as paleography, psychology, economics, numismatics, art, etc. But it is with archeology that there is a greater feedback. Many people believe that archeology is for handsome, young, tough guys like Indiana Jones, and that instead historians have to be old, boring people wearing suits. Fortunately, there are people who are not from the environment, but who are clear about the difference between the two disciplines and always ask me why I chose to be a historian and not an archaeologist. I ask my students that same question and often get interesting answers. I don't know if someone here asked you this question before: why did you choose to be a historian and not an archaeologist?
And the eternal question: Should the historian always try to be completely impartial, at any cost, when narrating the facts?
Hi Dan, I was watching a documentary on the refurbishment of Big Ben last night here in Australia and was wondering is it finished yet? If not when will it be unveiled?
What reactions have you had from academic historians to your work? Is it respect in general, or envy/shade?
Why did you decide to study history over other subjects?
Will your new book with Marina Amaral include anything on the Ladies' Bridge (Waterloo Bridge)? I heard a little bit about it on a tour around London, and I was wondering why British women in WWII don't get the recognition that American women did through Rosie the Riveter, as if the fact that at least 60% of the women who put the bridge together should be hidden?
What might have happened if Queen Jane Grey had kept the throne and had direct (male) heirs?
A co-worker of mine, who just recently discovered Secrets of Great British Castles on Netflix and may be going on a trip to London soon wants to know if you have a favorite Cafe? She's looking for locals' recommendations.
If you had to write a new book but it couldn’t be about medieval history or fiction set in that period, what would you write? About another historical period or a biography of someone from a different period or something wild like erotic gangster poetry?