My podcast/voicemail/live answerphone message First Draft comes out on Friday. What would you like to hear? Shout-outs, Q&As, mysteries unravelled, theories debunked?
Get your requests in here!
Dan
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Thanks everyone who posted! The podcast comes out at 8am GMT tomorrow - some great questions on there and a few shout outs. If I missed you - sorry! I see you. Let’s keep it going!
I'm curious about the practicalities around a medieval battle, specifically for the common soldier. How were they recruited by their lord, was every able man at risk to have to go off and fight, or were there "key professions" that were needed at home? Were there defections or "draft evasions"? How were they provided for (protective kit, arms, food, shelter, stipend)? If they were wounded and unable to go home to be taken care of there, was there some kind of medical care, even for those on the losing side? If they were killed, how were their relatives informed (if at all)? Did their lord feel some kind of responsibility to take care of families that were left without a provider?
BTW How about the term "podmail" for this new and exciting medium?
You have the original floor plan and materials. You have permission, and you can even live there with electricity and good wifi. If you could restore any castle or abbey, but you could pick only one, which one would it be?
Hi Dan. Alongside the books, I love your TV work. If given the go-ahead to make an hour long TV documentary on a subject entirely of your choosing (none of the usual constraints, no need to consider whether anyone would watch, unlimited budget, stuff of dreams, as niche as you like etc) what would you make?
How tough were these knights? Did they really tend their own wounds, pull out swords and arrows and just crack on? Or did they have herbs, drugs, alcohol, magic men/women on the battlefield?
Loving the newsletters and the new podcast that's not a podcast!
I'm a teaching assistant at a primary school and I cover classes. In one of the classes I cover we are learning about Richard III. Is there any good websites or any unusual facts that I can use in school or tell them about, to get them to be more enthusiastic about history and enhance their learning. The school seem to use the same old website which they have seen before so they start to get bored! I really want them to enjoy their history lessons.
I keep hearing this nugget: "the Pope [they never know which Pope - ed] ordered killing all the cats pre-1347; that's why the rat population exploded resulting in the Black Death." I call BS and that no such order ever happened. I'm right, right?
As I am sat in the freezing cold at my son's goalkeeper practice I have had time to think.
Following on from your evening with Duff, who would be in a medieval rock band?
Looking for a singer (egotistical godshite) lead guitarist (genius of the band, secret songwriter) rhythm guitarist (hides in the background) bass player (vain, keeps a rhythm) and drummer (butt of the jokes, knows how to count to 4).
Dealing with crazy pre-teen girl behavior and I mentioned to her that Henry II locked his wife in a tower for a decade- Which got me thinking, any great stories of medieval kids gone astray and parents who went to the ends to straighten them out?
In a pitched battle, neutral ground, even numbers each side, who would win between a Roman Army (say Caesar’s Roman Army at Alesia) and a Medieval one (say the Essex Dogs at Crecy) and why?
Your writing process - how does it differ writing history and fiction? Any tools or software you particularly like using? What writer in history do you have a fondness for.
Dan, what are your opinions on the Scottish invasion of Ireland and Edward Bruce's elevation to High King? Do you believe the famine of 1317 was the main cause of their eventual defeat or were their other factors that had a greater impact? This chapter in British history garners little attention and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for my 50th birthday shout out made my day!!!! ( happier emoji 🥰) great talk as always mix of present life combined with historical facts ! Your the best! ❤️👊🏻
While consulting during Knightfall, did you get to spend a lot of time on set? Green screens and Hollywood "magic" aside, the costumes and sets looked amazing and I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon pretending to hack some bad guys to bits with a sword. Oh... and did you get to meet Mark Hamill? lol
Were there any notable female musicians during the Middle Ages? If so, do you have any examples of who they were and what contributions they made to the medieval music scene?
What do you think Henry VIII would have thought of his daughters reign? Do you think he would have agreed with how it played out or would he thought them to be emotional and soft?
Frederick II Hohenstaufen pops up repeatedly throughout the latter half of “Powers & Thrones”. It sounds like he was involved in, or at least in the orbit of, some big moments in medieval history. When researching someone like that, there’s always one anecdote that is equal parts hilarious and somewhat exaggerated. Did you come across any like that? In addition to that, do you have a biography of him that you recommend?
I wish my sleep deprived brain could think of something more interesting but... how different is medieval French to modern French, and what has proved more valuable for a language when studying the Plantagenets (medieval English or French), and how would you suggest one go about learning medieval French or English?
Again, I'm sorry for the lame questions, I have a 5 month old who decided to smack his lips all damn night the other night.
For selfish reasons, I'd like to hear a shoutout to the STL United Soccer Sunday radio show, which I'm guessing is the only show about football that also discusses you and your books!
If you were putting together a reading list for Graduate students on the Renaissance in England, what books/authors would you suggest as the most important ones to know and why?
You're a true conqueror Dan, the world is your destiny. But you need an army, who do you pick - Genghis Khans horde, Richard the Lionhearts Crusaders, The great Heathen army? or something completely different?
Just for fun who which historical figure will lead your forces, who is your wife, or husband? and a few pals to support your new empire.
Non history related question! You always show great style on your shows (Belstaff for example). Is there ever any input from a production company on what can be worn/not worn when making a series. Would like to know what your go to clothing items/brands are. Apologies if it’s a strange question!
What changes that occurred to society after the Black Death in 1349+ are instructive, do you think, to how society will change as we come out of the (much milder) Covid pandemic?
Thanks everyone who posted! The podcast comes out at 8am GMT tomorrow - some great questions on there and a few shout outs. If I missed you - sorry! I see you. Let’s keep it going!
I'm curious about the practicalities around a medieval battle, specifically for the common soldier. How were they recruited by their lord, was every able man at risk to have to go off and fight, or were there "key professions" that were needed at home? Were there defections or "draft evasions"? How were they provided for (protective kit, arms, food, shelter, stipend)? If they were wounded and unable to go home to be taken care of there, was there some kind of medical care, even for those on the losing side? If they were killed, how were their relatives informed (if at all)? Did their lord feel some kind of responsibility to take care of families that were left without a provider?
BTW How about the term "podmail" for this new and exciting medium?
Do you enjoy doing the audio version of your books??
You have the original floor plan and materials. You have permission, and you can even live there with electricity and good wifi. If you could restore any castle or abbey, but you could pick only one, which one would it be?
A shout out for my (🤢) 50th birthday on the 29th of January might cheer me up!!!
What “fact” is there from medieval history which is taken as gospel but is actually complete shite?
If you brought together all the best knights of the Middle Ages for a tournament, who would win?
Hi Dan. Alongside the books, I love your TV work. If given the go-ahead to make an hour long TV documentary on a subject entirely of your choosing (none of the usual constraints, no need to consider whether anyone would watch, unlimited budget, stuff of dreams, as niche as you like etc) what would you make?
Why does the overthrow of Henry VI start the Wars of the Roses and not that of Richard II?
I'd like to know more on the Black Prince; why was he called the Black Prince and was he truly a great warrior?
How tough were these knights? Did they really tend their own wounds, pull out swords and arrows and just crack on? Or did they have herbs, drugs, alcohol, magic men/women on the battlefield?
Who is more influential: Eleanor of Castile or Eleanor of Aquitaine to Plantagenet fortunes? Discuss!
My view Castile for the land security she made for the Crown
Loving the newsletters and the new podcast that's not a podcast!
I'm a teaching assistant at a primary school and I cover classes. In one of the classes I cover we are learning about Richard III. Is there any good websites or any unusual facts that I can use in school or tell them about, to get them to be more enthusiastic about history and enhance their learning. The school seem to use the same old website which they have seen before so they start to get bored! I really want them to enjoy their history lessons.
I keep hearing this nugget: "the Pope [they never know which Pope - ed] ordered killing all the cats pre-1347; that's why the rat population exploded resulting in the Black Death." I call BS and that no such order ever happened. I'm right, right?
As I am sat in the freezing cold at my son's goalkeeper practice I have had time to think.
Following on from your evening with Duff, who would be in a medieval rock band?
Looking for a singer (egotistical godshite) lead guitarist (genius of the band, secret songwriter) rhythm guitarist (hides in the background) bass player (vain, keeps a rhythm) and drummer (butt of the jokes, knows how to count to 4).
Dealing with crazy pre-teen girl behavior and I mentioned to her that Henry II locked his wife in a tower for a decade- Which got me thinking, any great stories of medieval kids gone astray and parents who went to the ends to straighten them out?
In a pitched battle, neutral ground, even numbers each side, who would win between a Roman Army (say Caesar’s Roman Army at Alesia) and a Medieval one (say the Essex Dogs at Crecy) and why?
Hi Dan,
Who had the most Sex in Medieval England?
The Aristocracy, The Knights or the Poor???
Asking for a friend…
Your writing process - how does it differ writing history and fiction? Any tools or software you particularly like using? What writer in history do you have a fondness for.
More historical playlists please.
Hi Dan! Would like to read/ hear more on the Medici family, The Renaissance and the lives of famous Popes of the middle ages. Thank you . 😊
Not to jinx any future knighthood you may be up for, but If the Windsors were of Plantagenet times who'd be a tyrant, useless, leader of armies etc.
Dan, what are your opinions on the Scottish invasion of Ireland and Edward Bruce's elevation to High King? Do you believe the famine of 1317 was the main cause of their eventual defeat or were their other factors that had a greater impact? This chapter in British history garners little attention and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Afternoon Dan. What would the modern equivalent of the Salem Witch Trails be?
Surprises
Thank you for my 50th birthday shout out made my day!!!! ( happier emoji 🥰) great talk as always mix of present life combined with historical facts ! Your the best! ❤️👊🏻
Also: top ten of the almost Kings/Queens of the middle ages. Who almost got the job and missed, lost or failed miserably.
I would love to know more about Lady Jane Grey and her 9-day reign. That's something that you seldom hear about. Thanks!
What do you think is the single most important event of the Middle Ages? Is it possible to even choose just one?!
While consulting during Knightfall, did you get to spend a lot of time on set? Green screens and Hollywood "magic" aside, the costumes and sets looked amazing and I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon pretending to hack some bad guys to bits with a sword. Oh... and did you get to meet Mark Hamill? lol
Were there any notable female musicians during the Middle Ages? If so, do you have any examples of who they were and what contributions they made to the medieval music scene?
What do you think Henry VIII would have thought of his daughters reign? Do you think he would have agreed with how it played out or would he thought them to be emotional and soft?
Frederick II Hohenstaufen pops up repeatedly throughout the latter half of “Powers & Thrones”. It sounds like he was involved in, or at least in the orbit of, some big moments in medieval history. When researching someone like that, there’s always one anecdote that is equal parts hilarious and somewhat exaggerated. Did you come across any like that? In addition to that, do you have a biography of him that you recommend?
I wish my sleep deprived brain could think of something more interesting but... how different is medieval French to modern French, and what has proved more valuable for a language when studying the Plantagenets (medieval English or French), and how would you suggest one go about learning medieval French or English?
Again, I'm sorry for the lame questions, I have a 5 month old who decided to smack his lips all damn night the other night.
Knowing so much about european history, can you say something about its future? Thank you!
I would love to know more about Henry II. Of course taking in the context of the times, he seemed like a pretty cool dude.
Who played it best? Henry V - Lawrence Olivier, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hiddleston (anyone else)?
What’s your favourite film based on a historical figure or event?
If you had to pick one - what’s your favourite battle to research/write about and why?
Some dog content! About your dog, or anything about the history of dogs in Britain/their roles and how/why/when they changed.
In your opinion (since it's your blogcast thingy, after all), what was Mary, Queen of Scots' worst mistake?
A shout out to Chester at the History in 20 podcast would be great Dan, cheers!
So much 'stuff' suggested here - I'm just happy to listen!
For selfish reasons, I'd like to hear a shoutout to the STL United Soccer Sunday radio show, which I'm guessing is the only show about football that also discusses you and your books!
If you were putting together a reading list for Graduate students on the Renaissance in England, what books/authors would you suggest as the most important ones to know and why?
This has bothered me since 1968:
In the song "Held 'Twas I," by Procol Harum, the Dalai Lama says
'Well, my son, what do you wish to know?'
So the pilgrim said,
'I wish to know the meaning of life, father.'
And the Dalai Lama smiled and said,
'Well my son, life is like a beanstalk, isn't it"
Do you know who Procol Harum is/was?
Is life like a beanstalk?
Heavy shit, mon
I've been trying to figure this out for 50 years
What do you think is the most interesting mythical backstory claimed by a royal medieval family?
You're a true conqueror Dan, the world is your destiny. But you need an army, who do you pick - Genghis Khans horde, Richard the Lionhearts Crusaders, The great Heathen army? or something completely different?
Just for fun who which historical figure will lead your forces, who is your wife, or husband? and a few pals to support your new empire.
Non history related question! You always show great style on your shows (Belstaff for example). Is there ever any input from a production company on what can be worn/not worn when making a series. Would like to know what your go to clothing items/brands are. Apologies if it’s a strange question!
Hey Dan,
What changes that occurred to society after the Black Death in 1349+ are instructive, do you think, to how society will change as we come out of the (much milder) Covid pandemic?
Things you wished you could have talked about in Powers and Thrones but couldn't because of reasons