Aspects of History

On the outskirts of North London, near Chipping Barnet and Enfield, stands a marvellous country house, Trent Park that belonged to the Sassoon family. In 1939 it was requisitioned by the British government whereupon it became a luxurious POW camp for German prisoners. Why treat them so kindly? Well senior Wehrmacht and

In the summer of 1940, Britain was on its knees. The British Expeditionary Force had fled from mainland Europe in humiliation, and Nazi Germany eyed the South East of England greedily. All that stood between Hitler and his SS marching up the Mall was a thin strip of English channel. My guest today is Alex Gerlis who ha

On 22 August 1485 Henry Tudor met Richard III at Bosworth Field. In a strange battle, Henry’s smaller force eventually overcame Richard’s army. The Wars of the Roses were all but over after thirty years of murder, warfare and political machinations. In this final episode of our 6 part special, Derek Birks, author of Th

In August of 1483 a sighting was reported of two young boys playing in the grounds of the Tower of London. Rumours spread that these were the two princes, Edward V and his younger brother Richard Duke of York. It was the last time they were seen again, and ever since, speculation has been rife that their uncle, Richard

Welcome to episode 4 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today’s episode sees Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker, make plans which soon fall apart. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You’ll get

Welcome to episode 3 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today Edward IV emerges as the great new hope for the Yorkist cause now that his father, Richard Duke of York is dead. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbrea