How Plantagenet England fell apart

THIS IS HISTORY — A DYNASTY TO DIE FOR Season 9, Episode 6: The Ambush Royal favourites, we want your voice notes in our new miniseries on historical failures. Look out for Producer Al’s callout post on patreon.com/thisishistory Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester — Henry V’s last surviving brother — is convinced England can still cling to its territories in France. But the reality is grim: English soldiers are worn down after decades of war, the kingdom’s finances are collapsing, and King Charles VII of France knows victory may come simply by waiting. At home, pressure mounts. William de la Pole, King Henry VI’s powerful right‑hand man, calls a special parliament to confront England’s failing war effort and expose the truth Humphrey refuses to accept. What follows delivers the greatest shock of Humphrey’s life, and marks a pivotal moment in the unraveling of England’s fortunes. In this episode of This Is History: A Dynasty to Die For, historian Dan Jones reveals how political delusion, strategic failure, and brutal reality collide at the heart of the medieval English state. 0:00 - This week’s bonus episode 0:45 - Prologue: A chilly journey 2:57 - Act I: Bury, or buried at St Edmund’s? 8:57 - Act II: The Ambush 17:22 - Act III: Handing over Maine 20:47 - Royal Favourites discussion starter – Want to delve deeper? Become a This Is History Royal Favourite subscriber on Patreon, where you can listen to this week’s bonus episode — ad-free— with Dan and Producer Al. In this episode, they discuss why the French are now walking all over the English, and how conspiracy theories spread in the Middle Ages. Plus, you get ad free listening, exclusive behind the scenes videos, and lively chat rooms over at patreon.com/thisishistory – A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices – Written and presented by Dan Jones Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Simon Poole Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator - Eric Ryan Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content - Chris Skinner