Episodes

  • DD - Episode 7 - Ruckinge

    DD - Episode 7 - Ruckinge
    Oct 1 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we visit the small village of Ruckinge in Kent. Once held by Leofraed under King Edward, Ruckinge came under the control of Ralph fitz Richard after the Norman Conquest. We’ll dive into the Domesday entry to uncover what half a sulung of land meant, explore the lives of the local villagers, and trace the impact of Norman rule on this rural community. With a special focus on Ralph fitz Richard’s role, this episode brings Ruckinge’s medieval past to life, offering insights into feudal landholding and daily life in post-Conquest England.
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    6 mins
  • DD - Episode 6 - Pontefract (Tanshelf)

    DD - Episode 6 - Pontefract (Tanshelf)
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we journey to Pontefract in West Yorkshire, known as Tanshelf at the time of the Domesday survey. We'll explore the life of Ilbert de Lacy, one of William the Conqueror’s most powerful barons, and uncover how the Norman Conquest reshaped this vital stronghold. From the significance of Pontefract’s strategic location to the origins of its name, which memorializes a ‘broken bridge’ destroyed during the Harrying of the North, we’ll see how Ilbert’s influence helped define the region’s history.
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    11 mins
  • DD Episode 5 - Lonton

    DD Episode 5 - Lonton
    Sep 17 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we journey to Lonton, the northernmost entry in the Domesday Book, and explore one of the darkest periods in England’s history: the Harrowing of the North. Discover the devastating impact of William the Conqueror’s brutal campaign, the rebellion that fueled it, and how the scars of those events still linger in the region today. This deep dive into medieval history touches on the fragility of life, the resilience of those who survived, and the lasting consequences of unchecked power.
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    16 mins
  • DD - Episode 4 - Bakewell

    DD - Episode 4 - Bakewell
    Sep 10 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we journey to Bakewell, a picturesque town in Derbyshire, best known today for its delicious puddings and tarts. But beneath its charming surface lies a rich history that’s been shaped by its strategic importance and valuable resources.

    We’ll explore Bakewell’s origins, tracing back to its founding by Anglo-Saxons, and discover why it was a prized royal holding both before and after the Norman Conquest. We'll also delve into the medieval lead mines that made Bakewell a key industrial center, unearthing the dangerous and arduous work that sustained the community.
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    9 mins
  • DD - Episode 3 - Lavenham

    DD - Episode 3 - Lavenham
    Sep 3 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we return to the medieval village of Lavenham, this time focusing on the lands once held by Wulfwine, an Anglo-Saxon thegn. After the Norman Conquest, these lands fell into the hands of the powerful Aubrey de Vere. Join me, Claire, as we uncover how Aubrey's strategic shifts in agriculture and resource management, including the mysterious addition of a vineyard, transformed Lavenham into a thriving estate. We’ll also explore how slavery began its evolution into serfdom under Norman rule and reflect on what this tells us about power, land, and social change in medieval England.
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    11 mins
  • DD - Episode 2 - Lavenham

    DD - Episode 2 - Lavenham
    Aug 27 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we journey to the historic village of Lavenham in Suffolk, focusing on the section of the village that was held by Frodo, the Abbot's brother, after the Norman Conquest. Suggested by listener Charmaine Jones, this episode explores how Frodo transformed Lavenham’s fortunes with a strategic shift towards sheep farming.
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    8 mins
  • DD - Episode 1 Garforth

    DD - Episode 1 Garforth
    Aug 20 2024
    In this episode of Domesday Delving, we explore the Yorkshire town of Garforth as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. We’ll delve into the impact of the Harrowing of the North, learn about the lives of Garforth’s villagers, and explore how this once-prosperous community saw its value halved in the aftermath of conquest and rebellion. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of Garforth’s history, offering a fascinating glimpse into life almost a thousand years ago.

    Music by Alban_Gogh from Pixabay
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    8 mins