S8 E1 | A Hole in the Head

Turns out, wearing the crown is the easy part. Henry IV thought kingship would bring control—but the treasury’s running dry, rebellions are flaring, and his grip on power is slipping fast. Then his heir takes an arrow to the face. This is the story of a king learning the hard way that ruling is a whole different game—and the consequences are about to get bloody. To delve deeper into the history behind each episode, become a This Is History Royal Favourite subscriber. You get ad free listening, bonus episodes, and access to our royal court on Patreon. There, you can meet fellow mediaeval history buffs, chat with the team, and tell us what you want to hear more of. Think of this as your virtual clubhouse. We’d love to see you there: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

0:00

← Main Page

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

England’s greatest warrior-king is ready for his close-up. In Season 8 of This Is History: A Dynasty to Die For, acclaimed historian Dan Jones charts the rise of Henry V—a monarch who didn’t just wear the crown, he redefined it. The 15th century opens with promise. Richard II is gone, and Henry Bolingbroke has seized the throne as Henry IV. But ruling proves harder than usurping. Rebellions erupt, the treasury dries up, and the king’s health crumbles under the weight of constant crisis. Waiting in the wings is Prince Henry of Monmouth—studious, strategic, and battle-scarred. After surviving an arrow to the face, he’s not wasting his second chance. When the crown passes to him, it’s all systems go. Henry V crushes dissent, storms France, and wins glory at Agincourt. His heir is set to become the first—and only—English monarch crowned King of France. But beneath the triumph lies a fatal flaw. One that will unravel everything Henry built, and echo through English history for centuries. That’s all for you to discover on season eight of This Is History — A Dynasty to Die For. Want to delve deeper? Become a This Is History Royal Favourite subscriber. You get ad free listening, bonus episodes, and access to our virtual royal court on Patreon. It’s your space to meet mediaeval history nerds, chat with Dan and the team, and get recommendations for the best books, podcasts, and documentaries that amplify the history behind each episode. Oh, and a very fun royal menagerie. We’d love to have you: patreon.com/thisishistory A Sony Music Entertainment production. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected]