Show Notes
This week, after an introduction to the podcast, we review Offa, the eighth century king of an early English kingdom called Mercia. We learn about why he was not the first king of England, links to Charlemagne and the building of the famous Offa's Dyke, plus consider whether he has the Rex Factor.
Please note - this episode is identical to the first episode in the feed (we are releasing it twice to act as an introductory episode for new listeners but also a new episode so regular listeners still see it in their feed!)
Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts:
https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor
You can now watch the podcast either on Spotify or on YouTube via the link below:
"(00:00:00) Introduction"
"(00:03:07) Biography"
"(00:30:59) Battleyness"
"(00:41:46) Scandal"
"(00:52:08) Subjectivity"
"(01:05:39) Longevity"
"(01:06:24) Dynasty"
"(01:07:44) Rex Factor"
"(01:09:05) Farewells" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Rex Factor
William Clito was the son of Robert Curthose and a thorn in the side of Henry I. With many in England, Normandy and France seeing Clito as the rightful heir, Henry's foreign policy largely centred around dealing with Clito, who was brave, well-thought of and a genuine threat. So, as with all the Nearly Monarchs, where did it go wrong for Clito, and did he do enough for the Rex Factor?
Our nearly monarch this week is William Adelin, only legitimate son of Henry I and famously a victim of the White Ship Disaster. Before this, however, he was being shaped for kingship, learning governance from his mother, Matilda of Scotland, seeing high stakes diplomacy from his father and even engaging in his first battle. So what might have been for William Adelin?
We kick off the Norman nearly monarchs with Robert Curthose, the eldest son of William the Conqueror who managed to miss out on becoming king twice. A dramatic life story, tussling with his father and brothers, a bromance with Edgar the Ætheling and a starring role in the First Crusade. But is it enough for the Rex Factor?
It's our first Right to Reply of the Nearly Monarch series as we go through your messages on the Anglo-Saxons (and Viking) We hear of suggestions for other Nearly Monarchs to include, different approaches to the scoring system, plus your thoughts on all the nearly monarchs we've covered so far (including Offa).
This week we chat to Dr Eleanor Parker about the next generation of Anglo-Saxons in 1066 - the young men and women whose lives took a very different path with the Conquest and how they adapted. From the semi-legendary Hereward the Wake to the children of Harold Godwinson, old favourites like Edgar the Ætheling and St Margaret of Scotland, and many more!