In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Allen Packwood, director of the Churchill Archives Center at Cambridge, about Winston Churchill's role during the D-Day landings. They explore the complexities of military strategy, the scale of preparations, and the integration of civilian and military efforts. Allen shares insights from his research and discusses how Churchill's past experiences, particularly the Gallipoli campaign, influenced his decision-making during World War II…

Hi All - 

We just wanted to let everyone know that the podcast is currently on hiatus until the New Year, so there won't be early releases until January. We're already scheduling some great interviews and topics for next year - we can't wait to share them with you! Now, if you're behind on all the podcasts we've been putting out, you can catch up!

Cheers,
Jonathan & Jackie

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie share their experiences from a recent trip to England, highlighting the long-awaited return to the country, unique events attended, and the charm of London. The conversation covers the International Churchill Conference and cultural experiences, including visits to historic sites and art exhibitions. They reflect on their dining experiences and the beauty of British culture, providing listeners with travel tips and insights into…

Following on from last week’s history of Thornbury Castle, this week in Part Two, we take a tour around the castle in person. In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, we take listeners on a captivating tour of Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire, guided by local historian Tony Cherry. The conversation delves into the rich history of the castle, its architectural features, and the life of Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham…

This episode of the Anglotopia podcast delves into the rich history of Thornbury Castle, a Tudor castle in Gloucestershire, with resident historian Tony Cherry. The conversation explores the castle’s significance, its connection to historical figures like Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and the dramatic tales of the Stafford family. Listeners will learn about the castle’s architectural features, its evolution over the centuries, and the luxurious experience it offers today. The episode concludes…

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with historian Adrian Tinniswood about his latest book, ‘The Power and the Glory,’ which explores the golden age of British country houses from 1870 to 1914. They discuss the evolution of these estates, the impact of new money and technology, the changing roles of servants, and the societal scandals that characterized this fascinating period in British history. In this conversation, Jonathan…

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, historian and author Katherine Carter offers a fascinating look into her new book, Churchill's Citadel, which examines Winston Churchill's pivotal “wilderness years” of the 1930s. Katherine shares her lifelong passion for history and her journey to becoming Chartwell’s curator, diving into how this beloved Kent home became Churchill’s personal headquarters for intelligence gathering and diplomacy. She reveals the unique domestic life at Chartwell, with…

In this captivating episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, we sit down with historian and author Sophie Shorland to discuss her new book, The Lost Queen: The Surprising Life of Catherine of Braganza. Sophie takes us through the life of this often-overlooked queen, whose marriage to Charles II played a pivotal role in shaping Anglo-Portuguese relations, Britain's cultural landscape, and the introduction of tea drinking to the UK. The conversation dives into…

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, journalist and historian Robert Hutton discusses his book ‘The Illusionist,’ which explores the life of Colonel Dudley Clark, a master of military deception during World War II. Hutton reveals how Clark’s innovative strategies and eccentric personality played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war, particularly through psychological warfare and deception techniques. The conversation delves into Clark’s colorful life in Cairo, his relationship…

In this special sponsored episode of the Anglotopia podcast, we interview Ben Elman, founder of datingacrossthepond.com (formerly Date British Guys). We discuss the history and evolution of Ben's international dating platform, exploring the unique challenges and benefits of transatlantic relationships. The conversation covers cultural differences in dating between the UK and US, the appeal of British accents, and how communication styles vary between the two countries. Ben shares insights on building trust…

This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we interview author and podcaster Tom Salinsky and explore his new book Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series, a deep dive into the beloved British sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf. Tom discusses his inspiration for the book, covering every episode, and how the BBC's skepticism of sci-fi made Red Dwarf an underdog that grew into a cult classic. The interview touches on the show's humor…

As part of our ongoing series of special podcasts about Winston Churchill in the build-up to the International Churchill Conference in October, this week we interview Timothy Riley, the Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator of America’s National Churchill Museum. We’ll discuss the history of just how a Sir Christopher Wren church ended up in Fulton, Missouri, and its connections to Winston Churchill. We’ll also talk about the…

This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by American drivers navigating the roads of the UK. We share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and insights into the cultural differences in driving, including the importance of understanding road signs, speed limits, and the etiquette of driving in a foreign country. We also discuss the quirks of roundabouts, the nuances of renting a car, and the significance of…

As part of our ongoing series about Winston Churchill in the lead-up to the International Churchill Society Conference in London in October, this week we interview author Robert Schmuhl about his new book 'Mr. Churchill in the White House.' The conversation explores the history and relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. Robert Schmuhl, the author of 'Mr. Churchill in the White House' discusses the dynamics between…

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie discuss tips and tricks for having a great transatlantic travel experience. They cover topics such as the different classes of travel, the importance of timing your flight, and the need for rest on the plane. They also provide advice on how to combat jet lag and make the most of your first day in a new time zone. Other tips include bringing…

This week, we will talk about Sir Winston Churchill, the myths about him, and the upcoming Churchill conference in London with Justin Reash. Justin is the executive director of the International Churchill Society, and we discuss the work of the society and the upcoming International Churchill Conference. The society aims to keep the memory and legacy of Winston Churchill alive by promoting the values he embodied, such as freedom, democracy…

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, we interview John Goodall. John Goodall is the architectural editor of Country Life magazine, responsible for producing weekly articles on country houses in Britain and abroad. He has a background in medieval architecture and has written guidebooks for English Heritage. Goodall became interested in architecture while living abroad and developed a fascination with medieval buildings. He enjoys the privilege of visiting and writing about a…

What’s it like to own a castle in England? This week we talk to Peter Frost-Pennington, husband of the owner of Muncaster Castle in Cumbria, England. He shares the history and attractions of the castle. The castle is located in the Lake District National Park and is known for its strategic location on the coast and its connection to the Roman Empire. The castle has been in the Pennington family for over…

What’s life like in a small English town with one of the most famous streets in the world? Shaftesbury, a town in Dorset, England, is famous for its iconic street called Gold Hill, which gained worldwide recognition through a TV commercial filmed there in 1973. The town has always been a draw for tourists, with its rich history and beautiful scenery. Keri Jones from the local radio station This is Alfred talks…

This week on the Anglotopia podcast, we take a break from the guests and answer listener questions. In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie answer questions about Britain from their listeners. They discuss topics such as when to visit England, how to spend a layover in London, and the must-see attractions in the city. They also share their personal experiences and recommendations for exploring London, including visiting Hyde Park…