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 Thomas and Adrian discuss the...

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,...

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 Catherine's struggles with her...

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...

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...

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, its influence on British TV, and the challenges of chronicling decades of...

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 museum’s mission to promote Churchill’s life and...

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 being courteous on the road, as well...

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 the two leaders and their...

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 travel accessories like noise-canceling headphones and a neck pillow. In this conversation,...

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, and human rights. They achieve this through...

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 wide range...

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 800 years and has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 1968. The castle...

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 to us about the rhythms of life in a small English town. Shaftesbury is set on a...

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, the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square,...

This week, we have a special guest, author Jane Tippett, who has written a new book about Edward VIII called Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII. Tippett discusses her book on the abdication crisis and the life of King Edward VIII. She talks about her research process and the surprising access she had to the Royal Archives. Tippett explores Edward’s role as a writer and the significance of his memoirs. She also addresses the controversy surrounding Edward’s relationship with Nazi...

Jules Mittra, the founder of In and Beyond Bath, discusses travel in the West Country of England with a focus on Bath and the Cotswolds. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful travel and experiencing the off-the-beaten-path gems of the region. Jules offers personalized tours for small groups, allowing for meaningful connections and engagement. He aims to make the tours more than just sightseeing by sharing the stories and significance behind the places visited. The conversation also...

Laura Kurton from English Cottage Vacation joins the podcast to discuss their all-inclusive travel experience in the Dorset countryside. They offer tailor-made itineraries for guests, including popular sites like Bath, the Cotswolds, and the Jurassic Coast. The cottage itself, Well Cottage, is an 18th-century thatched cottage with a mix of modern and historic features. The village of Fontmell Magna, where the cottage is located, offers amenities like a shop, pub, school, and a beautiful...

Summary Ever wonder how Anglotopia came into being? We tell the story and more as we talk about how Anglotopia has launched a Friends of Anglotopia club, which is a paid membership that aims to remove Google ads from the website. The main feature of the club is the Sunday Post, an exclusive article released every Sunday on the Friends of Anglotopia member site and in members’ email inboxes. The club also offers other membership perks, such as discounts on British products and access to a...

Summary The UK is having an election! In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie discuss the British election system and how it works from a non-party political perspective. They provide an overview of the parties involved, the role of the monarch, the campaign season, election day, and the counting and results process. They also touch on the concept of party manifestos and the importance of constituency-level vote counting. The conversation explores various British...

Summary In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie discuss British children's literature that influenced them and their own children. They talk about their favorite books, including The Velveteen Rabbit, Roald Dahl's works, Beatrix Potter's stories, Peter Pan, and Harry Potter. They also mention the impact of Disney adaptations and the cultural significance of British literature worldwide. In this conversation, Jonathan and Jackie discuss their experiences with British...

Summary In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie Thomas discuss new updates to Anglotopia, including website changes, contests, and new books. They also talk about their new email newsletter design and the release of the Anglotopia book 'Great British Houses.' They mention the release of the 'Londontopia Dictionary of Cockney Slang' and the upcoming book 'The Anglotopia Guide to Bridgerton.' They also mention the announcement of a third Downton Abbey film. The episode...

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, I talk about three great experiences from my trip last July that I haven’t had the chance to talk about yet. After we give some big operational updates about Anglotopia, I talk about my visit to Blenheim Palace. There are a ton of new exhibitions and things to see at Britain’s only non-royal, non-ecclesiastical palace. Thinking of visiting HMS Victory in Portsmouth? Listen to this first, as it’s in a major state of restoration right now. And I finish...