Eleanor of Aquitaine is at least as responsible for the vast empire of the Plantagenets as her more celebrated husband, Henry II. Sara Cockerill has written a wonderful biography of Eleanor, placing her back at the centre of English medieval history where she belongs. Sara and Dan discuss her long and remarkable life. Punctuated by periods of foreign adventure, imprisonment and the wielding of hard power.
Estelle Paranque launches into a passioned explanation of Elizabeth I and how she masterfully handled the European powers of her day. She talks about French attempts to win her hand, her defence of the Huguenots, and handling the problem of the Spanish. Producer: Peter Curry
Dan talks to Helen Castor about her book on Elizabeth I and the way she governed.
Sally Hoedel joined me on the podcast to talk about the turbulent life and career of Elvis Presley, King of Rock ānā Roll.
