Best Castle Restoration Podcasts (2025)

1
Frederick II: The Wonder of the World - From Orphan to Europe's Most Powerful Emperor | Ep.88 45:42

20d ago45:42

45:42

Discover the extraordinary story of Frederick II, the medieval ruler so remarkable his contemporaries called him "Stupor Mundi" - the Wonder of the World. Orphaned at age 4 and left to wander the streets of Sicily, this forgotten child defied all odds to become Europe's most powerful emperor, a multilingual intellectual, and scientific pioneer cent…

1
After Show: Siege and Legacy of Château Gaillard | Ep.87 18:58

4M ago18:58

18:58

Join us for an engaging after show discussion of our recent episode: "Richard the Lionheart's Perfect Castle and Phillip's Greatest Siege".We'll unpack Richard the Lionheart's revolutionary castle design, debate Philip's siege tactics, and explore how this pivotal moment transformed medieval warfare. From the controversial decision to maintain a wi…

1
Richard the Lionheart's Perfect Castle and Phillip's Greatest Siege | Ep.86 39:44

4M ago39:44

39:44

Journey to medieval France where Richard the Lionheart's architectural masterpiece, Château Gaillard, faces its ultimate test against Philip Augustus's revolutionary siege tactics. Witness how the "perfect castle" became the site of one of history's most dramatic sieges, featuring winter warfare, innovative engineering, and desperate heroism. From …

1
Restoration #39 | Alliances & Epiphanies pt 2 54:16

5M ago54:16

54:16

Chaz learns more about the mysterious drow goddess Elistraee and wins over Emin and his crew as allies. Crit Fail Club is recorded in front of a live studio audience. No, really! You can be part of the audience by joining the official Crit Fail Club Discord server at bit.ly/cfcdiscord and listen live as we record. Full episodes are also available o…

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Restoration #38 | Alliances & Epiphanies pt 1 41:11

5M ago41:11

41:11

The team begins to forge alliances and research liches. Virnan searches for a way to remove the Geas. Crit Fail Club is recorded in front of a live studio audience. No, really! You can be part of the audience by joining the official Crit Fail Club Discord server at [bit.ly/cfcdiscord][1] and listen live as we record. Full episodes are also availabl…

1
A Deep Dive Into Our Saving History Podcast | Ep.85 14:33

5M ago14:33

14:33

Join us for an in-depth discussion about the Saving History podcast. Don't forget to subscribe.

1
The Hidden Origin of Medieval Christmas | Ep.84 55:54

6M ago55:54

55:54

Listen to our latest podcast episode, "The Hidden Stories of Medieval Christmas." Explore a realm where the Yuletide spirit intertwines with tales of intrigue, valor, and heartwarming humanity. Each segment of our episode unravels a unique story from the depths of history, bringing to life the traditions, celebrations, and hidden narratives of medi…

1
Admonition the Thirty-Seventh: Stop Smoking 6:32

6M ago6:32

6:32

Wherein Charles offers advice on the reasons to and the method employed to cease one's addiction to mistress nicoteine...By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Thirty-Sixth: A Cup of Tea (With Cake) Encourages Confidences 6:44

6M ago6:44

6:44

Wherein Charles and Sadie meet the Metro Girls for the first time and learn much about the people and history of Dunans.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Thirty-Fifth: Not All Visitations Will Be Welcome 4:06

6M ago4:06

4:06

Wherein Sadie is perturbed by the presence of an unidentified person while Charles is awayBy Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Third-Fourth: If More Sheds Are Needed Then Do Not Resist 5:53

6M ago5:53

5:53

Charles investigates the multiplicity of shed typologies as experienced at Dunans in the first years of his and Sadie's life at Dunans.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Unveiling the Mysteries of Napoleon's Era | Ep. 83 39:59

6M ago39:59

39:59

Dive deep into the lesser-known facets of the Napoleonic era with this captivating bonus episode. Explore the enigmatic Sphinxes of the Tuileries, secret love letters, covert diplomacy, and the cultural impacts of fashion and cuisine. Unearth the stories of unsung heroes and witness the reshaping of Europe by one of history's most iconic figures. J…

1
Admonition the Thirty-Third: Sheds Should Always Be Surprising 5:30

6M ago5:30

5:30

Wherein Sadie and Kate experience a disturbed night - was it rodents or zombies? Only morning would resolve the mystery.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Part 2: Introduction and Admonitions Thirty, Thirty-One & Thirty-Two 11:10

6M ago11:10

11:10

Wherein we discuss the beginnings of the second volume, the offal brethren, the importance of knowing your trades and finally Wee Wullie the Sweep (and apologies for the appalling rendering of West Coast Scottish from the author).By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twenty-ninth: Beware the Midge! 6:22

7M ago6:22

6:22

In which Charles and Sadie return back to their recently completed Red Shed to find horror and despair!By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twenty-eighth: Check Your Water Supply Regularly 11:05

7M ago11:05

11:05

Wherein Charles and Mike discover that badness has occurred up the hill, and Sadie calls the police.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twenty-Seventh: 'Still Game' Might Help ... 1:59

7M ago1:59

1:59

A little homework for anyone settling on the West Coast who has no experience of West Coast Scots accent... among other things.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twenty-Sixth: Make Sure You Get Your Foundations Properly Founded 2:18

7M ago2:18

2:18

In which Charles makes the basic errors of too few linear metres and not listening carefully to directions.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Charlemagne: The Ripple Effects of a King | Ep.82 31:08

7M ago31:08

31:08

Learn more about the extraordinary life of Charlemagne in "Charlemagne: The Ripple Effects of a King," a captivating podcast episode that explores the profound impact of Europe's legendary ruler. Uncover the intricate web of his military innovations, diplomatic strategies, cultural advancements, and religious reforms. Journey through the Middle Age…

1
Viking Mythology: Gods and Giants | Ep.81 19:37

7M ago19:37

19:37

Embark on an epic journey through the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology! Discover the secrets of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and meet the complex gods of Asgard - from the wise Odin to the mighty Thor. Unravel the mysteries of Viking cosmology, explore the rich tapestry of Norse legends, and learn how these ancient myths shaped Viking culture. From the…

1
Defenders of Constantinople: Last Stand | Ep.80 29:02

7M ago29:02

29:02

Experience history's most dramatic siege as Constantinople faces its destiny. The fall of an empire hangs in the balance. Step into the legendary last days of the Roman world: Emperor Constantine XI's heroic leadership against impossible odds The brilliant military genius of Giovanni Giustiniani Common soldiers who became legends The Byzantine Chur…

1
Leper Knights: Key Figures of the Order of St Lazarus | Ep.79 25:40

7M ago25:40

25:40

Uncover the hidden world of medieval chivalry's most unique order. The Knights of St Lazarus - lepers turned warriors - await your discovery. In this gripping bonus episode: Meet the founding fathers who dared to create an order of outcast knights Witness legendary Lazarites in action, from battlefield to leper colony Explore formidable fortresses …

1
Admonition the Twenty-Fifth: Live Onsite 9:27

8M ago9:27

9:27

Why living onsite is a good idea, and also, an extraordinary conversation Sadie and Charles were party to in Notting Hill of all places - before they moved northBy Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Anne Boleyn's Final Walk: Tower of London's Haunting Tale | Ep.78 43:03

8M ago43:03

43:03

A queen's rise and fall in Tudor England. Retrace Anne Boleyn's final steps through the Tower of London in this gripping historical journey. From courtier to queen to condemned prisoner, Anne's story is one of ambition, intrigue, and tragedy. Discover: How Anne captured a king's heart and changed England forever The political machinations that seal…

1
Admonition the Twenty-Fourth: Secure Your Property 6:35

8M ago6:35

6:35

Even before they moved to Dunans it became apparent there were people associated with the site who were moving in a different direction than Charles and Sadie.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twenty-Third: Signs Can Also Be Prognostications 11:46

8M ago11:46

11:46

As Charles and Sadie continue their detailed inspection of Dunans they make several discoveries, some of which are very troubling.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twenty-second: Services are a Priority 10:00

8M ago10:00

10:00

Charles and Sadie visit Dunans for a proper inspection and discover Dunans Sawmill.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
When Medieval Popes Went to War with Monarchs | Ep.77 58:35

8M ago58:35

58:35

Excommunicated Emperors: When Medieval Popes Went to War with Monarchs Drama! Intrigue! Excommunication! Step into the epic power struggle that shaped medieval Europe. Emperors vs. Popes: The battle for supreme authority Witness history's most dramatic confrontations: An emperor kneeling in the snow at Canossa A pope besieged in his castle at Anagn…

1
Admonition the Twenty-first: Seek to Understand the Truth of Those You Encounter 3:02

8M ago3:02

3:02

Charles and Sadie talk through their extraordinary meeting in the snug of the hotel with Michael.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
On Adventures in Preservation at Dunans Castle 31:57

8M ago31:57

31:57

Charles talks about the volunteering sessions he has hosted over the years, how the programme is devised and the type of excursions everyone gets to go on. The pod finishes up with views of jammers from Spring 2023.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twentieth: Listen to Advice, Carefully 9:06

8M ago9:06

9:06

Charles and Sadie receive advice from a stranger.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Nineteenth: Information can Take Time to be Properly Absorbed 4:15

8M ago4:15

4:15

Wherein Charles and Sadie recover from the night before and discuss their impending visit to Dunans.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
On the Kerfuffle at the Bridge 25:03

9M ago25:03

25:03

Charles describes the issues that have arisen with regard to the turn-in on the bridge at Dunans.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Eighteenth: Always Sense Check What You Discover 5:14

9M ago5:14

5:14

Wherein Charles and Sadie discuss the revelations that the evening spent in the Glendaruel hotel provided!By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Seventeenth: Gossip is a Land of Confusion 5:18

9M ago5:18

5:18

Charles and Sadie spend an evening in the Glen Hotel and learn a great dealBy Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Rollo: The Viking Who Became a Duke | Ep.76 48:05

9M ago48:05

48:05

Discover the extraordinary saga of Rollo, the Viking warrior who founded Normandy and changed European history. From raider to ruler, this episode traces Rollo's remarkable journey through the turbulent world of 10th-century Europe. We explore his mysterious origins, his fearsome reputation as a Viking leader, and the pivotal Treaty of Saint-Clair-…

1
Admonition the Fifteenth: Be Decisive 5:18

9M ago5:18

5:18

In which Charles takes a very important phonecall. With apologies for the accent.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Sixteenth: Embrace Doubt, Anxiety and, Above All, Each Other 3:46

9M ago3:46

3:46

Charles relates the news of his decisiveness to Sadie on the doorstep in LondonBy Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Thirteenth: Then, Secure Your Ruin 4:21

9M ago4:21

4:21

A somewhat ironically entitled admonition in that Charles and Sadie signally failed to do so. The instruction though is pertinent.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Fourteenth: Survey the Market 5:22

9M ago5:22

5:22

Perhaps a little late given the discovery of Dunans, but a valid admonition nevertheless, particularly as it led to Charles and Sadie discovering the gruesome tale of Lady Mariota.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Twelfth: A Calling is a Calling 4:10

9M ago4:10

4:10

The interior of the house gives Sadie and Charles pause, but by then it was too late.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
Admonition the Eleventh: Honour Promises 6:00

9M ago6:00

6:00

In which Sadie and Charles investigate their discovery and make some connections with Scottish History.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
On the Writing of How to Restore a Castle 26:28

9M ago26:28

26:28

Charles describes his reasons for and method of writing How To Restore A Castle, including why it is a 'How-to' manual rather than a conventional memoir – he also provides insights into how his career has resulted in creating this memoir.By Charles Dixon-Spain

1
The Viking Age: From Raids to Empires | Ep.74 30:07

9M ago30:07

30:07

Embark on an epic journey through the Viking Age! From the raid on Lindisfarne to the Norman Conquest, discover how Norse warriors, explorers, and settlers shaped medieval Europe. Uncover the truth behind the fearsome raiders, innovative shipbuilders, and intrepid explorers who founded kingdoms, revolutionized naval technology, and even reached Nor…