Sept. 25, 2026

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

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?

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"(00:00:00) Introduction"

"(00:01:30) Biography"

"(00:35:43) Battleyness"

"(00:50:37) Scandal"

"(00:52:20) Subjectivity"

"(01:01:10) Longevity"

"(01:02:18) Dynasty"

"(01:03:01) Rex Factor"

"(01:09:01) C Corner"

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Society & Culture

History

English

United States

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robert curthose

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S4.02 Æthelwold

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Series 4 begins! We review our first nearly monarch, Æthelwold, a nephew to Alfred the Great (perhaps familiar to many from The Last Kingdom series) who challenged his cousin, Edward the Elder, for the throne. Largely dismissed by the official history, we find that his claim to the throne (and th…

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S4.05 Edward the Exile

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One of the least famous nearly monarchs but perhaps the most pivotal, Edward the Exile was the son of Edmund Ironside and a nephew to Edward the Confessor and his survival might have meant the Norman Conquest would never have happened. We learn about Edward's remarkable exile, taking in Scandinavia…

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S4.06 Harald Hardrada: Biography

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The legendary Viking ruler, Harald Hardrada, is our first two-parter of the series due to his remarkable life story. Russian exile, adventures in the Byzantine Emperor, and becoming King of Norway all before he invaded England in 1066. In this episode, we cover the whole of his remarkable life, wit…

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S4.03 Ælfweard and Edwin

May 8, 2026

It's a double-header this week with the brothers Ælfweard and Edwin - not a nearly ruling duo but both seem to have met mysteriously early ends amidst a rivalry with their older half-brother Æthelstan. We learn about divisions between Wessex and Mercia, disputes over legitimacy and the mysterious f…

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S4.04 Edith of Wilton

May 22, 2026

Our first female nearly monarch of the series, Edith of Wilton, was the daughter of Edgar the Peaceable and a potential rival to her half-brother, Æthelred the Unready. The question is, was she a political power player in the running for the throne, was she a holy nun with no ambitions towards secu…

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