Season 6 | 11. Eat the Rich - This is History: History’s Greatest Fails

Summary

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 6, Episode 11: "Eat the Rich"
Released: February 11, 2025
Host: Dan Jones | Production: Sony Music Entertainment

Introduction and Episode Overview

In Episode 11 of Season 6, titled "Eat the Rich," historian Dan Jones delves deep into the tumultuous period of mid-14th century France, exploring the dramatic interplay of power, rebellion, and ambition that defined the Plantagenet dynasty. This episode meticulously examines the downfall of one of Europe's most powerful and dysfunctional families, highlighting how their internal conflicts and external wars shaped modern history.

The Jacquerie Rebellion of 1358

The episode opens with a harrowing recount of the Jacquerie Rebellion in 1358, a peasant uprising that epitomized the extreme desperation and brutality of the time.

"[...] in summer, 1358. France is in the grip of anarchy. All over the country, peasants have risen up, attacking the lords and knights they blame for having ruined the kingdom."
—Dan Jones [02:15]

Jones vividly describes the rebellion, detailing the violent attacks on aristocratic houses and castles. The Jacquers' actions were not merely rebellions but massacres that left a lasting scar on French society.

"These so-called Jacques have attacked aristocratic houses and castles. They've killed their hated overlords."
—Dan Jones [03:05]

King John II's Capture and Imprisonment

Central to this episode is the capture of King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. Dan Jones narrates the events leading to John's downfall and the subsequent political chaos.

"Edward III is laughing, his rival king is banged up and France is leaderless. Could this Plantagenet be about to pull off the greatest coup in the whole of English history?"
—Dan Jones [04:20]

John II's capture left France vulnerable, both politically and militarily. Held prisoner in the Tower of London, his absence exacerbated the existing turmoil caused by the Jacquerie.

"Why hasn't John got a grip on his kingdom? The answer is simple. John isn't in his kingdom right now. He's in England, the prisoner of the Plantagenet King Edward III."
—Dan Jones [01:50]

The Impact on France's Political Landscape

With King John II imprisoned, France descended further into chaos. The episode highlights the severe repercussions of his captivity, including rampant rioting and the rise of "free companies" that terrorized the countryside.

"In the power vacuum caused by John's absence in London, Edward III follows the mayhem unfolding across the channel with a mixture of satisfaction and excitement about the opportunities his close noble allies are busy building magnificent houses with their huge profits of war."
—Dan Jones [10:45]

Jones emphasizes how the lack of strong leadership led to widespread destruction and suffering, undermining the very fabric of French society.

Edward III's Invasion and Plans for the French Throne

Capitalizing on France's vulnerability, King Edward III of England embarks on an ambitious campaign to claim the French throne. Dan Jones outlines Edward's strategic maneuvers and the significant resources he marshaled for this conquest.

"For Edward III, the Plantagenet, who has had his sights set on the French throne for more than 20 years, this is his moment."
—Dan Jones [07:30]

Edward's plans involved a massive invasion force, utilizing war booty to fund his campaigns without imposing additional taxes—a testament to his resourcefulness and determination.

"Edward has publicly stated that he's not going home without the crown on his head. Reims is the place he needs to go if he's serious about that ambition."
—Dan Jones [13:00]

The Siege of Reims and Aborted Plans

As Edward III advances towards Reims, the traditional crowning place for French kings, Dan Jones details the logistical challenges and strategic setbacks faced during the siege.

"It's hard to see how this gets Edward any closer to being crowned King of France. But he's pragmatic enough to accept that he's not going to take Reims at all if his army has frozen to death."
—Dan Jones [14:10]

The siege proved untenable due to harsh winter conditions and effective French defensive strategies, forcing Edward to abandon his initial objective and seek alternative avenues for conquest.

Divine Intervention: The Storm of 1360

In a dramatic turn of events, as Edward III's forces lay siege to Paris, nature itself seems to intervene. Dan Jones recounts the legendary storm that struck on April 13, 1360, which halted Edward's campaign.

"As he [Edward] is moving his troops in search of an area where they can forage for food, [...] the wind begins to howl. Then they're no longer raindrops at all. They're huge hailstones cast down as if they're missiles from heaven."
—Dan Jones [14:25]

This unprecedented weather event devastated the English army, leading to mass casualties and forcing Edward to retreat. Jones muses on whether this was a divine sign that thwarted Edward's ambitions.

"It's like God has decided that enough is enough. Has the Almighty finally intervened to deal Edward the crushing blow that no French king has ever managed?"
—Dan Jones [14:55]

Conclusion and Tease for Next Episode

As the episode concludes, Dan Jones reflects on the pivotal moments that led to the stagnation of Edward III's ambitions, setting the stage for future conflicts within the Plantagenet dynasty. He hints at exploring the aftermath of the storm and its long-term implications in the season finale.

"Has the Almighty finally intervened to deal Edward the crushing blow that no French king has ever managed? Find out next time on the season finale of This is History."
—Dan Jones [15:04]

Key Takeaways

The Jacquerie Rebellion exemplified the extreme social and economic strains in 14th-century France, highlighting the peasants' desperation and the resulting brutality.
King John II's Capture by Edward III significantly destabilized France, exacerbating internal conflicts and weakening the nation's ability to resist external threats.
Edward III's Ambition showcased the strategic depth and resourcefulness of the Plantagenet dynasty, even as internal and external challenges mounted.
Divine Intervention through the legendary storm serves as a symbolic and literal obstacle to Edward's conquest, illustrating the unpredictable nature of medieval warfare and leadership.

Notable Quotes

"[...] England's two main enemies in the Hundred Years War are Scotland and France. And now both of their kings are prisoners."
—Dan Jones [07:00]

"If you know that you, in particular, were wanted on this battlefield, would you not take a few lookalikes?"
—Dan Jones [24:12]

"You might call it a billion euros today, but that wouldn't really do justice to the staggering size of the demand."
—Dan Jones [10:20]

This episode of "Eat the Rich" offers a compelling narrative of ambition, betrayal, and the capriciousness of fate, painting a vivid picture of a dynasty teetering on the edge of both greatness and ruin. Dan Jones masterfully intertwines historical facts with engaging storytelling, making complex medieval events accessible and enthralling for listeners.

Transcript

Renee Zellweger (0:00)

Hi, I'm Renee Zellweger. If you've ever laughed, cried, or cheered for Bridget Jones, there's a new podcast just for you to celebrate the release of the new film Bridget Jones Mad about the Boy. There's stories from her love interests, Bridget's friends, and even a few surprises. So join me and let's dive back into Bridget's world. Catch Bridget Jones, Mad about the Boy, the podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.

Dan Jones (0:28)

Hello everyone. Just a warning. This episode will contain descriptions of sexual violence and very graphic content. The carcass sizzles and smokes as it drips onto the hot coals of the fire, releasing the distinctive smell of roasting meat into the country air. The peasant working the handle gives it half a turn and grunts in satisfaction. He takes a moment to spray some water onto the coals. The French put great store by their cooking. No one wants dinner burning. From near the fire there comes a little whimper. The peasant looks round and puts his finger to his lips. He shakes his head in grim warning and the whimpering stops. The peasant checks the meat on the spit once again and gives the handle one more crank. He starts to sharpen his carving knife, preparing to slice off the first strip. As he does, the whimpering starts up again, turning into great sobs. But now the peasant doesn't bother to hush the noise. He just starts hacking off lumps of meat, tossing them to his mates who've been watching. The meat burns their fingers, but they don't care. Each one takes a chunk and advances on one of the captives, who are sitting bound and terrified, watching the worst thing they've ever seen in their lives. The captives are a well to do lady and her children, and the main course, which they're about to be force fed by their captors, is dad. It's summer, 1358. France is in the grip of anarchy. All over the country, peasants have risen up, attacking the lords and knights they blame for having ruined the kingdom. The rebellion is known as the Jacquerie, after the nickname given to the rebels, which is Jacques Bonhomme, or in English, John Goodfellow. These so called Jacques have attacked aristocratic houses and castles. They've killed their hated overlords. They've banded together to carry out violent riots in provincial towns. And now, in one of the most notorious deeds of all, this gang of peasants have killed a knight and are roasting him on a spit. The chronicler, Jean Le Bel, admittedly no fan of the rebel peasants, records what I dare not write the horrible deeds that they did to ladies and damsels, among others. They slew a knight and then put him on a spit and roasted him at the fire in sight of the lady, his wife and children. And after that the lady was forced and raped by 10 or 12 of them, and then they made her eat of her husband and after made her die an evil death with all her children. Even by the wretched standards of the 14th century, a time of climate, disaster, famine, ceaseless warfare and the Black Death, this is diabolical. And the fact that the kingdom has sunk into such depravity is a black mark against the name of the French king. That king is John ii, ruler of the House of Valois, who has been in power for nearly a decade. Why the hell hasn't John got a grip on his kingdom? The answer is simple. John isn't in his kingdom right now. He's in England, the prisoner of the Plantagenet King Edward iii. While his country burns and his knights are hog roasted and fed to their own families, John's playing the harmonica and hoping that someone will pay the ransom to let him out. But that's easier said than done. So at the start of 1358, Edward III is laughing, his rival king is banged up and France is leaderless. Could this Plantagenet be about to pull off the greatest coup in the whole of of English history? I'm Dan Jones and from Sony Music Entertainment. This is history Season 6 of A Dynasty to Die For Episode 11 Eat the Rich say you want to get.