Rex Factor

It's time for a new series of Rex Factor! In this introductory episode, we explain the concept of the series (what is a 'nearly monarch'?), who the nearly monarchs are (i.e. the individuals we will be reviewing in the series), and how we might approach scoring them.

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You can now watch the podcast either on Spotify or on YouTube via the link below:

https://youtu.be/gVA8FeFf2qE

"(00:00:00) Introduction"

"(00:02:07) Series Concept"

"(00:10:00) The Nearly Monarchs"

"(00:21:48) The Factors"

"(00:29:07) Correspondence Corner"
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This week, after an introduction to the podcast, we review Offa, the eighth century king of an early English kingdom called Mercia. We learn about why he was not the first king of England, links to Charlemagne and the building of the famous Offa's Dyke, plus consider whether he has the Rex Factor.

Please note - this episode is identical to the first episode in the feed (we are releasing it twice to act as an introductory episode for new listeners but also a new episode so regular listeners still see it in their feed!)

Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor⁠

You can now watch the podcast either on Spotify or on YouTube via the link below:

https://youtu.be/cisZM3Ro_jU

"(00:00:00) Introduction"

"(00:03:07) Biography"

"(00:30:59) Battleyness"

"(00:41:46) Scandal"

"(00:52:08) Subjectivity"

"(01:05:39) Longevity"

"(01:06:24) Dynasty"

"(01:07:44) Rex Factor"

"(01:09:05) Farewells"
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We chat to the historian David Woodman about his book The First King of England: Athelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom. He tells us about why Athelstan (not Alfred) should be considered England's first king, how Athelstan was able to exert so much power in England and Britain, plus gets us exciting for the upcoming millennium of the foundation of England.

Head to David's website for more information about him and his work:

https://www.dwoodman.co.uk/

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor

"(00:00:00) Intro"

"(00:02:30) Athelstan Becoming King"

"(00:10:29) Athelstan as First King"

"(00:15:14) Vikings"

"(00:28:16) Athelstan's Laws"

"(00:33:12) Athelstan and Religion"

"(00:38:25) Emperor of Britain"

"(00:49:57) Alfred vs Athelstan"

"(00:56:52) Farewells"
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We respond to some of your messages about all elements of the podcast, as well as share some previews of our bonus content.

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"(00:00:00) Intro"

"(00:01:30) Messages"

"(00:37:57:) Previews"

"(00:51:06) Farewells"
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Available for all to listen, the recording of our live show at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Friday 15 August 2025 in which we pit the champions of the first three series of Rex Factor against each other: Henry II, Robert the Bruce and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In this recording, we compare Henry, Robert and Eleanor in the traditional fashion (biographies then factor by factor) before handing over to the audience to vote. Whilst the votes are counted, we have a Q&A before revealing the final results.

Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts:

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"(00:00:00) Intro"

"(00:05:09) Live Show"

"(01:12:26) Q&A"

"(01:45:35) Results"

"(01:47:53) Finale"
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