24 Aug: The End of The Pirate Monk

Bandit, Admiral, wizard, pirate… ‘Eustace The Monk’ did it all – and was decapitated for his troubles, at the Battle of Sandwich on 24th August, 1217.

Previously a licensed criminal for the court of King John, he became an enemy of England by switching sides and battling on behalf of the French – an extraordinary end to a remarkable career which took in black magic, robbery, and farting in a Benedictine monastery. 

In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider why Eustace’s story has yet to receive the Hollywood treatment; explain how to deploy lime effectively; and swot up on their Middle English verse… 

Further Reading: