Switzerland, a Chronicle

Épisodes

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  News 3 23.07.2026 1min

  Apologies for the lack of a new episode this weekend. Unfortunately I’ve been rather busy in the last couple of weeks with medical issues, scans and office visits. I will be having surgery in the near future. It has thrown me completely off my regular schedule. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 29. The Black Death of 1347-8, persecution of the Jews and later plagues 12.07.2026 29min

  In this episode 13 of series 2 - We'll look at the effects of the Black Death on Swiss lands. At the time the causes were unknown and in some areas, suspicion fell upon the weak and disfranchised such as lepers and the poor, but, by far, the Jews were singled out as the main antagonists of Christianity and, therefore, were somehow responsible for the huge numbers of deaths in some great scheme of murder.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like the podcast and want to keep it advertising free please consider supporting me through Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership). You can also reach out to me with your thoughts and feedback by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 28. Cultural and Political developments across Swiss lands (1338-1347) 28.06.2026 19min

  In this episode 12 of series 2 - We'll look at Cultural and Religious achievements and then cover events in Bern, Locarno, Zürich, Luzern, Appenzell, Grisons and the Valais (phew!)There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like the podcast and want to keep it advertising free please consider supporting me through Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership). You can also reach out to me with your thoughts and feedback by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 27. The Laupen War (1339) 14.06.2026 21min

  In this episode 11 of series 2 - Bern and its Walstätte allies defeat an imperial army led by nobles from the Burgundian Uechtland at the Battle of Laupen in 1339.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’m doing please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 26. Luzern joins the Waldstätte, Bern flexes its muscles and Revolution in Zürich (1330-1336) 31.05.2026 23min

  In this episode 10 of series 2 - Luzern allies with the Forest Cantons, Bern flexes its muscles against Fribourg and a Revolution takes place in Zürich. There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’m doing please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 25. Old Claims and New Alliances (1316-1329) 17.05.2026 18min

  In this episode 9 of series 2 - We'll look at the aftermath of the Battle of Morgarten. The Habsburgs continued to exert their claims to little avail. New alliances emerge in the Swiss lands. There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 24. The Battle of Morgarten (1315) 03.05.2026 34min

  In this episode 8 of series 2 - We'll visit the site of the Battle of Morgarten and learn about the defeat of Leopold I's army by Swiss Confederates, an event that will echo around Europe. The Pact of Brunnen is sworn just three weeks after the battle to reflect a deeper solidarity for the Eidgenossen.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 23. Two Kings and the path to conflict. (And Templars?!) 19.04.2026 17min

  In this episode 7 of series 2 - I'll examine the dual election of Friedrich the Fair of Habsburg and Wittelsbach Ludwig of Bavaria. We'll see how an occupation of the Monastery of Einsiedeln by the men of Schwyz drove the Habsburgs under Leopold, Friedrich's younger brother to contemplate an invasion of Schwyz. I'll also take a look at a current fringe idea that modern Switzerland “descends from” or was founded by escaped Knights Templar.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 22. The Assassination of King Albrecht I (1308) 05.04.2026 21min

  In this episode 6 of series 2 - I recount the assassination of King Albrecht I by his nephew when crossing the Reuss near Windisch.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 21. Wilhelm Tell 22.03.2026 23min

  In this episode 5 of series 2 - I recount the story of Wilhelm Tell and the shooting of an apple from the head of his son and then look at how the Swiss hero has been perceived and emulated during subsequent history. What is his status today?There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 20. The Oath on the Rütli 1307 08.03.2026 30min

  In this episode 4 of series 2 - I recount the stories of the Oath on the Rütli or Rütlischwur of 1307. Is the event historical? How does it affect subsequent events since it does form a core part of the liberation tradition in Switzerland?There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. I am creating a podcast website that will largely replace this and include the text of the episodes. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 19. The Sacred and Secular in the 13th/14th centuries 22.02.2026 41min

  In this episode 3 of series 2 - The Sacred and Secular in the 13th/14th centuries we'll look at several new influences on religion and thought in the Swiss lands and some new secular trends, some that connect to the sacred and some that do not. There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. I am creating a podcast website that will largely replace this and include the text of the episodes. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 18. Plus ça change...1291-1306 08.02.2026 23min

  In this episode 2 of series 2 - Plus ça change, (plus c'est la même chose) we'll look at how things change but largely remain the same in the 1290s and early 1300s. Something is changing in society but it will take a little longer to fully manifest.There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. I am also going to create a podcast website that will largely replace this and include the text of the episodes. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 17. The Bundesbrief of 1291 25.01.2026 25min

  In this episode starting series 2 - The Bundesbrief of 1291. Why was it written? What does it say? What outcomes stem from its creation?There's a Facebook page where I share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. In 2026 I am going to create a podcast website that will largely replace this and include the text of the episodes. If you like what I’ve started please consider supporting me through Patreon, a link for that is also in the episode notes. In 2026 I’m also going to start producing special episodes for members of the podcast who sign up through Patreon. Perhaps an early example will be several episodes on Swiss Railways. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  News 2 30.12.2025 1min

  Apologies for the lack of a new episode. Unfortunately I’m just recovering from a horrendous bout of cold or flu. My voice hasn’t been useful for recoding for two weeks and I’ve fallen behind on content creation, my head feeling as if it were made of wood. The first episode of series 2 will appear early in the New Year and cover the events of 1291.There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 16. Alpine Lands / Berner Oberland from circa 1200 CE 16.12.2025 25min

  Nearly two-thirds of Switzerland's territory belongs to the Alpine region, and the Alps have profoundly shaped the entire history of Switzerland. In this episode we’ll look at the Alpine Lands particularly the Berner Oberland from circa 1200 CE onwards. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 15. Rudolf I, King of the Romans (1273-1291) 02.12.2025 30min

  In this episode we’ll examine the reign of German King, Rudolf I, King of the Romans. We'll look at the events of his reign with a focus on those in Swiss territory and we'll also look as his character and how he is now viewed in Swiss history. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 14. The Great Interregnum (1250-1273) 18.11.2025 33min

  In this episode we’ll examine the Great Interregnum when German lands of the Roman Empire had no Emperor. Kings were elected but had little power. It was a time of lawlessness but also alliances between those trying to maintain peace and trade. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 13. The Waldstätte or Urschweiz and what was life like in 1250 CE 04.11.2025 27min

  In this episode we’ll take a closer look at the territory of the Waldstätte or Urschweiz as a precursor to the events of the second half of the thirteenth century and look at daily like in 1250 CE. How has it changed since our last look in 1000 CE in episode 5? There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com with your thoughts and feedback. I’d love to hear from you.Ep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ep. 12. Reichsfreiheit for Schwyz, Friedrich II’s death and the start of the Interregnum 21.10.2025 26min

  In this episode we'll look at events between 1232 and 1250 CE, The people of Schwyz gain Reichsfreiheit, Emperor Friedrich II dies and the Interregnum when the Empire has no leader starts. There's a Facebook page where I'll share news, maps and images that support the narrative - Switzerland, a Chronicle. Please follow me if you'd like and send me feedback. You can find me and support me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/peterwalker392/membership. You can also reach out to me by email at hello@switzerlandachronicle.com with your thoughts and feedback. I’d love to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.