British History 101 was begun in June of 2006 after being inspired by Matt Dattilo’s Matt’s Today in History. Michael Anthony, the owner/host/producer of British History 101, wanted to share his fascination with the British Isles and learn more himself, and so decided to create his own podcast for the topic. Michael Anthony is an alumnus of Indiana University (BA History, 2009), the University of Louisville (MA History, 2011), and will begin doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 2011. He currently lives in Southern Indiana.
The intro theme music for British History 101 is an instrumental of the song “Jerusalem,” a poem first written by William Blake and set to music by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Perry. It is a by-ear transcription performed on a Beckerath organ at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts in New York City by Mr. John Hawksley, who generously granted the license to play his version of “Jerusalem” to British History 101 in 2007. The ending theme for the show, an exclusive performance of “Rule Britannia,” was provided by Sony Music recording artist Simon Mulligan, who granted British History 101 the license play his music in early 2008. Many thanks to both musicians!