Online history course

Heroes and Villains : MC02

With historian Toni Mount

10-lesson course 5 hours 7 minutes Audio / Text

About this course

Heroes or villains? Reconsider the reputations of some of Britain's most controversial historical figures.

History is full of heroes and villains, but were the people who earned those reputations really as good or as bad as we believe?

Join historian Toni Mount as she explores some of the most fascinating and controversial figures from medieval history, uncovering the stories behind their reputations and examining the evidence that has shaped how we remember them.

Discover the courage, ambition, intrigue and betrayal that made these individuals famous — or infamous — and decide for yourself who deserves to be remembered as a hero and who truly deserves the title of villain.

10 focused lessons

Course content

  1. 01

    Lesson 1 - Cartimandua and Boudicca

    Meet two powerful queens of Roman Britain and reconsider their contrasting reputations.

  2. 02

    Lesson 2 - King Harold II

    Could Harold have defeated William of Normandy in 1066? Examine the decisions and events that shaped his fate.

  3. 03

    Lesson 3 - Hereward the Wake

    Was Hereward a heroic resistance leader or a troublemaker challenging Norman rule?

  4. 04

    Lesson 4 - King Stephen

    Explore Stephen's troubled reign and consider whether he was a hero facing impossible circumstances or a usurper.

  5. 05

    Lesson 5 - Robin Hood

    Investigate the legend of Robin Hood and whether a real historical figure inspired the famous outlaw.

  6. 06

    Lesson 6 - John of Gaunt

    Was John of Gaunt an overmighty subject seeking power, or a more complicated figure in medieval politics?

  7. 07

    Lesson 7 - The Earl of Warwick

    Examine the Kingmaker's changing loyalties during the Wars of the Roses and whether he chose the right side.

  8. 08

    Lesson 8 - Henry VIII

    Was Henry VIII a Renaissance prince or a tyrannical monarch? Weigh the evidence behind his reputation.

  9. 09

    Lesson 9 - Mary I

    Challenge the familiar image of 'Bloody Mary' and explore the achievements and controversies of her reign.

  10. 10

    Lesson 10 - Sir Francis Drake

    Explore Drake's achievements and the darker aspects of his career to decide whether he deserves to be remembered as a hero.

Everything you need

What is included

  • 307minutes of course material (5 hours 7 minutes)
  • 10lessons
  • Streaming audio
  • Downloadable audio
  • Downloadable transcripts
  • Optional quizzes
  • End-of-course certificate
  • Have Your Say – Hero or Villain?

    At the end of each unit, cast your vote on whether the historical figure deserves to be remembered as a hero or a villain. Consider the evidence, challenge familiar reputations and make up your own mind.

Start learning

Enrol in this course

Course price$49.99 USD

Approximately £37.50 GBP / €44.70 EUR / A$71.20 AUD. Converted prices are estimates; payment is charged in USD.

  • Lifetime course access
  • Study at your own pace
  • Start whenever you are ready
  • Available internationally

Complete your enrolment

Checkout Options
$49.99 USD Heroes and Villains - lifetime access
Create Profile
password strength indicator
Billing Method
Billing Address
Checkout Now
Toni Mount

Meet your historian

Toni Mount

Toni Mount is a historian, author and experienced history teacher specialising in medieval England, particularly the lives of ordinary people, medieval medicine and the Wars of the Roses.

She earned her research MA from the University of Kent in 2009, studying a medieval medical manuscript held at the Wellcome Library in London. She also holds a First-class Honours degree and a Diploma in European Humanities from the Open University, as well as a Certificate in Education from the University of Greenwich.

Toni has written numerous books on medieval history, including The Medieval Housewife & Other Women of the Middle Ages, Dragon's Blood & Willow Bark: The Mysteries of Medieval Medicine, Everyday Life in Medieval London and Richard III: King of Controversy. She is also the author of the Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery series.

Her research brings the medieval world to life, combining historical scholarship with fascinating details about the people who lived, worked and struggled through the Middle Ages.

View historian profile

Learner perspectives

Course reviews

Before you begin

Frequently asked questions

Is there a guarantee?

Yes. Please see our Guarantees page for full details.

How long does the course take?

The course contains 5 hours and 7 minutes of audio lectures, each approximately 30 minutes long. You can stream or download them and listen at your own pace, with lifetime access.

Do I need to buy any books or extra materials?

No. All the audio lectures and downloadable PDF transcripts are included. You don't need to purchase anything else.

When does the course start?

You can start at any time after enrolling. The course is entirely online, with no fixed start date or deadlines.