AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

**EP064 LOLA TAKES THE STAGE** Aug 21, 2025
Larger-than-life, scandalous, and unforgettable – Lola Montez blazed across the Victorian stage and into the history books. But who was she really? A glamorous dancer, a political influencer, a femme fatale, or simply a woman determined to seize control of her own life in a world that demanded obedience?

In this episode of the **Age of Victoria Podcast**, we dive into the extraordinary story of Maria Delores Eliza Rosanna Gilbert – better known as *Lola Montez*. From her unconventional childhood in India to her explosive marriage, her reinvention as a Spanish dancer, and her stormy debut on the London stage, Lola’s life was anything but ordinary.

We’ll explore the myths, the scandals, and the darker truths – from public whippings and political intrigue to the constant reinvention of her own identity. Was Lola a heroine of independence, a dangerous adventuress, or both?

Join me as we meet the Magnificent Montez, explore her early life and set the stage for her dazzling – and often destructive – career across Europe and beyond.

**Listen & Follow**

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Website: http://www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com/

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898&fan_landing=true

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**8TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – A FLASHY CELEBRATION** May 30, 2025
Episode Summary

It’s the 8th anniversary of *The Age of Victoria Podcast*! Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham as he celebrates this milestone with a very special episode dedicated to one of the most unforgettable rogues of Victorian historical fiction—Sir Harry Flashman.

In this reflective and richly detailed episode, I explore the character of Flashman, the brilliant mind of his creator George MacDonald Fraser, and how the *Flashman Papers* have become an unconventional yet insightful lens into the Victorian world.

Expect deep dives into:

The real history behind the Flashman novels

Fraser’s impeccable historical research and cheeky literary hoaxes

The balance between historical truth and fiction

Flashman’s infamous “heroism” in key Victorian conflicts like the First Anglo-Afghan War, the Charge of the Light Brigade, and the US Civil War

A who’s-who of real Victorian figures Flashman bedded, betrayed, or bewildered

Whether you’re already a fan of Flashy or new to this bawdy, cowardly antihero, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Victorian hypocrisy, heroism, and how luck and PR shaped the Empire’s image.

Key Topics Covered

*The Flashman Papers* and their place in historical fiction

George MacDonald Fraser’s approach to mixing fact and satire

Flashman’s accidental heroism in major Victorian conflicts

Victorian attitudes toward Empire, honour, and race

Antiheroes in literature and why they matter

Fraser’s links to his own military past and colonial nostalgia

Victorian culture, music, and the role of press in myth-making

Quotable Moments

“If I had been the hero everyone thought I was, or even a half-decent soldier, Lee would have won the battle of Gettysburg…”

“Like them or not, the Victorians strode the stage of history in glorious technicolour.”

“Some of the most interesting people in history—and in fiction—are really awful in some ways.”

Further Reading & Mentions

*The Flashman Papers* series by George MacDonald Fraser

Fraser’s interview with historian Saul David

Historical figures discussed: Lord Cardigan, Rani of Jhansi, Abraham Lincoln, Lola Montez, and more

British colonial history and the forgotten 14th Army of Burma

Music: “Garryowen” and its curious journey from Ireland to the US Cavalry

Join the Celebration!

Thanks to all the listeners who’ve joined the journey over the last 8 years. If you’ve found the show informative, entertaining, or just a good companion on long walks, please consider sharing it or leaving a review.

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**EP063: Are We Nearly There Yet?** Apr 14, 2025
**INDIA SERIES 10**

In this episode of *The Age of Victoria Podcast*, your host Chris Fernandez-Packham takes a deep dive into the personal and social side of the British presence in early Victorian India. With the wars of the frontier temporarily behind us, we explore what it really meant to travel to India during the 1840s—not as a soldier, but as a settler, civil servant, or family member.

From the monotony of months-long sea voyages to the complexities of Anglo-Indian identity, this episode is packed with insights, untold stories, and plenty of surprising realities about imperial life.

**Episode Highlights:**
The long, difficult voyage to India—rats, scurvy, seasickness, and cramped cabins.
Life aboard ship: class differences, gender restrictions, and DIY cabin prep tips.
Settling in India: Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay as key British hubs.
The social fabric of Empire: Anglo-Indians, cultural fusion, and community tensions.
Museums, mapping, and the start of Britain’s permanent cultural footprint in India.
The rise of steamships and the decline of the old East Indiamen sailing ships.
The paradox of empire: boredom, brutality, ambition, and adaptation.

**Key Takeaways:**

(I) Empire wasn’t just built by armies—it was built by administrators, families, and everyday people.

(II) Travel to India in the 1840s was a daunting journey, often filled with discomfort and danger.

(III) Anglo-Indian identity and integration were far more complex than the tidy labels of race and class suggest.

(IV) British settlers and Indian society deeply influenced each other in ways that still resonate today.

**Next Episode Teaser:**
We’ll continue our look at early Victorian India, focusing on the settlers themselves—their backgrounds, motivations, and the lives they built in a land both foreign and familiar.

**Host’s Note:**
A big thank you to listener HRW13 for the kind review (and fair feedback)! Spotify access should now be fixed, and as always, your support means everything.

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**EP062 SHALL WE NOT REVENGE** Mar 02, 2025
INDIA SERIES 09

**Episode Summary:**
The British Empire does not take humiliation lightly. In this episode, we follow the *Army of Retribution* as it storms back into Afghanistan to rescue prisoners, avenge the disastrous retreat from Kabul, and send a clear message to the world. But was it all just an expensive, bloody display of imperial pride?

**Episode Highlights:**
General Pollock’s stunning victory at the Khyber Pass—breaking a long-standing military myth.
The dramatic rescue of British prisoners, including officers, women, and children.
The controversial destruction of Kabul’s grand bazaar—vengeance or war crime?
General Nott’s relentless battles in Kandahar.
The war’s ultimate failure—thousands dead, nothing truly gained.
The rise of Sir Charles Napier and Britain’s next imperial adventure in Sind.

**Key Takeaways:**

The *Army of Retribution* was about restoring military prestige, not long-term strategy.

Afghanistan remained outside British control, but the empire proved it could strike hard when provoked.

The British were already shifting their focus—India’s northwest frontier was just one piece of a larger imperial puzzle.

With Afghanistan behind them, the British set their sights on Sind. Enter Sir Charles Napier, a man who would Expand the empire in his own unique style.

**Host’s Note:**
Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or consider supporting on Patreon to keep the show going.

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**EP061 DON’T CARRY ON UP THE KHYBER** Feb 01, 2025
**INDIA SERIES 08**

Happy 2025, and welcome back! In this episode, we conclude our deep dive into the 1st Anglo-Afghan War with one of the most infamous military disasters of the Victorian era—the catastrophic retreat from Kabul in 1842. As British forces, led by the indecisive General Elphinstone, attempted to escape through the freezing Khyber Pass, they faced relentless Afghan attacks, starvation, and total collapse.

**Episode Highlights:**
The disastrous leadership of General Elphinstone and Sir William MacNaughten.
The brutal winter retreat and the suffering of British troops and civilians.
The last stand at Gandamak—courage, chaos, and ultimate defeat.
The survival of Dr. William Brydon and the myths surrounding the retreat.
How this catastrophe shaped Victorian imperial policies and perceptions of Afghanistan.

**Key Takeaways:**

Leadership failure can turn a bad situation into a total catastrophe.

The realities of empire-building were far bloodier and more chaotic than the myths suggest.

The First Anglo-Afghan War left a lasting legacy, shaping British military thinking for years to come.

**Next Episode Teaser:**
Stay tuned as we explore the British response to this defeat—because when an empire stumbles, it rarely stays down for long.

**Host’s Note:**
Thank you for your ongoing support! If you’re enjoying the series, please leave a review and consider joining our Patreon community.

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**CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING** Dec 23, 2024
Get ready for a holly-jolly dive into Christmas history! In this special episode, I unwrap how the Victorians shaped the modern holiday, turning it into a celebration of family, charity, and festive cheer. From Prince Albert’s Christmas trees to the rise of Santa Claus, discover the origins of the traditions we know and love today. Plus, enjoy a classic Victorian ghost story to complete the holiday magic!

**Episode Highlights:**
How the industrial revolution made Christmas possible.
The Victorian invention of “ancient traditions” (like Christmas cards).
The birth of Santa Claus and his merger with Father Christmas.
Victorian holiday pastimes: poems, ghost stories, and more.
A chilling Victorian ghost story to end the episode.

**Key Takeaways:**

Christmas, as we know it, is a product of Victorian modernization and commercialization.

Cultural evolution transformed Christmas into a global phenomenon of joy, family, and charity.

Traditions like Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and holiday cards have complex and fascinating histories.

Stay tuned for more historical deep dives in the new year. Thank you for a wonderful season of learning and laughter!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our listeners! Thank you for your support through a challenging year. We’re excited to bring you even more content in 2025. Cheers to the journey ahead!

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EP060 Agent Down! Catastrophe in Kabul Dec 11, 2024

INDIA SERIES 07

Episode Summary:
In this dramatic episode, we unpack the chain of events that led to the catastrophic unraveling of British occupation in Kabul during the First Anglo-Afghan War. From strategic blunders to leadership failures, General Elphinstone’s indecision turns a precarious situation into full-scale disaster. Listen to the cautionary tale of how poor planning, arrogance, and hubris can unravel even the mightiest empires.

Highlights:

Flawed Occupation Strategy: Mismanagement of finances and diplomacy stoked rebellion.
The Fall of “Agent 00Burnes”: The assassination of Alexander Burnes ignited unrest among Kabul’s population.
Indecision in Command: General Elphinstone’s hesitations worsened an already dire situation.
Military Blunders: Failed offensives, logistical failures, and poor morale among British troops.
Historical Parallels: Comparing the First Anglo-Afghan War to modern conflicts in the region.

Key Takeaways:

Effective leadership is critical in crisis management.
Misunderstanding local dynamics and culture can have disastrous consequences.
Historical lessons from imperial conflicts remain relevant today.

Next Episode Teaser:
In our next installment, we follow MacNaughten’s ill-fated attempts to negotiate a resolution and the devastating aftermath of his decisions.

Host’s Note:
Thank you for your patience as I navigate some personal and health challenges. Regular episodes will resume next year with exciting content and bonus shows. Your support means the world—cheers to the journey ahead!

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EP059 INDIA SERIES 06 THE QUAGMIRE OF OCCUPATION Sep 01, 2024

INDIA SERIES 06

This episode continues the exploration of the Anglo-Afghan War, focusing on the British occupation and the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Key topics covered include:

Death of Sir Henry Durand: The episode begins by discussing the tragic death of Lt. Henry Durand, a prominent British officer, who was crushed by an elephant while passing through a low gateway.
The British Army: The episode provides a brief overview of the ranks of the British Army during the Victorian era.
The attempted return of Dost Mohammed: Dost Mohammed, the former Afghan king, returns to Afghanistan and begins to gather forces to challenge British rule.
British Mistakes: The episode highlights several critical mistakes made by the British, including the establishment of a vulnerable cantonment and the appointment of an incompetent commander.
Ruling by Fear and Western Views on Oriental Despotism: The episode discusses the British belief in the need to rule through fear and intimidation in Asian countries, reflecting Western views on “Oriental despotism.” This approach proved to be counterproductive and further alienated the Afghan population.
General Elphinstone: The episode highlights the incompetence and poor leadership of General Elphinstone, who was appointed to command the British forces in Afghanistan despite his lack of experience and health problems.
Growing Hostility: The Afghan population becomes increasingly hostile towards the British, fuelled by cultural clashes, economic hardship, and the perception of British arrogance.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP058 ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH DEAR FRIENDS Aug 01, 2024

INDIA SERIES 05

This episode focuses on the continuation of the British invasion of Afghanistan in 1839. Here are the key things I cover:

British capture Kandahar: The poorly prepared British army, led by Generals Keane and Cotton, struggles through deserts and mountains but manages to capture Kandahar with little resistance. Shah Shuja is reinstated as king, but the locals are not enthusiastic.
Difficulties and discontent: The British underestimate the logistical challenges and the hostility of the Afghan people. Food shortages, inflation, and a lack of military intelligence create problems for the British.
Siege of Ghazni: The heavily fortified city of Ghazni stands in the way of the British advance. Despite lacking siege equipment, the British launch a desperate night attack led by Lieutenant Durand and his engineers. After a fierce battle, the British capture the city following a bloody urban warfare.
British brutality: The capture of Ghazni is marred by a brutal rampage by British and Sepoy troops who loot the city and commit rape and murder.
Fall of Dost Mohammed: The fall of Ghazni and illness of his son force Afghan king Dost Mohammed to flee Kabul and negotiate with the British. He proposes a power-sharing deal that is rejected by the British.
Arrival of Shah Shuja: Shah Shuja returns to Kabul as king, but has no real support from the Afghan people. The British establish a military presence in the city.
British incompetence: The episode concludes by highlighting the poor leadership and outdated tactics of the British army.
Next episode: The upcoming episode will delve into the disastrous failures of the British occupation and their eventual retreat from Afghanistan.

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EP057 FORWARD MARCH TO THE PASS Jul 01, 2024

Welcome to the podcast! I’m recording this episode while dealing with selling my house and going through a divorce. The podcast is a great escape for me during these difficult times.

Quick housekeeping:

I’m pleased to welcome new patron Matt Anderson as a Loveable Chimney Sweep. Update on transcripts: I’ve been working on fully footnoted transcripts back to episode 32. Apple Podcasts now automatically produces transcripts for all episodes, which is great for accessibility. Today we’re continuing our series on the invasion of Afghanistan. If you haven’t listened to episodes 054-056 yet, start there first.

Prelude to the invasion:

The First Anglo-Afghan War is remembered as a great military disaster and a masterclass in bad political decision-making. I discuss how this war doesn’t fit neatly into typical frameworks like colonialism or imperialism. The British goal was to install a friendly king as a buffer, not to rule directly.

Different world views

I explore the concept of Orientalism and how it applied to British views of Afghanistan at the time. We look at quotes from British envoys and compare them to Roman descriptions of Germanic tribes, noting similarities in how “frontier” peoples were viewed. I discuss the Afghan perspective and capabilities, including their use of the jezail rifle.

The key British players introduced:

Lord Auckland (Governor General)
Sir William Macnaughten (Secretary to Governor General)
Alexander Burnes (British agent)
Sir John Keane and Sir Willaby Cotton (Generals leading the invasion force)

Professionals talk logistics

I detail the enormous logistical challenges of planning the invasion, including assembling troops, supplies, and animals. The invasion force had to take a longer desert route instead of the Khyber Pass, covering over 1,200km on foot.

Hunger and missed opportunities

The army starts to starve, and has to force the grim Bolan pass

Next episode:

We’ll follow the army as it pushes deeper into Afghanistan and attempts to put Shah Shuja on the throne.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com,
follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria,
visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com.

The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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7TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL “SURELY HOLMES?” May 31, 2024

Introduction:

Welcome, everyone, to The Age of Victoria Podcast!
Today marks a special milestone – our 7th anniversary!
I’m incredibly grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm over the years.
In this celebratory episode, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: the reality of Sherlock Holmes, despite his fictional origins.
We’ll also explore the core of Holmes’ character and finish off with my top 5 Sherlock Holmes movies and TV series.

Segment 1: Is Sherlock Holmes Real?

Discussing the intriguing philosophical question: Can a fictional character be considered real?
Exploring the concept of “literary realism” and how Sherlock Holmes has transcended fiction to become a cultural icon.

Segment 2: The Core of Sherlock Holmes’ Character

Analyzing the essential traits that make Sherlock Holmes an enduring character:
- His unparalleled intellect and powers of observation.
- The importance of his friendship with Dr. John Watson.
- Holmes’ unique personality quirks and eccentricities.
- The moral and ethical dimensions of his detective work.
Discussing how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle developed Holmes’ character through the stories.
The evolution of Holmes over time and his adaptability to different eras and media.

Segment 3: My Top 5 Sherlock Holmes Movies and TV Series

Sharing my personal favorites and why they stand out:
1. Jeremy Brett (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1984-1994 Granada TV Series) – Featuring the iconic and definitive portrayal of Holmes.
2. Peter Cushing (Various adaptations, including Hammer Films and BBC series) – Known for his intense and meticulous interpretation of the character.
3. Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes, 2009 Film) – Directed by Guy Ritchie, showcasing a dynamic and action-packed Holmes.
4. Ian Richardson (The Sign of Four, 1983 & The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1983 TV Films) – Bringing a classic and sophisticated portrayal to the small screen.
5. Tom Baker (The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1982 BBC TV Film) – Offering a unique and memorable take on Holmes, distinct from his Doctor Who fame.
Discussing the strengths and unique interpretations of each adaptation.
Encouraging listeners to share their favorite Holmes adaptations and why they love them.

Closing:

Wrapping up with a heartfelt thank you to all the listeners who have supported the podcast over the past seven years.
Inviting feedback and suggestions for future episodes.
Reminding everyone to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

Outro:

Thank you for joining me on this special 7th anniversary episode of The Age of Victoria Podcast.
Remember to stay curious and keep exploring the fascinating world of the Victorian era.
Until next time, take care and keep the spirit of adventure alive!
If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER Mar 30, 2024

SHOWNOTES:

EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER

Introduction

- I discuss enjoying Easter treats like nut-free eggs and binge-watching Shogun.

- Shout out to Two Broads Cider on the west coast of the U.S.

- Note about using some AI voice clips in the previous episode

- Welcome to new Patreon supporter Sean Spada

Main Topic: The Borders of Victorian India and Afghanistan

- Victorian Views on Borders/Imperialism

- Importance of defined borders to nation-states vs. historical blended territories

- Empires tended to use geographic features like rivers/mountains as borders

- Motivations for expanding empire borders: security, resources, preventing rival expansion

- Debate around British motivations – security concern vs. aggression

Geography of Afghanistan

- Overview of Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and extreme climate variations

- Significance of the Hindu Kush mountain range and Khyber Pass

- Historical importance as a crossroads along Silk Road trade routes
- Challenges the terrain posed for military movement/supply lines

Main topic: Afghan culture

- Predominantly Muslim, but rich cultural diversity beyond Taliban stereotypes

- Alignment between conservative Victorian and Muslim values in some areas

- Debate around female dress codes and varying interpretations

- Primacy of tribal/kinship affiliations over national identity

- Ethnic groups like Pushtuns and history of conflicts with groups like Sikhs

- Afghan Border Security Concerns for Britain

Main topic: Preventing Russian expansion from Central Asia into India

- Recent history of Afghan rulers invading India (Mughals)

- Unease over Russian/French intrigues to court Afghan allies against Britain

Main topic: The Adventures of Sir Alexander Burnes

- Early life and join the East India Company’s military

- Daring diplomatic missions mapping rivers and intelligence gathering

- Writing bestseller “Travels into Bokhara” about his experiences

Main topic: Burnes’ Afghan Mission (1836-1838)

- Dispatched to Kabul to monitor Russian influence

- Built relationships with Afghan leaders like Dost Mohammad Khan

- Recommended installing Shah Shuja as British-friendly ruler

- Laid groundwork for the disastrous First Anglo-Afghan War

- Views dismissed by Sir William Macnaghten in favor of war hawks

Main topic: British Decision to Invade Afghanistan

- Fears over Dost Mohammad allying with Russia/Persia against Britain

- Failure to reach terms protecting British interests

- Plan to depose Dost and reinstate former ruler Shah Shuja

- Overconfident manifesto expecting quick regime change

- Inability to concede to Dost’s demands over Peshawar and Sikh rivalry

- Declaration of War!

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP055 INDIA SERIES 02 THE ORIGINAL CORPORATE RAIDERS Feb 26, 2024

INDIA SERIES 02

In today’s episode, I’m taking you on a journey back in time to explore the Honourable East India Company (EIC), focusing on its monumental role during the Victorian era. We’ll dive deep into its interactions with the Mughal Empire, its profound influence on art, the Maratha Wars, and the governance under Governor Hastings. Join me as we uncover the legacy of what was once the world’s most powerful corporation and its foundational impact on the British Empire in India.

Introduction

I start with a brief overview of the EIC’s origins and its meteoric rise to power, setting the stage for a saga of commerce, conquest, and culture.
I reflect on the company’s unique status as a corporate behemoth wielding the might of a sovereign nation.

The Victorian Era and the EIC

I delve into how the EIC evolved during the Victorian era, influencing and being influenced by British colonial policies in India.
I share thoughts on Victorian society’s fascination with India, from tea to textiles, and how this shaped British culture and perceptions.

Art and the East India Company

Art holds a mirror to history, and in this segment, I explore the EIC’s impact on art in Britain and India.
I discuss the patronage of Indian artisans by the company and the introduction of Indian aesthetics to the British isles.
Highlighting notable artists and works, I reveal stories of cultural fusion that still resonate today.

The EIC and the Mughal Empire

The declining Mughal Empire presented both an opportunity and a challenge for the EIC. I recount how the company navigated this complex relationship to expand its territories.
Key battles and treaties illustrate the delicate dance of diplomacy and warfare.

The Maratha Wars

The Maratha Wars were a turning point for the EIC. I share insights into the military engagements that reshaped the Indian subcontinent’s power dynamics.
The outcomes and strategies of these conflicts offer lessons in resilience and strategy.

Governor Hastings

Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India, is a figure of controversy and reform. I take a closer look at his tenure, exploring his reforms, the controversies he was embroiled in, and his contributions to the EIC’s dominion in India.
Reflecting on Hastings’ legacy, I ponder the complexities of governance and morality in the context of empire.

Conclusion

I wrap up by considering the enduring impact of the EIC on both India and Britain, contemplating the historical lessons we can draw from this extraordinary chapter in global history.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2023 “The phantom rickshaw” Dec 23, 2023

In this year’s festive episode, dive into the enchanting world of Victorian curiosities and captivating storytelling.

First, join me for a mesmerising 10-minute journey through intriguing Victorian trivia, unraveling captivating tales from an era of innovation and eccentricity. From lesser-known facts to enthralling historical anecdotes, this brief exploration sheds light on the unique essence of the Victorian age. Discover the astonishing details behind events like the Sonning cutting railway disaster, providing a glimpse into the quirks and tragedies of the time.

Following this insightful introduction, the episode unfolds into a spellbinding narrative as I take listeners on a literary adventure. Prepare to be transported to the ethereal realm of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Phantom Rickshaw.” Through my evocative reading, experience the haunting and gripping tale set against the backdrop of colonial India, where love, tragedy, and the supernatural intertwine in a captivating narrative.

I invite you to immerse yourself in the essence of the Victorian era, uncovering its mysteries and indulging in the timeless allure of storytelling.

Join me for a delightful holiday treat as to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in the grandeur of Victorian storytelling, painting vivid landscapes and evoking emotions that transcend time.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP054 INDIA SERIES 01 THE BASICS Nov 30, 2023

To become a patron on Patreon, CLICK HERE

INDIA SERIES 01

Join me as I embark on a captivating journey through India’s vibrant history and cultural intricacies during the Victorian era. Join me as I start uncover the complexities of the Victorian’s in India.

Delve into some fascinating transformations of place names that shaped India’s identity during this era. Explore the reasons behind these changes and their enduring impact on the country’s cultural fabric.

I provide a succinct yet comprehensive overview of India’s history up to the Victorian era from cave paintings to the first great civilisation.

Explore the simmering tensions between Hindu nationalism and the Muslim population, dissecting the socio-political nuances that left an indelible mark on Victorian-era India and continue to resonate today.

Immerse yourself in the diverse geographical landscapes that define India, from the majestic Himalayas to the tropical coastlines. Explore how India’s geography intertwined with its history and Victorian experience

Finally discover an intriguing array of potential topics that will be further explored in upcoming episodes. From the East India Company’s influence to social reforms, industrialization, and cultural exchange, oh and of course sex and cricket.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps.

To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name.

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EP053 ALBERT THE ROYAL MAKEOVER EDITION Sep 30, 2023

In this episode I’ll delve into the fascinating world of Prince Albert, the consort to Queen Victoria. I’ll explore his significant role in transforming Buckingham Palace, his artistic endeavors, his influential involvement in redecorating the Houses of Parliament, and the controversial dismissal of Baroness Lehzen.

In the early 19th century, Buckingham Palace was in a state of disrepair. Prince Albert, however, had a grand vision for the royal residence. He saw it not only as a home for the monarchy but as a symbol of British culture and innovation.

Prince Albert’s reforms included architectural updates, the incorporation of modern amenities, and a focus on art and culture within the palace walls.

Prince Albert’s influence extended beyond Buckingham Palace. His involvement in the extensive redecoration of the Houses of Parliament left an indelible mark on the iconic building. Learn about the aesthetic choices, architectural improvements, and the political implications of Prince Albert’s contributions to the Houses of Parliament.

In a surprising turn of events, we’ll discuss the controversial decision by Prince Albert to dismiss Baroness Lehzen, Queen Victoria’s trusted governess and advisor. Uncover the reasons behind this decision, the impact it had on the royal household, and the reactions from Queen Victoria and the court. This episode will explore the political intrigues surrounding this event, and his first huge argument with the Queen, with its implications for the monarchy.

I will also take you through the birth of the unique British art scene in the early Victorian era, the importance of Raphael and Fresco’s, and the influence of William Dyce, as British art steps onto the world stage.

Thanks for joining me. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I did! Don’t forget to subscribe and share the Age of Victoria Podcast with your fellow history enthusiasts. Until next time, keep exploring the past and embracing the knowledge it offers.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com.

The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria.

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP052 “A PRETTY LITTLE PRINCESS” Jul 29, 2023

I’m excited to take you on a journey through time today as we cover Queen Victoria’s first pregnancy & child. Together, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of historical events, focusing on the remarkable early reign of Queen Victoria and the dramatic affairs that unfolded during this era.

Recap

Starting with a recap of the most significant events that the podcast has covered between 1817 and 1840. From technological advancements to political revolutions and cultural milestones, this retrospective will bring our threads together.

Queen Victoria’s First Pregnancy

Then it’s time to focus on Queen Victoria, one of the most iconic and influential monarchs in British history. We’ll explore the joyous yet challenging time of her first pregnancy. Let’s discover the emotions, expectations, and anxieties surrounding the young queen as she embarked on the path to motherhood and the implications this had for the monarchy and the nation.

The Ottoman Affair of 1840

In this segment, we’ll delve into the lesser-known but no less fascinating affair that unfolded in 1840 involving the Ottoman Empire. Join me as we unravel the intricate political maneuvers, diplomatic intricacies, and the significant impact this event had on European powers during this time, and on Queen Victoria.

The Birth of Victoria’s First Child

Continuing our exploration of Queen Victoria’s life, let’s dive into the much-anticipated birth of her first child and I’ll shed light on the rise of Prince Albert’s political influence during Victoria’s pregnancy. As Prince Consort, Albert’s role transcended mere ceremonial duties, and he became a trusted advisor and confidant to the Queen.Conclusion

Thanks for joining me on this captivating journey through the early Victorian era and the significant events that shaped the world between 1817 and 1840. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I did! Don’t forget to subscribe and share the Age of Victoria Podcast with your fellow history enthusiasts. Until next time, keep exploring the past and embracing the knowledge it offers.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 2023 “THERE SIMPLY MUST BE A CORPSE” May 16, 2023

Celebrating 6 years of the podcast. I delve into the world of detectives in England during the 1840s. It’s time to explore the fascinating development of Victorian detective work, and how it was used to solve some of the most notorious crimes of the era, including the Bermondsey Horror.

I begin by looking at the emergence of detectives in England during the early 19th century. Learn how detective work evolved from the work of primitive thief-takers and the Bow Street Runners, and how the creation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 helped to professionalize the field of criminal investigation.

Then I’ll show how one of the most sensational crimes of the era: the murder of Daniel Good in 1842, turned into the catalyst for the new kind of policeman – the detective. I’ll show how the case showed a desperate need for detectives as an essential part of the criminal justice system, but also highlights the barbarity of the Victorian public execution. Then I’ll put it all in context, bringing together changes in society & technology, set against the background of crime & then look at what kind of people these early detectives were.

With the detectives in place, I’ll help you explore another gruesome crime that shocked Victorian England: the Bermondsey Horror of 1849. A descent into the slums together together to see detectives working tirelessly to unravel the mystery of the crime, and. We’ll also discuss how the case highlighted the darker side of Victorian society, including poverty, vice, and crime.

Finally I’ll show you the inevitable outcome of the crime; a scaffold and a rope. I’ll help you understand the fear of the victim and criminal to leave you to muse philosophically on crime and the death penalty.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP051 DARWIN DOWN UNDER Apr 19, 2023

This is the final episode in the series on Charles Darwin’s five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle. I delve into Darwin’s impressions of Australia and the European contact history during his visit in 1835.

Episode Highlights:

Arrival in Australia: After months of sailing, HMS Beagle arrived in Sydney, Australia, in January 1836. Darwin was fascinated by the diversity of flora and fauna that he encountered upon his arrival. He marveled at the unique wildlife, including kangaroos, platypus, and various species of parrots, which were vastly different from what he had seen in other parts of the world.
Interaction with Indigenous People: During his time in Australia, Darwin also had the opportunity to interact with the indigenous people. He was struck by their unique cultures, customs, and ways of life. He observed their hunting techniques, studied their tools and weapons, and learned about their rich spiritual beliefs and traditions. However, Darwin also noted the detrimental effects of European colonization on the indigenous populations, including the loss of land, resources, and cultural heritage. Darwin reflected on the impact of colonization on the local ecosystems, including deforestation, introduction of foreign species, and disruption of natural habitats.
Scientific Observations: As a naturalist, Darwin made extensive scientific observations during his time in Australia. He collected specimens of plants, animals, and fossils, and conducted studies on geology, zoology, and botany. His observations and collections from Australia provided critical evidence for his later work on the theory of evolution, including his groundbreaking book “On the Origin of Species.”
Impacts on Darwin’s Thinking: Darwin’s time in Australia had a profound impact on his scientific thinking. He witnessed firsthand the rich biodiversity and complex ecosystems of the continent, which contributed to his understanding of the interconnectedness of life on Earth. He also witnessed the consequences of human activity on the environment and indigenous cultures, which influenced his ideas on adaptation, natural selection, and the fragile balance of ecosystems.
Keeling Islands: During his voyage on HMS Beagle, Darwin also visited the Keeling Islands, a remote group of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, which are now known as the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Darwin was fascinated by the unique ecosystems of these islands, including the diverse marine life and the complex interactions between coral reefs and their inhabitants. He conducted extensive studies on the geology, flora, and fauna of the islands, and his observations contributed to his understanding of the formation and evolution of coral atolls, as well as the adaptation of species to their environments.
Mauritius: Darwin’s journey then took him to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. During his time there, he studied the island’s rich biodiversity, including its unique flora and fauna. He was particularly interested in the giant tortoises of Mauritius, which were endemic to the island and had a significant impact on the local ecosystem. Darwin’s observations of the extinct dodo, a flightless bird that once inhabited Mauritius, also provided important insights into the concept of extinction and the vulnerability of species to environmental changes. His time in Mauritius further enriched his understanding of the interplay between species, ecosystems, and environmental conditions.
Reflections on His First Three Years Back in England: After his voyage on HMS Beagle, Darwin returned to England in 1836 and spent the next three years reflecting on his experiences and conducting further research. He meticulously documented his findings and worked on analyzing the vast amount of data he had collected during his voyage. He corresponded with fellow scientists, including botanists, geologists, and zoologists, and shared his observations and ideas. Darwin also continued to explore and study specimens from his collections, including fossils, plants, and animals, which further deepened his understanding of the natural world.
Evolution vs Religion: During this period, Darwin also faced challenges in reconciling his scientific discoveries with his religious beliefs, as his observations on the voyage had challenged traditional Christian views on the origin and diversity of life. His thoughts on evolution and natural selection began to take shape, and he started to develop the framework for his groundbreaking theory of evolution, which he would later publish in his seminal work, “On the Origin of Species.”
The voyage home: Charles Darwin’s voyage on HMS Beagle to Australia, the Keeling Islands, and Mauritius was just the beginning of his remarkable scientific journey. His reflections and research during the first three years back in England after his voyage were crucial in shaping his groundbreaking theories on evolution and natural selection. Darwin’s scientific legacy continues to influence our understanding of the natural world and remains a cornerstone of modern biology, making him one of the most significant and enduring figures in the history of science.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP050 DARWIN IN PARADISE Mar 31, 2023

This is episode four of series on Charles Darwin’s five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin arrived in Tahiti in November 1835 and spent a month there. He was struck by the beauty of the island and its people, whom he described as “the finest race of savages in the world.” He was particularly impressed by their hospitality, noting that they were “good-tempered and cheerful, honest and obliging.” Darwin also observed the Tahitians’ social customs, such as their elaborate tattoos and their practice of polygamy.

Learn about his time on the island, the start of European colonisation, and the coming of Christianity. Conflict and conquest cast a shadow over Tahiti’s future. European contact with Tahiti had immense consequences for the Tahitians. It brought new technologies and goods, such as firearms and textiles, but it also introduced diseases such as smallpox, which decimated the population. See how European visitors and traders exploited the Tahitians, leading to conflict and resentment. There was also the immense impact of the London Missionary Society, and the spread of Christianity. Missionaries viewed Tahiti less as paradise, and more as a place of vice and paganism.

Despite these challenges, the Tahitians maintained their distinct culture and way of life. Darwin’s visit to the island provided a glimpse into their world and contributed to his understanding of the diversity of human societies. In 1842, France claimed Tahiti as a protectorate, and in 1843, it established a naval base on the island. This led to a series of conflicts between the French and the Tahitians, culminating in the French Tahitian War in 1844.

Darwin’s visit was a window into a vanishing world. Join me as we cover Darwin’s time in paradise and learn about the last decade of independent Tahiti before the arrival of the French in the 1840s.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP049 DARWIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD Feb 18, 2023

The world can be a dangerous place. For explorers like Darwin to see the treasures of nature, they had to go boldly to the ends of the world. Join me as Darwin sails into savage and stormy seas, and find breathtaking beauty.

Intro.
The lonely lands of Tierra Del Fuego.
Isolation.
A fragile speak on a vast stormy sea.
The Beagle Channel
Into the Pacific
Chile & the great quake
Exploring the Andes
More evidence – the scientific data mounts up
Onwards to the Tortoises
Of tortoises and more interesting animals.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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MINI021 VICTORIAN MONEY – COINING IT IN Jan 21, 2023

January is here, and we are all feeling poor after Christmas. Time to talk about money. This is the first in a series of minisodes on Victorian money. To get things started we are looking at Victorian Coins. The age of gold, silver, sound money, and not having two farthings to rub together

Intro, thank you’s and reviews.
Choosing a topic
Its pre-decimal so I’m going slightly mad
Remember this long list of coins
This is not a very difficult question – time for some maths
Some problems with the coins
A matter of design; florins, shillings, and silver six pence
A stunning Gothic Silver Crown
What’s money worth in tough times?
Looting the Summer Palace
Is imperial loot really priceless?
Victorian coins in practice
Victorian coins have some drawbacks
Liquidity, mental maths, and not enough change.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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**CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2022 – WHAT TO WATCH** Dec 24, 2022

Christmas is here, so we really need to watch Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” but how to choose the best version? Sentimental? Accurate? Musical? This episode has got you covered;

Intro, thank you’s and reviews.

A little reminder of the essentials

Honourable mentions

Pick a film, any film

A traditional ghost story.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP048: A BIT OF SLOTH Nov 30, 2022

Darwin’s great voyage of discovery continues. The ancient past was a vast mystery, with many claiming that God alone was the explanation for all things. As Darwin travelled and jotted his observations in his little notebooks, he began to lift the veil on the ancient past. New species, now long vanished, were discovered. Darwin began to build the foundations for our understanding of the world. This episode covers;

Intro, thank you’s and reviews.
The problem with fossils
Time in Brazil
The horror of slavery
Flying spiders
Uncovering giants in Argentina
The problems with Taxonomy
The problems with Richard Owens, genius and git
Toxodon platensis and other megafauna
The Clovis extinction debate
The problem of intermediate forms
Let’s talk about giant sloths, small sloths, and the importance of sloths
“I saw sea shells, no where near the sea shore”
Terraces, and continental uplift
Until next time.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP047 DARWIN BEGINS Oct 14, 2022

Darwin, and his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection; in this podcast we’ve covered the creation of the new settler Empire and the transition to the new energy form of coal & steam, then the railways, but Darwin had a bigger impact on civilisation than even those. This episode is the start of a series of episodes on Darwin and Evolution. It covers;

Intro, thank you’s and reviews.
The philosophy of mind & matter
Darwin’s dangerous idea
The young student
A trip to Wales
HMS Beagle; how to get a bad ship ready for adventure
Captain FitzRoy, a troubled man
Geology, physics and the age of the Earth
The journey begins.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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PUB QUIZ 0CT 2022 Oct 02, 2022

Just for fun, here’s a fiendishly difficult pub quiz which has been requested by many listeners. Good luck!

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SPECIAL: DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II Sep 16, 2022

The death of Queen Elizabeth II is a momentous event in modern British history. This special episode contains some facts about her life, reflections on events, thoughts about King Charles III, the Royal Finances, the constitution, national decline, the Commonwealth, and possibilities for the future.

This episode covers;

Intro
Birth, coronation & television
WW2 & the ATS
Post war austerity, the Elizabethan rebirth, more television
The start of the Commonwealth & retreat from Empire
Famous friends, anecdotes and gin
Internationalism
Royal finances
Constitutional problems
Colonialism, anti colonialism, reparations and artefacts
The Koh-i-Noor
Troubled waters ahead.
A last note of hope?

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP046 A TOUCH OF CLASS Aug 13, 2022

The essential guide to the Victorian class system. There was more to being middle class than drinking tea, and the working class weren’t all up the Chimney. From the well dressed footman, to the Haymarket prostitute, to the pie seller, and duke. All of Victorian life is here.

This episode covers.
Intro.
A discussion of what is Class.
A tiny bit of Marx.
Life at the top.
I say, those young people today, they are frightfully uptight.
We are a most humble Queen.
Prince Albert knows his place, and he doesn’t like it.
The Spencers.
The middle class – super stars and clubs.
The middle class – the rest.
The vibrant skilled working class and their poets.
Upstairs, Downstairs.
Beaulieu; all hands to the pumps.
The desperate poor on the scrap heap.
Anglo Indians, and the native Indian Aristocracy.
Travellers.
Minorities and the oppressed.
The great north south divide.
North & South; Gaskell and industrialists.
The outsiders; Superstars and the Out of Place.
“This Green and Pleasant Land”.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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MINI020 WOMEN GETTING DRESSED 1840s style Jul 14, 2022

This much requested episode deals with the important but fun topic of women’s clothes and fashions in the 1840s. If you want to understand how a Victorian woman dressed and why, this is the episode for you.

This episode covers.
Intro & reviews.
The importance of dressing well.
We don’t do business casual.
Victoria, a Goth.
Starting the day, the chemise
Bloomers, and worries about the French.
Stockings, colours and fun.
The corset – Patriarchy not included.
The corset – exploding the myths
The corset – tight lacing, narrow waists, health hazards and missing ribs.
Corsets – a big hit with the men.
Dresses, daywear and sewing.
Don’t forget your hat, I mean bonnet.
Some shoes, and dressing for the weather.
Riding outfits.
Evening dresses, and gowns fit for an Empress.
What you wear is not a political statement yet.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP045: THE GRAVEST CHOICE – VICTORIAN ERA ABORTION Jun 11, 2022

This episode deals with the real and harrow position for women during with contraception, pregnancy, and abortion in the Victorian era. Campaigners like Annie Besant attacked the patriarchy, and fought for the right to be heard. Women risked their lives getting dangerous abortions, in constant fear of the law, whilst the great scandal of the Victorian era, infanticide, loomed in the background. From the courts to the back alleys, join me in experiencing the reality of life before the pill.

This episode covers.

Intro & reviews.

Musings on the direction of the podcast

The basics of periods

What the doctor though – 1840s style.

Women’s underwear and period pain.

Menstrual leave, a feminist issue.

Ovulation and fertility.

Birth control.

Annie Besant goes on the warpath.

Mortality and unstable families.

Victorian Birth Control

Abortion and the criminal law

Religion and gender.

Abortion in practice.

Abortion – a personal account by Mary Wolfe

Murder charges

When things went wrong.

Illegitimacy as a motivation.

Infanticide, the great scandal.

The crime of concealment of birth.

Criminals preying on the vulnerable.

A tough lot.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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5TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – SAY CHEESE May 10, 2022

This anniversary is a memorable event and naturally deserves to be photographed by the paparazzi. But what was the story of the invention of the photograph, and how did it become a Victorian icon? A story filled with invention, persistence, a lot of daring do, and possibly holding back some manly tears. Not to mention artistic nudes, pioneering thinking from governments, lots of chemicals and real dedication.

This episode covers.

Intro & reviews.
Some all time great photographs.
The veil of history.
Early steps towards photography.
No invention is a vacuum.
The Daguerreotype and patents
Henry Fox Talbot & the Calotype.
The Collodion process
Photography spreads out around the world.
What was photography for?
Photography in India.
The unflappable Samuel Bourne.
Yes, but it it art?
The female nude.
It’s not just naked women; other uses for photographs.
The artist creates the truth by destroying it; making fake photos for art.
What is art, truth and how did all this matter?
A plea for support
Thank you’s.
The Daguerreotype and patents

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP044 SEX RELIGION AND WEDDING NIGHT BLUES – VICTORIA SEX PT2 Apr 06, 2022

Our dive under the covers continues. How did sex and religion come together in the Victorian era? How was the bible such an influence on men & women’s sexuality? Should a religious Victorian be having sex? Some evolutionary pitfalls, social problems and a couple of wedding nights to talk about.

This episode covers.

Intro & reviews.
The duties of Eve.
A morally ambiguous bible.
Seems risky.
Those teenager cave people.
Wars, unrest and shipping em off to the Empire.
Art and desexualisation.
Is she really a seamstress?
Queen Victoria enjoys herself…….
Ruskin and Effie do not.
On that bombshell, it’s good night from me.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

The post EP044 SEX RELIGION AND WEDDING NIGHT BLUES – VICTORIA SEX PT2 appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

**EP043 VICTORIAN SEX PT1: GETTING DOWN TO IT.** Mar 09, 2022
Why yes, we will be asking what Victoria did with Albert. We will be asking about the how’s and why’s of Victorian sex & sexualities. There’s a lot to say, so we are getting started with just how reserved were they really, and did the have a lot of sex?

This episode covers.

Intro & reviews.
General biology
Darwin & sex
Public health – a deceiving lens
No, people really do like sex.
Poor Bonny Bet
A porn writer remembers…….

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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**CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2021 – TICKLING THE CHRISTMAS IVORY** Dec 22, 2021
What could be more of a traditional Victorian Christmas than carols by candlelight with an orchestra, piano and harp? Quite a bit actually. Victorian piano’s were a late addition and the carols were a really new thing. Find out how carols and piano’s go together like new age German synth and wannabe edgy 20 somethings.

This episode covers.

Intro & reviews.
The Victorian carols hitlist.
Good King thingy and the famous Reverend Doctor Neale.
Queen Victoria’s rather gaudy piano.
The Victorian piano market.
A quick note about the class system.
Industrialisation & piano’s.
So what should I use for a Victorian Carol Concert?
A nice little story.

Golden C18th Style Grand Piano, made by French firm S & P Erard, it was gilded and painted by the miniature painter François Théodore Rochard.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP042 EARLY DAYS OF A ROYAL MARRIAGE Dec 05, 2021

Marriage isn’t easy, even in the early days, especially a royal marriage. It’s even harder if you are an intellectual who dabbles in cutting edge music, but your wife only thinks of you as a sex object. It wasn’t easy being Albert. Victoria had a lot of on her plate too, what with being a new Queen, starting her journey to Empress, and that pesky pregnancy. Oh and saving the political system of the U.K.

Intro & reviews.
Albert & the music.
Beethoven.
The invention of the neutrality of the crown.
Corruption, reform & sexual politics.
A woman’s role as queen.
India sounds interesting.
Good governance.
Pregnancy & child birth.
A might have been.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2021 Oct 31, 2021

An ancient tradition, but surely one that the Victorians didn’t celebrate? Wrong, they did celebrate. Oh boy was it a big dangerous, flaming drunken party of a holiday. Join me to explore a Victorian Halloween.

This episode covers

Intro & reviews.

The birth of Halloween.

The ancient rites.

Religion & superstition.

The loss of the old ways.

Queen Victoria’s Halloween’s.

Parties, games, drinks and danger – a typical Victorian Halloween.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP041 ROOTS OF BLOOD Oct 03, 2021

With the hardships of the voyage across the ocean over, the settlers had to build a life in South Africa. An unsettled land, with slavery, war, opportunity, growth and social conflict, early colonial South Africa was no paradise for the rich and idle of Britain. For the lucky and hard working, their were opportunities and fortunes, but for most their was only dust, sweat and blood.

This episode covers

Intro & reviews.
A new land.
Opportunities for all
Order & the social hierarchy; know your place.
The 80:20 rule
Missionaries & evangelism
Slavery & Empire
Xhosa & settler relations
Language evolves
Growth and danger
Rise of the Zulu
The great Boer Trek
A profitable war

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com.

The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria Podcast. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP040 ACROSS THE SEAS Sep 09, 2021

An empire lives on the backs of people; its own or those it conquers. For the British, South Africa needed colonists to clear the forests, build the farms, and man the armies. But getting them from Britain to South Africa was no easy task. Learn about the hard start to a colonists voyage from the frozen Thames to the heat of the tropics to the far south, and for the unlucky, the horrors of being lost at sea.

This episode covers

Intro & reviews.

An insatiable need for manpower.

The horror of slavery in early South Africa.

The 1820 settlement scheme organisation and planning

The colonists; almost honest and upstanding.

The ships; HMS Weymouth.

What was the voyage like.

The horror of the Abeona.

Life aboard, and the people.

A glympse of the future.

Patreons special promo.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP039 BLOOD ON THE LAND Aug 09, 2021

The story of the British Empire in South Africa continues. The first battles were being won, but the cost was blood on the soil, spilt by the British and shed by the native peoples as well as the soldiers in red. This episode covers

Intro & reviews.

Col Graham and the imperial mindset.

Warfare is a continuation of culture by other means.

The clash between British and Xhosa mindsets.

The problems perspectives on history can cause.

War, brutality, and the British establishment.

The New Men: Lord Somerset & Dr Barry.

What Florence Nightingale thought of the Doctor.

Well that is a mystery.

Lord Somerset has a plan.

Come settle me boyo’s, there’s land for all.

A new utopia.

History of Africa Podcast promo.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

The post EP039 BLOOD ON THE LAND appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

EP038 A TOEHOLD IN AFRICA Jul 01, 2021

The British Empire was vast, but it didn’t spring up over night. South Africa was a vital imperial staging post, then a fledgling colony. The story of how it got to be is intimately linked to the land and the people. Start the next series on empire, this episode covers

Intro and reviews

Why South Africa?

Mythbusting: Africa, a continent of cities and kingdoms.

The many African migrations throughout History.

South Africa: The land – beauty and danger.

Islands and ship wrecks.

The Dutch arrive, and the Napoleonic Wars.

Ours by right of conquest – the British take the Cape from the Dutch.

The Dutch Boer migrations begin.

The Xhosa & War.

The British decide to remove the Xhosa from the neutral zone.

Col Graham and the first British Imperial War in South Africa.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP037 INSIDE THE GATES OF HELL Jun 02, 2021

Prison is never nice, but the Victorian prison of Port Arthur in Van Diemen’s Land combined starvation, deprivation, desperation, and isolation. It was considered a hell on Earth. This episode covers:

Intro & reviews.
Guest podcast promo’s
A vision of a better future.
Reality check – isolation and mental health
Narrowly avoiding prison
The problems of institutionalisation
Post release problems
A modern inmate speaks out.
Convict labour, exploitation capitalism, big companies, echos of slavery.
The convict melting pot
A dispossible labour force.
Convicts and convict ancestors – image and identity in Australia.
The unfortunate Hannah Herbert, an epitaph

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. If you want to support the show on patreon, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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4TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – LOVELACE AND BABBAGE May 11, 2021

To celebrate the 4th anniversary, the episode will be all about Lovelace and Babbage; the true inventors of the computer age. The episode covers

Intro & reviews.
“There must be an easier way to do this” – why being lazy can change the world
What were these engines?
Ada Lovelace, a life in Technicolour
Ada’s Victorian childhood – of course it was awful.
Mentorship and marriage.
Lovelace and Babbage – a very productive partnership.
Lovelace’s really quite brilliant idea’s.
Ada writes a really not very nice letter.
Oh what might have been; Bernoulli numbers and more besides.
Lovelace and cancer.
Babbage becomes yesterday’s man.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com

The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. If you want to support the show on PATREON, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP036 MEET THE PRISONERS Apr 18, 2021

At its heart, a prison is the people. But what kind of people ended up in the hellish Port Arthur Prison in Van Diemen’s Land? Was it really just for the worst of the worst? Or was it a machine that simple chewed people up indiscriminately. How can we begin to understand it. Join me to walk a mile or two in a convicts shoe. The episode covers

Intro & reviews.
The cultural melting pot
A philosophy of civilisation?
Who were they, these desperado’s?
What is a historical prison?
The site and the barracks; evidence of the past & imaginations.
Prisoners; working for their own good and other people’s greed.
The transportation of civilisation.
Christian salvation was built into the land.
Christianity & criminal justice.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. If you want to support the show on patreon, CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP035 THE UNFORTUNATE HANNAH HERBERT Mar 01, 2021

How does it feel to be cast out? To lose everything you’ve ever known and be sent to the ends of the world? Want to understand what being a convict transported to Tasmania feels like? This show is for you. It covers;

– Intro & reviews.
– Introducing Hannah to the Court.
– How did it feel to be a convict?
– Her voyage.
– Another convict – Linus Wilson Miller.
– His feelings & has journey.
– The legal problems caused by convicts
– An uneasy melting pot.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Or reach me on the Facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria.

Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee.

If you want to support the show on patreon, click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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MINI0019 Men Getting Dressed 1840’s style Feb 01, 2021

Clothes maketh the man; but how did a gent dress in the 1840s? This episode features;

Intro & podcast update.
Clothing, class, and mindset.
Beauty standards.
Aspirational dressing.
Wasn’t it cold!
Men getting dressed in 1840.
Underwear.
Shaving – a risky business.
Shirts & sewing.
Trousers.
Waistcoats.
A riot of colour & overcoats.
Men get pockets; pistols optional.
Reviews and spoilers!

Link for the art work is https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-derby-day/9QFrgLs_sK6O9Q?hl=en-GB&ms=%7B%22x%22%3A0.6521343994140625%2C%22y%22%3A0.656402587890625%2C%22z%22%3A10.463752784311872%2C%22size%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A0.6957312011718749%2C%22height%22%3A0.6871948242187499%7D%7D

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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AOV CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2020 Dec 24, 2020

Merry Christmas everyone. What a year, so lets round it off in comfort. This special episode features.

Thank you’s.
Quick chat about Victorian Christmas Cards
Introducing Mrs Beeton, and the standardisation of recipes.
Why running a household really was difficult.
A valet or a butler?
Hints of gender conflicts and the danger of left over Turkey.
Order above all – Spit Spot.
Mince pies, and extraordinary mince pies
What would the neighbours say?
The birth of sweets
Dying for a humbug
Pass the arsenic.
A Christmas Ghost story.

You can find the full mince pie recipe here

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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**EP034 HOW TO BUILD HELL** Dec 03, 2020

The journey into Empire continues as we look at Tasmania, known as Van Diemen’s Land. Here the European settlers, the indigenous people, the convict system, the bush rangers, the lure of food, the battle for land, resulted in war, conquest and genocide. The birth pang of a new world was one of agony, yet the future of a unique culture and the amazing beauty of the island were in stark contrast to the declared British ambition of making it the ultimate penal hell. Join me for the complex and painful settlement of Tasmania, and its incorporation into the Empire.

This episode covers

Guest promo and thank you’s.

The brief history of Tasmania and the amazing geograph and ecosystem.

Settlement and strategic necessity – keeping the French out.

First contact goes wrong – the Risdon Cove Massacre.

Mad Tom loves a drink.

Governor Sorrell vs the outlaws.

The sad death of the Tasmanian Whisky Industry – murdered in 1839

The Black War begins – the stage is set for genocide.

Tools of the trade – muskets & raiding.

A terrible place for a soldier – why colonial Van Diemen’s Land was feared.

What was left after? A land of possibilities.

The forgotten – listening to the descendants.

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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EP033 (PT2) WHO OWNS THE LAND? Nov 01, 2020

The journey into Empire continues as we look more closely at the Australia’s, and the difficult issues of landownership, native rights, and how land can tie to identity. I also cover the culture clash between the Europeans and the Indigenous Peoples. This is part 2, which covers more of the background of Empire in the Australia’s, the First & Second Fleets, the impact of liberalism and the difference in world views between the Europeans and the Indigenous Peoples, the lure of food, the battle for land, the place of science and the timeline leading to the early Victorian Era in the Australia’s. If you haven’t listened to pt1 yet, I suggest you do that before listening to this.

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

The post EP033 (PT2) WHO OWNS THE LAND? appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

EP033 (PT1) WHO OWNS THE LAND? Oct 18, 2020

The journey into Empire continues as we look more closely at the Australia’s, and the difficult issues of landownership, native rights, and how land can tie to identity. I also cover the culture clash between the Europeans and the indigenous aborigines. This episode then breaks and in part 2, it will cover more of the background of Empire in the Australia’s, the impact of liberalism and the difference in world views between the Europeans and the Aborigines, and the timeline leading to the early Victorian Era in the Australia’s.

This part covers

Thank you’s to Patrons, and listener reviews.
Elaboration on listener feedback/comments.
The complexity of ethnic identity in the UK.
The idea of conquest as a legitimate means of ownership
Indigenous rights as a concept
The culture clash between Europeans and the Aborigines at a high level
Terra Nulis and settlement.
To whom the law applies
The first steps to human rights
Break for end of part 1.

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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EP032 PHILOSOPHY OF EMPIRE – THE VALUE OF LIFE? Sep 04, 2020

To understand the past, sometimes we need to examine our values and subject them to philosophical analysis. The British Empire was a complex, varied entity that stretched across the world and changed over the centuries. How do we understand the mindset of those people in the C19th who created it, or lived in it? This episode is designed to get you thinking and analysing big questions and unpleasant moral problems. Ultimately the answers will be down to your judgements. Be warned some material is upsetting and contains references to genocide, racism, slavery, the holocaust, abortion and critiques of religion. I hope you find it stimulating.

Topics

Thank you’s to Patrons, and some listener reviews.
The complexity of Empire, and the settler empire.
How common were empires?
Are people innately warlike and violent?
Is life important; the need for philosophy.
Is life important; what would God do, and does that make it ok?
Is life important; building a moral framework for atheists.
The worst pub bore ever – drunken philosophy.
The economic value of life.
If your people are starving, is it immoral not to invade another country?
The right to liberty and freedom to do what you want except when you can’t.
Heuristics, mental shortcuts, and cognitive biases; how bad decision making affects empires.
The power and danger of othering.
Look him in the eyes as he dies.
Gengis Khan, and how to turn genocides into hero worship.
The dangers of anarchy, law and order.
Some impacts of Empires; feeding the hungry, and killing other people.
Final thoughts.

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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EP031 VICTORIA & ALBERT – A ROMANTIC PRINCE & A WEDDING Aug 01, 2020

How does the Queen of Kingdom and ruler of the Empire choose a husband? This is not a choice to get wrong, so Victoria was under pressure. Was Albert the Romantic Prince and perfect companion of her dreams? Learn about the Prince, his childhood, his music, & his journey from shy intellectual to confident suitor to the Queen.

This show covers

Prince Alberts childhood & family scandals.
The close relationship between Germany & Britain.
The German Romantic movement.
Did they really fall in love?
Albert had groove.
A royal proposal & Lord M’s advice for marriage.
What, a German? Tory opposition and financial constraints.
Preparing for the wedding.
The Bride Wore White.
A very, very successful wedding night.

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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EP030 QUEEN VICTORIA’S NO GOOD, VERY BAD YEAR Jul 01, 2020

How was Victoria coping with being Queen? She was intelligent, stubborn, cultured, but sometimes misguided and blinkered. Worse, the nation itself seemed fractured, bitter, and in danger of collapse. Her first two years as monarch showed the need for her to have a partner. Someone who could share the load, act as a lightning rod and shield on shoulder, and make the transition from partisan Queen to Monarch for the whole nation. There were some dangerous rocks in the waters and Victoria would have to learn to tread carefully as she made her steps on the journey to being the monarch that united the nation.

This show covers

Reviews and thank you’s
Lord Melbourne – brief biography
Introduce Sir Robert Peel
Situation of UK/Empire in 1830’s.
Chartism.
Lady Flora Hastings
Affair of the Bedchamber
Resolution
Victoria’s mental/physical state.
How Prince Albert helped.

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You can listen on iTunes, Apple Podcasts and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

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3RD ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL VICTORIA & ALBERT – A ROYAL, AND A ROMANTIC Jun 01, 2020

EP030 3rd Anniversary Special: Victoria & Albert -a Royal and a Romantic.

The podcast is 3 years old, so time for Victoria and Albert to become a couple. One of histories famous romances and two names that almost define the age. Yet it was a strange road that brought them together. In this show we look at Queen Victoria’s tricky love life, the problems of being a royal celebrity, meet some of Prince Alberts competition, and learn how they finally came to meet. But was it love at first sight?

Gallery of Romanticism Key Works

This show covers

Reviews and thank you’s for 3 years
The importance of the German Romantic movement.
The problems of a royal marriage.
A woman? As Queen? What would the Bible say?
Immaturity and dynastic tangles.
Stalking Victoria.
Enter Prince Albert, stage right.
Duke Alex, boxes of bling, and heartbreak.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean – basically all your favourite podcatching platforms. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

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EP029 THE COURT OF KING CHOLERA – THE GREAT VICTORIAN PLAGUE May 08, 2020

EP029 “The Court of King Cholera – the great Victorian plague” explores one of the most famous pandemics in history. There was horror, death, and a little hope. Many bad decisions, anger and mistrust, but also groundbreaking science. When disease strikes it is easy to think humanity is levelled and we all stand together – does history prove this is true?

This show covers

Reviews and thank you’s
The initial panic of cholera?
Mt Tambora and the first pandemic
Poverty and failure.
Official corruption, murderous doctors and anti science mobs.
The dawn of the Victorian era in the time of Cholera.
What is the cause? Is it something in the air?
The lowest point – horror show at the orphanage.
The Doctors Strike Back.
Onwards and upwards, or a warning from history?

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean. Don’t forget to tell your friends. The sources for this episode are here

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MINI018 RAILWAY TIME Apr 16, 2020

MINISODE 018 RAILWAY TIME is here to take a light hearted look at the social etiquette of train travel, and the small matter of how the trains revolutionised time. This show covers

Reviews and thank you’s
Railways; is this a polite way to travel?
“I say, have we met?”
The problems with the timetables.
The Victorians control time itself.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get exclusive patrons only episodes plus other goodies.

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EP028 BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? RAILWAY MANIA AND SOCIAL CHANGES Apr 07, 2020

EP028 BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? RAILWAY MANIA AND SOCIAL CHANGES is here to count the cost of progress. As railways make men staggeringly rich, people start to fly too close to the sun and get their wings singed. Or fall prey to predators, like George Hudson, the Railway King. This episode covers

Reviews, thank you’s and some podcast recommendations
Railways; bringing a potential bonanza.
The profits of the first line, and tragedy.
The cost of doing business; political bribery.
A growing mania.
Boom time turns bust.
George Hudson – rise and fall of the first Great Railway Baron.
The end of the mania, and a new normal.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get exclusive patrons only episodes plus other goodies.

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EP027 Pt2 “made it run” Mar 14, 2020

Railways were one of the great achievements of the Victorian Era, but they are complicated and hard to build. This show covers the process and the people involved in building these incredible pieces of engineering. Pt 2 of this episode covers;

The navigators; hard work for hard men.
Drink hard, play hard, fight hard.
The riots.
Individual lives.
The great railway tunnels.
The miners – life and death in the dark.
Monuments to sacrifice.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get exclusive patrons only episodes plus other goodies.

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EP027 Pt1 “Once I built a railroad” Mar 04, 2020

Railway building was a great achievement of the Victorian Age, but railways are complicated and hard to build. This show covers the process and the people involved in building these incredible pieces of engineering. Pt 1 of this episode covers;

The kinds of labourer & builders.
Surveying and risks to historic sites.
Wordsworth and the Lake District.
Acts of Parliament and politicians on the take.
Equipment troubles
The navigators; hard work for hard men.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get exclusive patrons only episodes plus other goodies.

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EP026 The railway is coming! Feb 01, 2020

The railway is here. What a change Britain was about to see! A herald of a new age, and new way of life. Something new in human history. This episode covers;

The English landscape and the train 1820-1840.
Early trains & popular .
Economic impacts.
Canal and coach monopolies.
Slum clearance & Agar Town.
A riot in Basingstoke.
Triumph of the railways.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get exclusive patrons only episode plus other goodies.

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BONUS CHAT WITH THE SIECLE PODCAST – BRITAIN AND FRANCE AFTER WATERLOO Jan 21, 2020

Bonus episode of The Age of Victoria & The Siècle! Learn about the differences between how France and Britain experienced the years after Waterloo in a conversation between your host Chris Fernandez-Packham and David Montgomery, host of the Siecle Podcast.

We chat about the state of Britain and France after the battle of Waterloo, to around 1830. I really enjoyed this opportunity chat to a fellow history fan. British and French history is deeply entwined and getting perspectives of each was fascinating. If you haven’t listened to the Siecle, please do because it is covering the same period as the Age of Victoria, but for the French. It will increase your understanding of the C19th immensely and is also extremely enjoyable.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get an exclusive patrons only episode plus other goodies.

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MINI017 Great things are done when men and mountains meet Jan 16, 2020

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street.” -William Blake

Join me for this adventurous minisode.

This show has

Setting the scene; literature and the quest for adventure.
How Victorian masculinity was shaped by adventure literature.
How the mountains effect our minds
An ordinary boy from Surrey gets a job oversea’s.
The philosophy of mountains in the Victorian era.
A dangerous climb.
A woman’s place is seeking adventure..

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get an exclusive patrons only episode plus other goodies.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2019 Dec 24, 2019

Victorian Christmas Time! Mistletoe and Wine; listening to Podcast time.

This is a special episode for Christmas 2019. Learn about the hustle & bustle of the Victorian Christmas, with a focus on the games and entertainments. Find out how much effort people went to, then enjoy the bonus story on a special subject.

This show has

Victorian celebrations.
The postal service.
Games.
Music & the penny gaff.
Pretending to be respectable.
A big bonus.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get an exclusive patrons only episodes plus other goodies.

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EP025 The industrial revolution & shattering the energy ceiling. Dec 01, 2019

Forged in fire, the new era is born. The British unlock a new energy source and create the industrial revolution. Humanity around the world is transformed; no longer limited by our own muscles or the plodding of animals or the slow harnessing of wind and wave. Instead the British unleashed a revolution that allowed humanity to surpass all of its previous limit. Without this moment, nothing in the modern world would have been possible.

This show has

An outline of key concepts of energy sources and management.
The application of energy to useful tasks.
The early pioneers.
The great ripples of change.
Triumph of industry
Poverty in the midst of plenty.
Angry authors & a cultural shift.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get an exclusive patrons only episode plus other goodies.

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EP024 VICTORIA; CRISIS & THE CROWN Nov 01, 2019

The time has come. Victoria must weather the final crisis on her way to the throne. Join me for an exciting conclusion to Victoria’s childhood where she finds out if she has iron in her soul.

This show has

Continuation of her teenage years.
Relationships with King William IV.
The state of the monarchy.
Victoria’s desperate crisis.
Ascending the throne.
Coronation and triumph.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon, and get an exclusive patrons only episode

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MINISODE 016 PUB QUIZ Oct 18, 2019

PUB QUIZ. Time for you to grab a beer and a barstool like a good Victorian and have a go at testing your knowledge. Or if you have taken the pledge and joined the temperance movement, then get a cup of cocoa and join your friends for a civilised but fierce competition for the highest score.

Make sure you have a pen and paper handy and you are ready to hit pause to give yourself time to answer. I’ll post the questions and answers on the website shortly.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show, and get an exclusive episode on Patreon

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EP023 Politics; the Whigs & the Reform Act 1832 Oct 01, 2019

Are you eager for reform? What to change the establish? Shake up the old order? Surely the time has come to join the Whig party then? This show covers the Whigs in the 1820’s & 1830’s and the land mark Great Reform Act 1832. British politics was changing rapidly and Victoria was at the cusp of the Throne. The struggles of the Whigs would help determine the political establishment for years into Victoria’s reign.

This episode covers

The difficulties of adopting a unbiased view of past politics
The Whigs world view
Why reform & being progressive isn’t always a good thing.
The Scottish counterpoint
The philosophy of reform & the great debate
Wiliam IV’s role.
Impact on Slavery
Victoria benefits

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show, and get an exclusive episode on Patreon at [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898]

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MINISODE 015 TITLES & TIARA’S Sep 12, 2019

Are you confused about your Lords & Dukes? Want to know why the Baron is always popping up? Wondering just what is the Duchy of Lancaster and why its so important? Want to know your Earls from your Marchioness’s? Worried about who gets to get to lead the dinner party when an Earl & a Prince pop over?

This minisode covers

The orders & rankings of the nobility & peerage

The role of the Queen

The Prince Consort

Details of the peerage

The baronets & knights

How to get into the peerage

Some notable cock ups

Historical exceptions designed to drive your host round the twist.

[also while I have used a lot of sources for this show, I highly recommend Elegant Etiquette in the Nineteenth Century by Mallory James; she’s written a fabulous & highly entertaining book]

Sources

Debretts Guide to the Peerage

Burkes Peerage

Steinbech, S “Understanding the Victorians”

McCahill, Michael W. “Peerage Creations and the Changing Character of the British Nobility, 1750-1830.” The English Historical Review, vol. 96, no. 379, 1981, pp. 259–284.

Hanham, H. J. “The Sale of Honours in Late Victorian England.” Victorian Studies, vol. 3, no. 3, 1960, pp. 277–289.

James, Mallory. “Elegant Etiquette in the C19th”

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show, and get an exclusive episode on Patreon at [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898]

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EP022 Politics – The Tories & the battle for Catholic Emancipation Sep 01, 2019

This episode on the Tories & the Battle for Catholic Emancipation continue our breakdown of the complex political system in the 1820’s & 1830’s to show you how it all fits together. If you want to know about the reasons why the British struggled with Catholics, and why the Tories always seemed to be fighting against reform, then this is the episode for you.

This episode covers

The state of politics in 1820-1830

The definitions of a political party

Famous figures of the Tory old guard

The death of Castlereagh and the rise of the Duke of Wellington

The problem of Catholics & the Crown

Our old frenemy the Prince Regent/George IV makes a cameo

The battle over the Catholic Emancipation

The personal impact on the Young Victoria.

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

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EP021 Politics 101 The System in the 1820s/30s Aug 01, 2019

Politics 101 is here. Every wondered if the Queen of England has any real power? Confused by your MP’s, PM’s and Lords Spiritual? Wondering how it all works in the UK if the Constitution isn’t written down? Unsure if Queen Victoria could just give out the orders? Today’s show breaks down the complex political system in the 1820’s & 1830’s to show you how it all fits together, and to give a glympse into the old world of politics as it stood on the last few years before Victoria became Queen, and the great reform act of 1832.

If you want to know how and why things worked the way they did in the UK, this show is for you because it gives you the framework and the start point to understand what went on, with whom, and why!

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean and you can also listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com. Don’t forget to tell your friends.

Support the show on Patreon at [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898]

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2ND Anniversary Special (pt2) – Charles Peace, Master of Disguise Jul 01, 2019

What makes a master criminal? That type of person who goes beyond the normal petty crime or brute violence. Charles Peace was one of the most notorious criminals in the Victorian age, but why? He didn’t kill many people, or steal the crown jewels, or overthrow a government.

He had that special star quality the newspapers loved though. He was a master of disguise, constantly escaped the police, lived a double life and even had a horde of buried treasure. But what the Victorian’s loved MOST was his sensational trial for murder…..

Join me as we learn about the real Charles Peace. He was a brilliant actor. An intelligent, ruthless, ingenious and talented man. He also a killer and a twisted stalker. The papers made him a celebrity criminal, but underneath he became what he was called – “the very devil”

Follow the show on Facebook on our Facebook Page or in the Facebook group for Victorian trivia or the latest news.

You can listen on iTunes and subscribe for free to get all the latest episodes, or even leave me a review. The show is also on Spotify, or listen via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com

Support the show on Patreon at [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898]

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2nd anniversary special – our first murder? Jun 01, 2019

Happy 2nd Anniversary This is my look back on the last two years, a lot of thank you’s, some listener questions and our first murder?

Two years of podcasts. Time to celebrate with a Victorian murder; you’ve all been asking for one for ages, so here you are.

Don’t forget to make some cake and drink some tea whilst you listen as we:

1. start with thank you’s and reflections on the last two years.

2. then a few listener questions.

3 . cover a murder that shocked the Victorians; a murder that showed how fast the Victorian police could investigate a crime, cover a little bit of the trial, then finally the impact of prison. Oh and that tiny little thing that changed it all…….

You can listen on iTunes, or on Spotify, or via the website at ageofvictoriapodcast.com

Support the show on Patreon at

Useful links:

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MINISODE 014 FILM REVIEW “VICTORIA THE GREAT” May 14, 2019

I’ve launched a Patreon and I review our first film about Queen Victoria – Victoria the Great. I also read out the latest iTunes reviews.

The show starts with the announcement about Patreon and the various tiers. Then I remind listeners to send in questions for the upcoming 2nd anniversary special. The middle of the show is a run down of how I will do film/TV series/book reviews and an evaluation of whether historical accuracy is important. This is followed by a short review of Victoria the Great. Finally there’s the run through of listener reviews.

Love to hear your feed back at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment in the Facebook Page or Group (Age of Victoria).

If you like what you hear, please tell your friends, tweet or spread the word to people who might enjoy the show. Also support the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898

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EP020 PT2 WHY EDUCATE A QUEEN & WHAT SHE LEARNT May 01, 2019

In Ep20 pt 2 we continue our journey through Queen Victoria’s childhood education. Pt2 explores the specifics of education, what she learnt, and crucially, how her education would fit her into the increasingly strict and complex Victorian class system. It wasn’t easy being “the girl who will be Queen.” It also covers her relationship with her ally and mentor Uncle Leopold, King of Belgium.

If you have any questions/feedback, you can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com

Support the show on Patreon

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EP020(pt1) Why educate a Queen? Apr 03, 2019

In Ep20 pt 1 we continue our journey through Queen Victoria’s childhood. In this 2 part show you will see how Victoria was educated; as a child, but also as a future Queen. She joined an elite group of people who could read and write, but she had a huge weight of expectation to live up to.

Ep20 pt1 explores the philosophy of education to see why a Queen needed to be educated. It sets her education in the context of the 1820’s/1830’s and compares it to the experience of regular children. It also covers how this fitted in with the arrival of Victoria’s governess, and long term ally, Louise Lehzen. It wasn’t easy to educate a queen, but then again education was a rare thing.

If you have any questions/feedback, you can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com

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EP019 Queen Victoria’s childhood pt1 “Life can be fragile” Mar 01, 2019

Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham for the first part of our series on Queen Victoria’s childhood. She was growing up at a time when life was fragile at best for children; between disease, poverty and murder, reaching adulthood was not guaranteed. Victoria had to face, an uncle who wanted to usurp the throne, a power hungry mother, and a corrupt household advisor called Sir John Conroy who hungered for money and power…..

Love to hear your feed back at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment in the Facebook Group (Age of Victoria).

If you like what you hear, please tell your friends, tweet or spread the word to people who might enjoy the show.

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EP018 Early days Feb 01, 2019

Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham and discover how Victoria is dealt the first tragedy in her life. Learn about the perils and power of being a Duchess. Plus we meet the abusive and magnetic John Conroy, a man of ambition and secrets. We also witness the death of a King and Victoria’s slow, unlikely, but inevitable climb towards the throne. But before she got there, she would have to survive the abusive Kensington system and learn that trust is a dangerous luxury for royalty.

Love to hear your feed back at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment in the Facebook Page orGroup (Age of Victoria).

If you like what you hear, please tell your friends, tweet or spread the word to people who might enjoy the show.

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AOV CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2018 “Of traditions and ghosts” Dec 25, 2018

Merry Christmas, join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham in learning about Victorian Traditions of the Earthly and Ghostly kind. Let me take you on a trip through history, busting myths about Christmas Trees, explaining how traditions came to be, some great events at Christmas, and of course a fireside story…..if you are brave enough.

Love to hear from you either at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or via Twitter @ageofvictoria, or on the Age of Victoria Facebook group. Subscribe for free on iTunes. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes and tell your friends to tune in.

You can listen on iTunes, via the website, or on Google, or your favourite podcast app.

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EP017 A Queen (Victoria) is born Dec 03, 2018

We meet Queen Victoria at last.

This episode covers George III, the Prince Regent, the royal family tree, the succession, the death of Princess Charlotte, Victoria’s parents – The Duke & Duchess of Kent, her birth and finally her Christening & the origins of her name. There’s a fully transcript for the episode HERE

Love to hear from you at

ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or at the Facebook page/group or on Twitter. If you like the show, subscribe for free, and tell your friends.

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MINI013 The One With The Recap Nov 23, 2018

This minisode gives a recap of the key themes in the show since launch as we get ready for a major Victorian event. (and no this isn’t like the Simpsons playing clips of old episodes in a ropey season 18 TV special). This show is a great chance to remind yourself of the real building block events that unleashed the Victorian age.

Also included is a community segment with reviews and listener emails.

Finally we wrap up with the plan for the future structure of the show for the early Victorian era in the year ahead.

Feel free to contact me at

ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook or Twitter.

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EP016 PETERLOO MASSACRE; BRITAIN’S NADIR Nov 09, 2018

Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham and explore the Peterloo Massacre 1819; one of the darkest moments of British political & social history. From poverty & hope to anger and death.

This episode starts with a outline of the situation in Britain in 1819, and themes of progress. It sets out the difference in mindsets to show how the working world view was so different from the world view of the establishment.

Then we see the organisation of the protest of Peterloo, the establishments planned response, and the problems with the planning. We then look at the events on the day and how a plan worked too well, leading to horror at Peterloo. Finally we look at the aftermath, and the longer term effects of this seminal event in the history of the labour & social rights movement.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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EP015 MT TAMBORA PT3: EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND FROZE TO DEATH Oct 02, 2018

The fledgling United States is hit by freezing storms as the fall out from Mt Tambora continues to wreck havoc around the world. Then we turn to Switzerland and see how the darkness gives rise to the great gothic work of Frankenstein.

In this episode we cover

Climate science in the USA
The early colonial economy
The oncoming storms
Impact and drivers of migration
Situation on mainland Europe
The fateful party: Lord Byron, Mary Shelly and company.
The Romantic and the Gothic.

If you enjoy the show, you can reach me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook or on Twitter @ageofvictoria

Or visit the website www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com

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MINI012 PRINCESS ALICE DISASTER Sep 21, 2018

Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham in a detailed investigation of the Princess Alice disaster on the Thames in Sept 1878, the horror of her sinking, and Victorian Londons reaction.

This show covers

The geography of the River Thames

London then and now

The ships involved

The fatal mistakes

Who were the Victims and the Survivors?

The rescue attempts

The clean up after the disaster

The legal enquiries

Consequences

If you got any comments or want to get in touch email

ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com

or find me on twitter @ageofvictoria

or on Facebook.

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EP 014 DARKNESS FALLS: MT TAMBORA PT2 Sep 02, 2018

Mt Tambora has devastated huge area’s in the Pacific. Now its global impact begins to be felt. In this latest monthly narrative show your host, Chris Fernandez-Packham, explores the enormous impact on the British mainland and Ireland in 1816 as the Year Without Summer Begins to bite.

Topic outline

Volcanoes and climate science.

C19th Weather and climate science.

The labour market and politics in Britain in 1815

The edge of revolution.

The year without summer hits the economy

Slow stabilisation.

1816 begins in Ireland

The Irish political and economic situation

A companions of the famines: 1816 vs 1845

Typhus and poor relief

An unhappy ending in Britain and Ireland.

Love to hear from you at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, or on Facebook (search for Age of Victoria), or on Twitter. Don’t forget you can subscribe for free on iTunes or leave a review.

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MINI011 VICTORIAN GIN – EMPIRE & RUIN Aug 17, 2018

Roll up your shirt sleeves, push back your top hat, and throw open your coat tails. It’s time to grab a bottle of gin, and seek riches or ruin as you learn about the history of gin in the Victorian era. Truly the drink of Empire…..or your personal ruin.

Intro What is gin?
Bombay Sapphire visit
Manufacturing, propaganda and the British vs Dutch origins debate
Invention is the mother of gin
Ah a night out in London with Dickens
Ruin and Empire.
Gin, Tonics and the growth of the cocktail.
Class matters – first last and always.
What did I make?

Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, tell your friends and spread the word out the show.

Visit the website at

https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com

Or subscribe on iTunes at

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/age-of-victoria-podcast/id1234105258?mt=2

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EP013 THE VOLCANO’S WRATH: THE YEAR WITHOUT SUMMER PT1 Aug 01, 2018

No one in 1815 thought the world was about to change, but a cataclysmic volcanic eruption was about to change the course of history. The affairs of men seemed so important, yet in the tranquil Pacific, nature was about to shake the world and civilisations to their foundations. Join me for part 1 of the series on 1816 The Year without Summer as we learn about one of the greatest volcanoes in history. The world would never be the same again.

Love to hear from you either at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or via Twitter @ageofvictoria, or on the Age of Victoria Facebook group. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes and tell your friends to listen.

You can listen on iTunes, via the website, or on Google.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-age-of-victoria-podcast/id1234105258?mt=2

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MINI010 VICTORIAN FISH AND CHIPS Jul 19, 2018

Summer heat wave is here, so it’s time for Fish & Chips. You love em. I love em. The Victorians invented them. Don’t scoff, instead join me for a gallop through the history of Victorian fish and chips. Learn why Dickens was the key as always, and how fish and chips fuelled the industrial revolution. Listen to one of Queen Victoria’s daily menu’s – not for the faint of heart or the approval of Prince Albert.

Subscribe for free on iTunes so you can learn on the go at the gym or on the commute, or listen via the website.

Love to hear your feed back at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment in the Facebook Group (Age of Victoria).

If you like what you hear, please tell your friends, tweet or spread the word to people who might enjoy the show.

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EP012 CONGRESS OF VIENNA PT 2 “TURNING BACK THE CLOCK” Jul 01, 2018

As Napoleons downfall and Frances defeat become inevitable, the hard work and hard partying of the great diplomats and statesmen of Europe reached a fever pitch. In a whirl of balls and banquets the shape of Europe for the next 100 years would be decided.

So much hung in the balance, but the great men of the time seemed to be more interested in the parties and the women to notice. Would there be a lasting peace, and a better world for all? Or would the old order simply be putting a lid on a pressure cooker…..

Join me as we establish the shape of the Europe after Napoleon, and see the stage being set that the Victorians would inherit a few years later.

Transcript available at https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/transcript-congress-of-vienna-in-1814-pt-2-turning-back-the-clock/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-age-of-victoria-podcast/id1234105258?mt=2

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MINI009 “A Victorian Scandal?” Jun 20, 2018

Join me and decide who, if anyone was the truly scandalous one. The aristocrat? The banker? The Sporting Superstar?

This is a minisode that is a stand alone episode on a scandal involving Beatrice Sumner and Charles Hoare in the very late Victorian period, plus why framing a narrative is dangerous when studying history. What would you do to protect your daughter? What would you do to be with the man you loved?

Available on iTunes at

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-age-of-victoria-podcast/id1234105258?mt=2

Or on Google Podcasts if you have a Android phone at

https://www.google.com/podcasts…

If you click this on an Android phone, it’ll open The Age of Victoria. Automatically, in Google Podcasts – which EVERY Android user has already installed.

Don’t forget to email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com

Or message me on twitter.

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MINI008 Announcements & thank you’s. Jun 12, 2018

A very short update on upcoming episodes, reviews, thank you’s and a shout out to the excellent Pontifacts podcast.

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EP011 Congress of Vienna pt 1 “A Brave old world” Jun 01, 2018

Every European school child should have learnt about the Congress of Vienna. Seriously. It is actually possibly the most important series of events in modern history that no one has ever heard of.

Honestly, how many of us have heard of it, or know what it was, or what happened? We should and not just because it is important or worthy. It is a fascinating tail in its own right. Who would rule France? Would there be a Poland? What about the Pope or the Prussians? Who would control the Baltic or the Mediterranean? Who would end up in power, and who would end up dead? Politicians and kings squared off. Devious spies, and clever diplomats faced imperial generals or experienced statesmen. Flattery, bribery and corruption vied with high minded principle. Hypocrisy warred with genuine optimism. Had they disposed a tyrant only to create new tyrannies? Clever, ruthless men like Talleyrand destroyed incriminating archives, attempting to shape history itself.

This is part one of the story of how the modern nations of Europe were born, who shaped them and why.

Join me and find out about the brave old world that the old elite of Europe were attempting to build.

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1ST BIRTHDAY SPECIAL May 04, 2018

The podcast is one year old today. Celebrate with listener questions (who should be on the Victorian Mount Rushmore?), poetry, trivia and many thank you’s to all my listeners and podcast buddies.

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EP010 EXIT NAPOLEON May 01, 2018

Here end the Napoleonic Wars. The revolution is over. France is beaten and it seems Britain is set to take over power in Europe, and perhaps the world. Learn how France fell, how the political battles ousted Napoleon & doomed the Marshals, and the final triumph of the great British Napoleonic Army.

Email any questions to ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com

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EASTER SPECIAL 2018 MATCH STICK GIRLS Apr 01, 2018

Easters here! To celebrate the end of winter, learn about the struggles of the worst Victorian job and the people who did it. The Victorian matchstick girls. Exploited, downtrodden, at risk of the terrifying condition “Phossy Jaw” and always on the edge of disaster, these girls would shake the British establishment when they rose up together. Learn about the trials, dread diseases and the heroic struggle of Annie Besant and the Matchstick Girls.

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EP009 GOD, SAVE ME FROM THE SURGEON’S KNIFE Mar 01, 2018

After the bloody day of Waterloo, many soldiers found themselves in need of a doctor.

Learn how the wounded were recovered, treated and operated on in the aftermath of one of the great battles of European history. The pain and near butchery would be horrific, but the lessons learned would lead to ground breaking advances that would save many lives.

Join me to find out about how an amputation was carried out in the age before pain killers or infection control.

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Episode 008 Waterloo Pt 3: The climax Feb 01, 2018

The climax of the Battle of Waterloo. The fate of Napoleon, France and Europe hangs in the balance. The French seem poised for victory. Can a thin line of brave Scotsmen and the dashing British cavalry save the Allies from defeat?

This episode covers

The heroic Scots

The British Heavies and the Charge of the Greys by Lady Butler

The arrival of the Prussians

The massed French cavalry charges

The dire position of the brave 27 (Irish) Inniskillens

The last attack of the Imperial Guard

Total victory & total defeat.

A post script to a pair of brave soldiers.

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AOV NEW YEAR SPECIAL 2017 Dec 31, 2017

Happy New Year. A very short special: learn about how the Victorians did New Year, some old superstitions and why Auld Lang Syne was actually a happy song.

Don’t forget to leave an iTunes review or drop me and email.

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AOV CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2017: “A Christmas Carol analysed” Dec 24, 2017

Christmas Special 2017! Scrooge, Ghosts, Food, Tiny Tim. A real deep dive into the book that made Christmas……don’t miss it. Enjoy with a mince pie and something festive.

Covers

Why Dickens wrote it.
Finances.
Structure.
The text as a historical source.
Ghosts.
Economics.
Redemption.

Without Dickens, we wouldn’t have a lot of the modern emphasis on Christmas. He was a big part of the newly urbanised Victorians deciding to take a mid winter religious festival and turn it into a huge event. He gives us the idea of the communal big bash style Christmas. But underneath it all, is the chilling message from beyond the grave……uplift your fellow man or else!

As always, hope you enjoyed it. Please leave me a review on iTunes and do send me an email with any questions or comments. Merry Christmas to one and all.

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Minisode 007 Were the Victorians influenced by the Napoleonic Wars? Dec 01, 2017

This minisode deals with the listener question “How does the Napoleonic Era relate to the Victoria Era?” The idea of a “Napoleonic Era” and a “Victoria Era” Key concept of continuity and why labels can be misleading. A very brief summary of

Geo political impact.
Military impact
Financial & economic impact
Social impact
Scientific impact
Institutional impact
Cultural and artistic impact
Personal impact on key individuals.

Some house keeping, a big thank you for listener donations and reviews, & scheduling of episodes over Christmas.

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Episode 007 Waterloo Pt 2: Into the cannon’s mouth Nov 12, 2017

This episode covers the early stages of the battle, including the desperate struggle for Hougoumont which has been immortalised in art, film and British Army legend. It goes on to cover the huge opening roar of the cannons of the Grand Battery. Covers the great strain on the defenders, the preparations for the main French attack of the day, and the arrival of the Prussians. Episode Outline What was Hougoumont and why was it important? Who were the defenders? Who was attacking and how did it go? Where was the Grand Battery? What could it do? How was it used? Was it effective? D’Erlon getting into formation. D’Erlon moving forwards. Prussians sighted. The assault reaches the hedge The fight for La Hay Sainte Dubois and the French cavalry Can the Scotts save the Allies?

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Episode 006 Waterloo Pt1: Destiny dawns Oct 01, 2017

The dawn of the day of Waterloo brings only fear, discomfort and suffering. This is the first in the Waterloo episodes series. It covers

The feelings of the men and a most important breakfast.
Why Napoleon felt he was onto a sure thing.
The weather and terrain.
The reasons why Waterloo was chosen, and how it compares to some other historical battles.
The mental state of senior commanders.
Deployment, tactics, plans and confusion.
The last grand review of the Armee Du Nord.

Waterloo can be a confusing battle, so maps are available on the website.

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Minisode 006 Upcoming episodes and poetry Sep 09, 2017

Shades of McGonagall!! Actually a quick update on plans for October/November plus some poetry.

Good to be back.

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Episode 005 Quatre Bras – the chance to change history Aug 01, 2017

Europe was at war. The fate of nations and armies hung in the balance. As people made hard choices, Napoleon began his attack. He planned to beat the Prussians, but that meant Marshal Ney had to face the British and their allies. Here was a chance for swift and decisive victory, but was Ney the man to seize it?

This episode covers

Implications of being in the war zone

Position of the armies

Why Ligny and Quatre Bras were key battles

Detailed analysis of pre-battle events and orders

The Battle of Quatre Bras and a background on Marshal Ney

Consequences and the missing day.

Speculation on psychology of Marshal Ney.

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Minisode 005 Big Ben Jul 17, 2017

The story of the most distinctive clock and bell in the world. Learn how a tragic fire, and a brilliant Victorian rotter, gave us the iconic Big Ben.

This minisode details the great fire at Westminster, the rebuilding, commission of the clock, the troubles with building, and the great scandal that came afterwards. People were definitely seen in court.

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Minisode 004 Say what about California? Jul 07, 2017

A quick minisode

announcing our new twitter address,
musing on topics, and why I’m not covering Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for a “This day in history slot”
my discovery of the war in California on this day in history (07/07/1846), and the battle of Monterey.
the importance of little things.

Enjoy and please visit the website, the Facebook group, email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com or Tweet @ageofvictoria with any questions or feedback.

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Episode 004 Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte marches to war! Jul 01, 2017

In the trouble world of 1815, there can be no peace in Europe. Napoleon must go to war. Join me in discovering how the storm clouds of war that had gathered over Europe finally broke.

This episode covers

An introduction to the position of the forces on 14 June 1815

How the armies began their open moves and the views of the key players.

A description of how the chaos of war was both tamed and unleashed.

Why Napoleon was making the best moves of the war and Wellington was making the worst.

The start of the battles, and confusion in command

Finally the crucial meeting on the eve of 16 June 1815, and how French gold opportunities were lost.

LINK TO TRANSCRIPT AND MAPS CLICK HERE

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoyed it. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

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Minisode 003 Victorian Ice Cream Jun 23, 2017

A heatwave is gripping Britain in June 2017. That can mean only one thing – ICE CREAM TIME! But how did the Victorians make it? Was it really brought to Britain by an European immigrant, or did the Americans invent it first?

Also include is news about how to get transcripts of the show.

Enjoy – the podcast and the ice cream.

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Minisode 002 The adventures of Max Havelaar Jun 16, 2017

Join me for another mini window into the curiosities of the Victorian age as we see how drinking coffee can help you find an unlikely hero. Adventurer, rogue, gambler, dualist, womaniser and civil servant; no not me……Max Havelaar.

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Minisode 001 Musings on service & Dickens Jun 09, 2017

This is the first mini-episode “Minisodes” These will be mini releases to give listeners extra content between the main episodes. They will cover various topics that interested me, caught my eye, or don’t fall in the neat chronology of the main show. They will also include community news and announcements. They will very much be a “as and when I feel the need”

The main show will continue to be released every 01 of the month.

This one has a short reading from Dickens and hints at my ongoing sadness at poor service in the UK!

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Episode 003 The British Armed Forces in 1815 Jun 01, 2017

This episode covers the British army in 1815, its tactics, weapons and organisation. It also explains how it differs from the other European period. I start with a general explanation of the cost of living and the Royal Navy. I then deal with British Officers, commissions and recruitment. Finally there’s an explanation of how the army worked. Oh and Mr Darcy makes an appearance!

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

The transcript for the episode is available here

https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/transcript-episode-003-british-armed-forces-1815/

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Episode 002 Napoleon and the French Army in 1815 May 07, 2017

In this episode I indulge my passion for Napoleonic history, and explore my fascination with Napoleon. I cover the great gamble of his return from exile, his struggles, the options available to him, and that magnificent instrument of war…..the French Army.

This show covers

The benefits and cost of ambition.
Napoleon’s gamble to retake the French throne.
The position of France, and the role of navies.
Rebuilding the French army, and what strategy to use?
Davout, Ney, Soult and Grouchy – the Marhals.
The musket; the infantryman’s best friend, and killer.
How to form up to die.
The cavalry – The Big Boots
The artillery – Napoleon’s daughters
The Emperor’s first moves.

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoyed the show. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

The transcript for this episode can be found at

https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/transcript-episode-002-napoleon-french-army-1815/

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EP001 BRITAIN AND EUROPE IN 1815 May 07, 2017

This is the first full episode. It covers the situation in Europe in 1815, and gives a feel for life in Britain on the eve of the great events of the last campaign of the Napoleonic Wars.

What does the term Victorian mean?
History as a spectrum.
What will the podcast cover & why start in 1815?
Geography and climate of Britain in 1815.
Britains military and strategic position.
The naval impact of the Napoleonic Wars.
Brief summary of the great powers of Europe in 1815 (Spain, Austria, Prussia and Russia).

Thanks for your listening. I hope you enjoy. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes, it takes less time than making a coffee. If you want to support the show on patreon, just click here, or you can go to Patreon and search for age of victoria podcast or my name.

I’ve now added the transcript of this episode at

https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/transcript-episo…tain-europe-1815/

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