History Gems

Latest Episodes:

John of Gaunt: with Helen Carr Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

In the second episode of Series Two, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by fellow historian and author Helen Carr to explore the story of English prince, military leader, statesman - and the third of the five sons of King Edward III - John of Gaunt.

Helen, whose book The Red Prince, a biography of John of Gaunt, is out now (but it here), tells Nicola about the controversial Duke of Lancaster and the pair delve into his love life and the story behind the famous SS collar.

Join the conversation on social media and find images of the jewels and items discussed by visiting @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

Sutton Hoo: with Dr Sue Brunning Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

History Gems is back!

In the first episode of Series Two, historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis uncovers the secrets of the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo, made famous in the Netflix film 'The Dig', with Dr Sue Brunning, the curator of the European Early Medieval and Sutton Hoo collections at the British Museum.

Nicola and Sue explore the glittering findings, including a very unique pyramid and the iconic helmet, and discuss how the discovery of the site transformed historians' understanding of the early medieval period.

Find out more about the Sutton Hoo discovery here.

Join the conversation on social media and find images of the jewels and items discussed by visiting @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

Mary Queen of Scots: with Professor Kate Williams Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

In the final episode of the first series of History Gems, Nicola is joined by historian, author and royal commentator Professor Kate Williams to delve into the story of Mary Queen of Scots - and of course, her love of jewels. Nicola and Kate explore why Mary was sent to France, who was fighting over her pearls and why mystery remains over the location of a jar containing her heart. To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

The mystery of Queen Arnegunde’s grave: with Elizabeth Norton Feb 24, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of History Gems, Nicola is joined by historian and author Elizabeth Norton to explore the story of Queen Arnegunde and the mystery of her mummified lung. The remains of Arnegunde were found in 1959 by the archaeologist Michel Fleury. Along with the skeleton and preserved lung were a strand of hair, jewelry, and several fragments of textiles and leather. A gold signet ring, with the inscription "Arnegundis" showed that the remains belonged to the Merovingian queen. To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

The Cromwells: with Stuart Orme Feb 17, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of History Gems, Nicola is joined by Stuart Orme, the curator of the Cromwell Museum, in Huntingdon, to discuss the life of Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell - and of course, her jewels. They also explore a very unusual recipe book with an even more unusual essay inside which, according to Stuart is akin to "a cookery book by Michelle Obama containing an essay by Donald Trump criticising Barack Obama"! Intrigued? You should be. Listen to find out more! To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

The tomb of Tutankhamun: with Dr Chris Naunton Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis ventures back to ancient Egypt to uncover the tomb of Tutankhamun in the company of Egyptologist and author Dr Chris Naunton. Tutankhamun was barely known to the modern world until 1922, when British archaeologist Howard Carter chiseled through a doorway and entered the boy pharaoh’s tomb, which had remained sealed for more than 3,200 years. Join Nicola and Chris as they explore what he found in the tomb - and find out why Tutankhamun was buried with clean underwear and a packed lunch! To see images of the jewels and other items discussed in this episode, check out @historygemspod on both Twitter and Instagram.

Colonel Blood and the Crown Jewels: with Rebecca Rideal Feb 03, 2021

Show notes

In the latest episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by writer, historian and TV producer Rebecca Rideal to explore the story of Colonel Thomas Blood and his audacious attempt to steal the Crown Jewels in 1671. Rebecca tells Nicola how Blood befriended the newly appointed Master of the Jewel House, 77-year-old Talbot Edwards, to get close to the jewels, and how he even had to flatten St. Edward's Crown to hide it beneath his clerical coat. Did he get away with it?? You’ll have to tune in to find out! For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

Joan of Navarre: with Dr Ellie Woodacre Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

In the latest episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by Dr Ellie Woodacre, senior lecturer in early modern history at the University of Winchester and a specialist in queenship and royal studies, to discuss the Queen of England that you've probably never heard of - Joan of Navarre. Born into Navarrese nobility, Joan became Queen of England after marrying Henry IV of England in 1403. But it wasn't all plain sailing as you'll find out if you listen! And as ever, there are gems and jewels to discuss along the way. For images of the jewels discussed in this episode + a special bonus clip, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

Fabergé and the Romanovs: with Gareth Russell Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

In the latest episode of History Gems, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by historian, author and playwright Gareth Russell to explore the history of the Romanovs and the stories behind some of the most famous pieces of jewellery of all time - the Fabergé Eggs. Nicola and Gareth go back to the 1885 when Emperor Alexander III, through the intermediary of his uncle, Grand Duke Vladimir, commissioned an Easter egg from Fabergé as an Easter present for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. Initially planned by Fabergé to contain a diamond ring, the actual finished version, following specific instructions of the Emperor, included a ruby pendant of great value. Only 57 of the eggs remain, and according to Gareth only one looks like an actual egg. Which one is he talking about? You’ll have the listen to find out! For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

The Sancy Diamond: with Susan Ronald Jan 13, 2021

Show notes

In the first episode of 2021, Dr Nicola Tallis is joined by historian and author Susan Ronald to explore the story of one of history's most fascinating and most beautiful jewels - the Sancy Diamond. Nicola and Susan trace the 55 carat diamond around Europe, India and even to the USA as they discover its incredible past, and why it's definitely NOT to be called the Sancy Blood Diamond! For images of the jewels discussed in this episode, follow the podcast at @historygemspod on Twitter and Instagram.

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