Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

Elizabeth II's all-night ball Oct 03, 2024

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret attended a glamorous all-night ball. To celebrate the US and Canadian paperback release of my book "The Palace," I'm taking you into the night when Elizabeth II partied at Hampton Court.

Pantries, Police, and Prayer in 19th-century Ulster Sep 23, 2024

From working in a Victorian mansion, to a murder that rocked a working-class community, and a society that enriched another, join me for these tales from 19th-century Ulster.

Admired by three kings: The extraordinary life of Barnaby Fitzpatrick Sep 12, 2024

From a childhood on an Irish mountainside to the banquets of Hampton Court Palace, Barnaby Fitzpatrick lived a remarkable life. Best friends to the Tudor boy-king, he dazzled the court of Catherine de Medici, rescued a relative from kidnapping, fought an emperor, impressed Philip II, and charmed Elizabeth I.

The Unionists of Old Belfast Sep 04, 2024

From the mysterious death of a marquess to one of the largest anti-independence rallies in Irish history, join me for a trip to 19th century Belfast.

Henry V with Dan Jones Aug 29, 2024

Dan Jones returns to Single Malt History to discuss his new biography, "Henry V: The astonishing rise of England's greatest warrior king."

The House of Tudor (part 2) Aug 26, 2024

From the downfall of Anne Boleyn to the reign of her daughter, Elizabeth I, join us in part 2 of "The House of Tudor."

The House of Tudor (part 1) Aug 22, 2024

They are one of Europe's most famous royal families, but are they worth their modern hype? Join me in part 1 of 2 on the House of Tudor, chronicling their extraordinary rise - from a handsome Welsh servant to a controversial English queen.

The Last Catholic Queen of England Aug 15, 2024

England's last Catholic queen, Mary-Beatrice of Modena, was detested by many of her husband's subjects, who accused her of orchestrating one of the greatest political cons in history. In later years, she was considered saintly by many who knew her. What was the truth behind Mary-Beatrice's remarkable career?

The Kaiser's Childhood Aug 08, 2024

The shocking childhood of Germany's last emperor, Wilhelm II.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Single Malt History contains details of medical experiments, which some may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.

24 hours onboard the Titanic Jul 26, 2024

24 mini-stories from the Boiler Rooms to the Grand Staircase onboard history's most famous ship.

With Jake Douglas (Lawrence Beesley), Joanne Doody (Kate Buss), and Ashley Montgomery (Mary Sloan).

Six medieval kings and the rise of England Jul 17, 2024

I'm joined from the University of Cambridge by Caroline Burt and Richard Partington, authors of the new critically acclaimed history "Arise, England: Six kings and the making of the English State," for a fascinating discussion on six individuals, two centuries, and the transformation of a country.

Catherine Howard's reputation Jul 11, 2024

Single Malt History is back with a new episode on how Queen Catherine Howard's reputation was shaped by Tudor merchants, Victorian professors, feminist revisionists, French novelists, the Me Too movement, and the silver screen.

Special Episode: The new royal play that everyone is talking about Apr 15, 2024

I am joined by internationally best-selling author Dr Philippa Gregory, author of the new play "Richard, My Richard" and two of its stars, Richard III (Kyle Rowe) and Margaret Beaufort (Laura Smithers), for an exclusive interview about the new royal play garnering rave reviews in England.

Season's Farewells with the Tudor Songbook Dec 23, 2023

Jay Britton is setting the world of immersive history alight and I'm thrilled she's joining me here for the Christmas - and season finale - of Single Malt History.

The Marquess of Anglesey on his Tudor ancestor Dec 19, 2023

I'm joined by the Marquess of Anglesey to discuss his fascinating new book "The Great Survivor of the Tudor Age," about his ancestor Sir William Paget. Paget was Jane Seymour's secretary, and Anne of Cleves', an adviser to Henry VIII, Edward VI made him a baron, he supported Lady Jane Grey but then served Mary I, and died in the reign of Elizabeth.

Immortal Valor in World War Two Dec 16, 2023

I am joined this week by Robert Child, author of “Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II,” to discuss his acclaimed research into the remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers who were awarded the World War II Medal of Honor – and the 50-year campaign by some to deny them the heroes’ recognition.

Elizabeth II's Coronation Ball Dec 05, 2023

PUBLICATION DAY EPISODE - to celebrate the American release of my new book, "The Palace," I am reading an exclusive extract from the book - the prologue, describing the 1953 coronation ball of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Mysteries of Harvington Hall Nov 24, 2023

Nestled in the English countryside, Harvington Hall is an extraordinarily well-preserved Elizabethan manor house, with many secrets - some, quite literally, hidden within its walls. I'm joined by Phil Downing, Harvington Hall's manager, to explore the role Harvington played in a dark yet fascinating chapter of English history.

Winston Churchill and the Muse of History Nov 17, 2023

This week, I'm joined by two guests: Kleio CEO, Siobhán O'Shaughnessy, to talk about how she created her new Catherine Howard and Hampton Court candles, and counter-terrorism expert Anthony Tucker-Jones, who's here to discuss his book, "Churchill: Master and Commander".

The Mongol Empire Nov 10, 2023

In the Middle Ages, the Mongols created one of the world's largest empire, fuelled by their religious belief that they had been given the Mandate of Heaven to rule the world. I'm joined in this episode by Dr Nicholas Morton, author of an exciting study of this staggeringly large empire, "The Mongol Storm".

Downton Abbey star Penelope Wilton on her new role as the Queen Mother Oct 26, 2023

Dame Penelope Wilton is beloved by millions for her role as Isobel Crawley in "Downton Abbey". Now, she is playing a very different kind of matriarch - Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother - opposite Luke Evans in the new West End play, "Backstairs Billy." Ahead of opening night, Penelope stops by Single Malt History to talk about her latest role with Queen Mother biographer, and Single Malt host, Gareth Russell.

Dan Jones chats "Wolves of Winter" Oct 08, 2023

I'm joined by Sunday Times bestselling historian, TV presenter, and author Dan Jones to talk about his new novel, the medieval warfare epic "Wolves of Winter" - its real-life inspirations and its role as a sequel to his hit book, "Essex Dogs".

The Lionheart's Queen Aug 25, 2023

Berengaria of Navarre was said to be the only queen of England who never set foot in the country. Explore the life of the princess who married Richard the Lionheart, travelled Europe with Eleanor of Aquitaine, and was held hostage in the Mediterranean.

Henry VII at Hampton Court Aug 20, 2023

Hampton Court had a history before Henry VIII. Join us to discover his father Henry VII's visit to the estate on a crisp autumn evening in 1500.

The Sixtus Affair of 1917 Aug 10, 2023

Vienna, 1917: As snow storms pummel the city, spies and princes in disguise carry documents with secrets that could topple an empire.

ACTOR/S

Paul Storrs as Edward Lisle-Strutt

The Irish rebellion that shook the Tudors Jun 21, 2023

In 1534, what drove the best-dressed man in Ireland to parade through the streets of Dublin and denounce Henry VIII? This episode of Single Malt History with Gareth Russell covers the remarkable actions of 'Silken Thomas' Fitzgerald, an earl suspected of witchcraft, a countess who nursed her husband in prison, and how Tudor Ireland reveals what Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell thought of one another long before the dramatic events of her downfall.

Brand Sussex, Brand Monarchy?: A Coronation chat with Bob Sheard May 05, 2023

I sit down with brand expert Bob Sheard to chat about what advice he'd give to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the royals in the 21st century. And I discuss what's gone wrong at previous coronations - from Anne Boleyn's re-think on the dress, Queen Adelaide's invocation of Marie-Antoinette, a burst appendix, chatty dukes, tripping barons, and how trophy hunters nearly injured Elizabeth I's ladies in waiting.

Matilda of Flanders: The Conquest's Queen Apr 08, 2023

In 1066, England had three kings and, by the end of the year, a new queen. Pious and beautiful Matilda of Flanders followed her brutal husband's victory at the Battle of Hastings to become England's queen consort in the age of the Norman conquest.

Canada's Titanic and the Queen Mother's cousin Mar 18, 2023

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's cousin Charles was involved in one of the forgotten - and harrowing - shipping disasters of the 20th century.

Hatshepsut: Daughter of the Sun Mar 05, 2023

The remarkable and dramatic life of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.

Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast (pt 2) Feb 19, 2023

‘Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast continues with a murder in east Belfast, unionist dinnerware, a Catholic sisterhood with a secret in the west, a party with the Titanic’s designer, and a servant’s life in the mansions of the south.

5. A Murder on Eliza Street
6. From Slob-Land to Snob-Land: A servant’s life on the Malone Road

7. The Duke of Abercorn gives a speech
8. The Sisterhood of Clonard
9. A party with Thomas Andrews

Content warning: Today’s episode contains discussions of domestic violence which some listeners may find distressing.

CAST LIST

Colm Doran as Reverend Narcissus G. Batt

Ashley Montgomery as a member of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Paul Storrs as James Hamilton, 2nd Duke of Abercorn and Thomas Andrews Jr.

Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast (pt 1) Feb 18, 2023

Single Malt History is back for its fourth season with a special two-part premiere. Join us for tales of aristocrats on the outskirts, murders in the east, servants in the south, and monks in the west, as the town became a city while radical politics and conservatism populism collided. I'm joined by some of Belfast's best actors to bring to life transcripts from the time period, and singer-songwriter Emily-Rose Edgar whose performance of a 19th century refrain gave me goosebumps.
Today's four tales:
1. Lord Londonderry's Suicide
2. A Letter from Carnlough
3. A Poem for Mrs Scriven
4. The Death of Mary Ann McCracken

Content warning: Today’s episode contains discussions of suicide, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders which some listeners may find distressing

EPISODE'S CAST

Jake Douglas as Robert Stewart, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry
Maryann Maguire as Mary Ann McCracken
Cáilum Carragher as Lord Byron and John Martin MP
Danny Cunningham as Dr Charles Bankhead and John Mitchel
Colm Doran as The Northern Whig's journalist
Ashley Montgomery as Maggie McKinley
Paul Storrs as the editor of The Belfast Vindicator and Lord Londonderry's coroner
And, 'The Fields of Athenry' sung by Emily-Rose Edgar

A Temporary Auf Wiedersehen Dec 20, 2022

A slightly unexpected ending to season 3 and what's ahead in season 4. So, a farewell and a thanks.

Tudor queens, the power of books, and researching Anne of Cleves Nov 14, 2022

I am joined by Dr. Valerie Schutte to discuss her fascinating research into the world of sixteenth-century books and her forthcoming cultural biography of Anne of Cleves, Queen of England (b. 1515, d. 1557).

The Buggery Laws of 1533 - Homosexuality and bisexuality with the Tudors and Stuarts Oct 31, 2022

When homosexuality was made a death penalty offence for the first time in English history by Henry VIII in 1533, it looked like the new laws might claim hundreds or even thousands of lives. But, sixty years later, a young poet was openly writing poems about his love for another man in a London ruled over by Henry's daughter. What was the reality for Tudor people who fell in love or lust with their own gender? Did it change under the Stuarts? Exploring the impact of the laws, the complexities of Elizabethan culture, and the scandals that rocked Stuart high society, this episode of Single Malt History discusses the ways in which sexuality was punished, hidden, proclaimed, and analysed in the early modern period.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frequent use of sexual language and a discussion of assault which some listeners may find distressing.

The Queen Mother: Monarchy, Martinis, Margaret, and Mustique Oct 15, 2022

Some exclusive anecdotes from the Queen Mother's life on the day my biography of her hits the shelves in Britain, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa.

History's Most Luxurious Cold War: The Dark and Tragic Competitions of the Ocean Liners Oct 04, 2022

From 1897 to 1939, floating palaces and luxury liners were surrogates for the feuds between the rival countries. In the latest episode of Single Malt History, I discuss the grandeur, absurdity, and tragedy of History's most luxurious cold war. I’m joined by actors, bringing to life the eyewitness testimonies of some of those who were involved - from crew members to victims, socialites and sceptics.

CAST

Cáilum Carragher as John Dempsey

Jake Douglas as John Malcolm Brinnin and Sir Tommy Lascelles

Peter Evangelista as Morgan Robertson

Debra Hill as Kate Gilnagh

Rebecca Lenaghan as Noëlle, Countess of Rothes

Maryann Maguire as Alice, Dowager Duchess of Buckingham

Ashley Montgomery as Mary-Josephine Barratt

Reflections on Elizabeth II's funeral Sep 27, 2022

Some reflections on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) and the many royal figures who attended her funeral.

The Fethard-on-Sea Boycott Aug 18, 2022

In a sleepy Irish seaside village in 1957, a priest called on a housewife for a cup of tea one rainy afternoon to chat about what school was best for her daughter. A few hours later, the woman backed out of her driveway in such a panic she smashed her car into the gatepost. She kept driving. Within days, a scandal had swept over everybody involved.

The Truth about Wallis Simpson: Socialites, Spies, and Anne Sebba Aug 12, 2022

Wallis Simpson divided a nation and continues to divide opinion. I'm joined by Anne Sebba, author of the acclaimed Simpson biography "That Woman," who the real Wallis Simpson was - and Anne's new hit read, examining what really happened to the alleged American Communist spy, Ethel Rosenberg.
Content warning: This episode contains brief discussions of domestic and sexual abuse, which some listeners may find disturbing.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII Aug 07, 2022

The extraordinary stories of Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr, their marriages to the notorious King Henry VIII, and how they ended up memorialised in the rhyme Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.

Content warning: This episode contains frequent discussions of miscarriages and fertility struggles, which some listeners may find distressing.

A World Transformed: How slavery in the Americas changed the world Aug 02, 2022

Our interview with Professor James Walvin, author of the new book A World Transformed: Slavery in the Americas and the Origins of Global Power. Professor Walvin discusses working on the history of enslavement over the past four decades and his most recent work, in which he explores how the brutal enforced transportation and labour of millions of Africans continues to have significant consequences today. Slavery shaped many of the dominant features of Western taste: items and habits or rare and costly luxuries, some of which might seem, at first glance, utterly removed from the horrific reality of slavery. Dr. Walvin traces the global impacts of slavery over centuries, far beyond its legal or historical endpoints, arguing that the world created by slave labour lives on today.

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child abduction, physical coercion, racism, human trafficking, and child abuse which some listeners may find distressing.

Anna of Denmark's Jeweller Jul 28, 2022

Jean Findlay, author of the new novel "The Queen's Lender," stops by Single Malt History to discuss what drew her to the dramatic world of 16th-century Scotland and its artistic Danish queen.

Murder on the Orient Express Jul 26, 2022

The brutal real-life history that inspired Agatha Christie's iconic 1934 detective novel.
WARNING: Contains discussions of home invasion, suicide, and pregnancy loss, which some listeners may find distressing.

Hearstopping history and the world of Elizabethan spies Jul 05, 2022

Dr Tim Ashby joins us today to discuss the thrilling life of Elizabethan spy, and fellow Ashby, William. And I catch-up on the books I've been reading, including Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (why I love the TV adaptation), Elizabeth Fremantle's The Poison Bed, and Jane Ridley's biography of King George V. An eclectic bag today!

The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand Jun 28, 2022

Franz Ferdinand's death is one of the most famous in history. But who was this man killed on 28th June 1914 by 'the shot heard round the world'? And how did it lead to the First World War?
WARNING: This episode contains discussions of suicide which some listeners may find distressing.

New season, last Viking, and a Norwegian king Jun 21, 2022

Single Malt History is back with a trip to the 11th century in the company of Don Hollway, author of THE LAST VIKING.

Secrets hidden in Anne Boleyn's prayer book Mar 25, 2022

I am joined by my friend Kate McCaffrey to discuss her genuinely astonishing research into the sixteenth-century network whose secrets she discovered hidden in Anne Boleyn’s Books of Hours.

The Windsors' secret mission to save the Hapsburgs: Or, the story of the real King's Man Mar 17, 2022

Why did the House of Windsor refuse to save the Romanovs? And why, in 1919, did the British royals then launch a secret mission, headed by a dashing spy, to save the Emperor of Austria?
This episode is about a thrilling story from secret meetings at Buckingham Palace through war-torn Austria to a small hunting lodge where a fallen emperor lay trapped with his wife and children.
Featuring: Rebecca Lenaghan (Empress Zita), Paul Storrs (Lt.-Col. Edward Lisle Strutt)

How the Titanic featured in Nazi propaganda Feb 11, 2022

In the 1940s, the Nazis were producing a series of anti-British and anti-American costume dramas, when a high-ranking Nazi's attention settled on the 'Titanic' disaster.

In this episode, I discuss what happened and read an exclusive of my author's note to "The Ship of Dreams," my book about the 'Titanic,' which was not included in the audio version. (Authors' notes usually aren't!) Why did I write the book and what is it about that night in 1912 that has kept both moral heroes and moral monsters enthralled for over a century?

Bestselling author Deanna Raybourn talks history, mystery, and crime Jan 26, 2022

It’s not often you find out that you’re related to your guest, but that’s what happened in the new episode when I was joined by award-winning New York Times bestselling author, Deanna Raybourn, author of the Veronica Speedwell and Lady Julia Grey mysteries. We talk about how Anne Boleyn helped inspire her love of history, our love for Murder on the Orient Express and Suzannah Lipscomb’s podcast, Catherine de Medici and Marie-Antoinette, what we can learn from the Victorians, the ways in which anti-Semitism shifts in novels written on either side of 1945, and how Deanna writes, researches, and creates her hugely popular historical novels.
Some strong language. Some spoilers (for books written in the 1930s, but spoilers nonetheless)

Meet the Georgians Dec 16, 2021

I’m joined by Robert Peal to discuss two Irish Protestant aristocratic women who fell in love, a survivor of slavery who became a bestselling author, sultans and Stuart princes, a radical who befriended King George III, the ‘pirate queens of the Caribbean,’ and many more, who feature in Rob’s debut book, “Meet the Georgians: Epic Tales from Britain’s Wildest Century”.

Piers Gaveston and Edward II Dec 07, 2021

The tumultuous life of a handsome Gascon knight who became the lover of England's king, Edward II. How did he become Lord Lieutenant of Ireland? What happened that terrible night at Warwick Castle? How did the consequences of their love affair shape politics for a decade? And what happened to Edward II when he suddenly disappeared in 1327?

Dr. Elizabeth Norton on Anne of Cleves, Thomas Seymour, and ancient plots Dec 03, 2021

I am joined in today's episode by Dr. Elizabeth Norton, who chats about her biography of Henry VIII's fourth wife Anne of Cleves, England's first crowned queen Elfrida, and her research into the controversy between Thomas Seymour and the future Elizabeth I.

The Schemes and Dreams of Lord Londonderry Dec 01, 2021

At the start of the 1920s, a firmly right-wing aristocrat became embroiled in the political chaos surrounding Irish independence, alongside the maintenance of the British state in Northern Ireland. How, and why, did the ultra-conservative Lord Londonderry decide to try a truly radical plan to save the new state's working-class children from inheriting the sectarian bitterness of previous generations? In this episode I talk about the Londonderry dynasty's role as they witnessed the Home Rule campaign, the struggle for Irish independence, the violence of the trenches in the First World War, and the creation of Northern Ireland.

The Boleyns of Hever Castle Nov 24, 2021

I’m joined by Dr. Owen Emmerson (from TV’s “The Boleyns”, “Who Do You Think You Are?”) and Claire Ridgway (“On This Day in Tudor History”, The Anne Boleyn Files) to discuss their new book “The Boleyns of Hever Castle,” exploring the private lives of an aristocratic dynasty and what everyday life was like in a manor house at the dawn of the Tudor era.

Olaudah Equiano: Aristocrat, Abolitionist, and Survivor of Slavery Nov 12, 2021

Olaudah Equiano's life took him from a blissful childhood in the African kingdom of Benin to the slave auctions of Barbados. He endured life on a tobacco plantations in Virginia, fought battles off the coast of Portugal, he sailed to the Arctic, met Queen Charlotte in Georgian London, and addressed anti-slavery conventions in Belfast.

Eustace Chapuys: Sixteenth-century Savant and Spy Nov 01, 2021

I am joined by friend of the show, Dr Lauren Mackay, to discuss Eustace Chapuys, whose fascinating life took him from studying near the Holy Shroud of Turin to the heart of the Habsburg and Tudor courts on the eve of the Reformation. He wrote in cyphers, spied for an emperor, and stood witness to rebellions, miscarriages of justice, and diplomatic scandals. Did this erudite clergyman really become Anne Boleyn's mortal enemy, as has been claimed? And how did he become a confidant of Emperor Charles V and Katherine of Aragon's last - and perhaps most loyal - friend?

Mary I, Katherine Parr, and Royal Mistresses Oct 20, 2021

Dr. Linda Porter discusses her acclaimed biographies of Tudor queens - Mary I and Katherine Parr - as well as her recent bestseller “Mistresses,” on the scandals, politics, adultery, tragedy, and glamour at Charles II’s court.

Marie-Antoinette's Execution Oct 17, 2021

On 16th October 1793, "the most hated woman in France" was publicly beheaded. How had the former queen fallen from life at Versailles to death before a crowd of thousands? From her controversial trial to her last letter and final journey, Marie-Antoinette's execution became a cultural Rubicon. Seen by some as a moment of revolutionary justice and by others as a warning about the dangers posed by political extremism, the execution also helped solidify the growing ideology of western European conservatism, being cited by some of conservatism's so-called 'founding thinkers' as an embodiment of everything they need to fight against.
As a personal tragedy, a grizzly death, and a cultural turning point, the death of Marie-Antoinette remains controversial and fascinating.

The Real Sansa Stark? Oct 14, 2021

Single Malt History is back for its second season with an episode about Isobel of Gloucester, the queen England never had. Isobel's life is a window into misogyny, monarchy, terrible betrayal, kidnapping, and courage at the heart of the Middle Ages. She was the first, forgotten wife of one of England's most unpopular rulers - and she might even have been Queen of Ireland, too, had things gone differently. Isobel's story is a cocktail of revenge and rebellion.

Historical Fiction and the Power of Storytelling with Nichelle Tramble Spellman Aug 18, 2021

I sit down with Nichelle Tramble Spellman, award-winning producer and showrunner of AppleTV+'s TRUTH BE TOLD to discuss historical fiction, the writing process, favourite reads, ghost stories, bodice rippers, and the power of story telling.

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The Boleyns: A Scandalous History - Behind the Scenes Aug 15, 2021

If you enjoyed the hit new BBC docu-drama series “The Boleyns,” or are just waiting until it shows internationally, I sat down to talk with a few of my fellow contributors to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s new, what’s different, and what’s exciting about “The Boleyns”. (Featuring: doctors Estelle Paranque, Lauren Mackay, and Owen Emmerson)

The Knight who choked to death on a frog Aug 05, 2021

Join me for some of the grizzly, weird deaths in the 16th century - Sir Marmaduke Constable, who choked to death on a frog; a poisoned earl; a splinter in a king’s eye, a female pastor with other-worldly courage, and an Irish prince killed because of a hangover?

Dr Nicola Clark and the women of the Howard family Jul 31, 2021

I'm joined in this episode by Dr Nicola Clark to discuss the remarkable women produced by the House of Howard during the Tudor era - queens, duchesses, countesses, rebels, and ladies in waiting who immersed themselves in the debates of the Protestant Reformation.

The Nine Day Queen with Leanda de Lisle Jul 22, 2021

I’m joined by best-selling historian Leanda de Lisle to talk about her critically acclaimed books, Lady Jane Grey’s personality, James I’s sexuality, Leanda’s breakthrough with previously unpublished royal letters from the civil war, Margaret Beaufort’s tragedy, and how a Welsh warrior and womaniser changed the monarchy forever.

The Murder of the Romanovs Jul 17, 2021

On 17th July 1918, Russia's ex-tsar, Nicholas II, his wife, their five children, and four servants were murdered in a cellar by members of the local Communist party. Who gave the final order? Why was there a rumour that the youngest Romanov daughter, Anastasia, had escaped death that night? Did the British Royal Family really abandon their Russian cousins? And how close were they to being rescued by their supporters?

Nur Jahan: The Empress they called the Light of the World Jun 22, 2021

The 16th century produced many remarkable royal women, few more so than Nur Jahan, the refugee who became an empress. Nur Jahan’s extraordinary life is a story of persecution, murder, opulence, art, tiger hunts, drug addiction, and rebellions.

Margaret Beaufort: Killer Countess? Jun 12, 2021

Dr. Nicola Tallis joins me to talk about her most recent book - a biography of Margaret Beaufort. Beaufort has been accused of infanticide, murder, treason, and cruelty in her quest to put her son on the throne of England as King Henry VII. Who better to ask than the author of “Uncrowned Queen” about just how much of this is true?

Séances, Suicides, and Spiritualism: AJ West discusses a true scandal in Edwardian Belfast May 31, 2021

AJ West stops by to discuss the thrillingly dark true story that inspired his début novel, "The Spirit Engineer". In the summer of 1920, a professor's suicide in the northern Irish seaside town of Bangor lifted the lid on a Belfast Spiritualist church headed by a working-class blouse cutter called Kathleen Goligher, who attracted the attention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini with her claims to be able to speak to the Dead. Now, this forgotten drama, long overshadowed by the "Titanic," the First World War, and the creation of Northern Ireland, takes centre stage - and I found it so interesting to discuss the truth behind the scandal with AJ. We also have a first - a short dramatisation from "The Spirit Engineer" for our listeners - voiced by actors Cáilum Carragher and Ashley Montgomery.

The Downfall of Anne Boleyn May 19, 2021

How did Anne Boleyn go from being one of the most influential queens in English history to being executed before a large crowd on 19th May 1536? Was Henry VIII's second wife and Elizabeth I's mother brought down by politics, paranoia, prejudice, or perversion? In this episode, I narrate what really happened on Anne's final day alive and explore whether a cornucopia of incest, adultery, attempted murder, treason, and witchcraft actually helped bring about her terrible end.

Charlotte Hope on Katherine of Aragon, The Spanish Princess, Anne Boleyn and her process as an actor May 10, 2021

Charlotte Hope, star of “The Spanish Princess,” sits down with Gareth Russell to open up about playing Katherine of Aragon, her character’s tragedy but incredible strength, what she really thinks of Anne Boleyn, and how she prepares for her roles. Lots of laughter. Some strong language.

The Sinking of the "Lusitania" May 07, 2021

On 7th May 1915, a torpedo brought panic, terror, heroism, and heartbreak to the passengers and crew of the luxury liner "Lusitania". This episode is about the experiences of her victims and survivors, the conspiracy theories about what caused the mysterious second explosion and a tragedy that was so intense it shook the German throne - and navy.

Adeliza of Louvain: Queen of Beauty and Blood Apr 29, 2021

England's forgotten queen, Adeliza of Louvain, led a fascinating life in one of the Middle Ages's darkest periods - it's a story of arranged marriages, illicit love affairs, beauty, betrayal, and the unanswered question of if she helped start one of the bloodiest wars in British history.

The Truth About Thomas Boleyn Apr 21, 2021

I'm joined by Dr. Lauren Mackay to talk about her biography of Thomas Boleyn (is his reputation as a moral monster deserved?) and we also chat about the enigmatic ambassador Eustace Chapuys, plots, scheming, jousting, lying, unearthing long-lost portraits, Mary Boleyn’s difficult relationship with her father, and some surprising chats from the cast of the hit show THE TUDORS.

Titanic's Last Voyage: The Aftermath Apr 18, 2021

What impact did the “Titanic” disaster have on working-class communities and how did one particular tragedy end-up being used to help mobilise public opinion against Irish independence? I'm joined by Julie Cook, author of "Titanic and the City of Widows it Left Behind."

Titanic's Last Voyage: The Rescue Apr 16, 2021

The night didn't end with the sinking - here's the story of the rescue mission and how the "Titanic" became the first mass media-covered tragedy of the modern era.

Titanic's Last Voyage: The Sinking Apr 15, 2021

Hear the story of the "Titanic's" death plunge, with eyewitness testimonies and the truth about what really happened in Third Class on that terrible night.

Titanic's Last Voyage: Day Five Apr 14, 2021

Hear how a quiet Sunday at sea gave way to horror when the "Titanic" struck an iceberg, 109 years ago today. Eyewitness testimonies from the Countess of Rothes, Katie Gilnagh, and Gladys Cherry see me joined by Rebecca Lenaghan, Debra Hill, and Maryann Maguire.

Titanic's Last Voyage: Day Four Apr 13, 2021

The temperature's dropping but the "Titanic's" speed is rising. Exactly the same story in a science fiction novel, printed 14 years earlier. So, did a psychic really predict the coming disaster?

Titanic's Last Voyage: Day Three Apr 12, 2021

Discover the sights, splendours, and serving sizes of First Class on the "Titanic," as well as an eyewitness account from a crew member, read by Belfast actress Ashley Montgomery.

Titanic's Last Voyage: Day Two Apr 11, 2021

A stopover in Ireland and life in Second Class where we meet a Haitian engineer with a powerful relative, an Australian miner with a dark secret, a German baron with a shocking passport, and a Cambridge scientist with a new religion.

Titanic's Last Voyage: Day One Apr 10, 2021

Actors read eyewitness testimonies from 1912 and historian Gareth Russell gives a day-by-day account of the "Titanic's" fatal first and final voyage. In this episode, hear about the excitement, bustle, and unexpected drama of an Edwardian travel day - and the surprising reason why the "Titanic" very nearly didn't leave England.

The dead Emperor in the bathroom Apr 08, 2021

How incest, murder, deceit, and war brought an ancient emperor to a very undignified end

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