Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

Latest Episodes:

The Convent Girl who became a Queen Oct 20, 2026

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At the decadent court of Charles II, his Italian sister-in-law established herself as a patron of female artists, but, at the same time, faced scandal and betrayal from within her own family. I'm joined by Dr. Breeze Barrington, author of "The Graces: The Extraordinary Untold Lives of Women in the Restoration Court."

The High Priest of Introverts Oct 13, 2026

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The true story of an ancient Egyptian priest.

The House of Cromwell Sep 29, 2026

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In a must for "Wolf Hall" fans, Dr. Miranda Malins stops by to discuss how the Cromwells rose from obscurity to serve Henry VIII, mould a church, challenge Anne Boleyn, and overthrow a king.

Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe Sep 22, 2026

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From shopkeepers with secrets hidden in their diaries to actresses dating Nazis and a socialite taking tea with the Kaiser's wife, life in a German town in the years between the two world wars is the topic of a fascinating new bestseller, "Weimar: Life on the Edge of Catastrophe." I'm joined by its author, Katja Hoyer, to discuss everyday life in the Roaring Twenties and how the heart of Germany fell under the spell of fascism.

A City of Secrets: Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast Sep 08, 2026

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Behind the grand houses, crowded streets, political speeches and public celebrations of nineteenth-century Belfast were lives marked by love, loss, ambition, violence, faith and politics. In nine remarkable stories, this episode explores the people and events that reveal a city in all its contradictions. From high society scandal and the Great Famine to abolitionism, heartbreak, domestic abuse and a powerful sense of community.

Have you read Mein Kampf? Sep 01, 2026

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The royal visit to North America in 1939 by Elizabeth II's parents shone a brutal light on Britain's policy of Appeasement towards Nazi Germany and, a chance encounter on a Canadian luxury liner, helped change the future Queen Mother's life forever.

The Red Rose Kings Aug 18, 2026

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They ruled for less than a century through a war that allegedly inspired "Game of Thrones." The House of Lancaster consisted of three kings, who reigned through a tumultuous time in England's history.

The Crusades Were Nothing Like You Think Aug 04, 2026

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What really were the Crusades? Far more than a simple conflict between Christianity and Islam, they reshaped the medieval Middle East through war, diplomacy, trade and cultural exchange. In this episode, Gareth Russell is joined by medieval historian Dr Nicholas Morton to discuss his new book The Crusader Storm, exploring the rise of the Crusader States, the Seljuk Turks, the Byzantine Empire, Saladin -and the remarkable communities who defined the Crusades.

Francis Dereham: A Tudor Narcissist? Jul 28, 2026

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In 1541, a former pirate started stalking the Queen of England. At least, that's one way of interpreting the devastating and very odd behaviour of Francis Dereham, who receives the first ever deep-dive into his life in this episode of Single Malt History.

Queen Jane Seymour: The Untold Story Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Was Jane Seymour once friends with Anne Boleyn? What did she really think of Mary Tudor? Was there a hidden reason she pleaded with Henry VIII to spare the monasteries?

Join me for a conversation with Dr Elizabeth Norton about her groundbreaking new book, which draws on fresh archival evidence to offer compelling new answers to these questions - and many more. She reveals Queen Jane Seymour to have been far more complex, ambitious, clever, and politically engaged than history has long allowed.

Forget the quiet, submissive queen of legend. This is the untold story of Henry VIII's third wife.

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