Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

Latest Episodes:

The Princess who vanished for seven years Mar 31, 2026

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The daughter of a Shakespearean hero and a Catholic saint, Matilda of Scotland lived a life at the heart of medieval politics.

Our 100th Dram Mar 19, 2026

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It is Single Malt History's 100th episode! To celebrate, I'm taking a look back at its most downloaded episode and its (shaky!) first.

There are clips from West End actors, stars of the silver screen, the first historian to stop by for a chat, and the two episodes that are still brought up to me the most often by listeners.

Power, Glory, and Memory in African History Mar 03, 2026

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Luke Pepera discusses his debut book, "Motherland." From warrior-queens to Wakanda, from hajj to holy memories, Pepera chats with Gareth Russell about how he used history, anthropology, the memories held by landscape, and the legacy of great buildings to create his critically acclaimed book.

Eleanor of Aquitaine Feb 18, 2026

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Eleanor of Aquitaine, 'the Lady of Two Kingdoms,' was once described as a woman out of legend. The greatest heiress of her generation, she became one of the Middle Ages' most dramatic, celebrated, and controversial figures.

Malleus Maleficarum Feb 12, 2026

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Dr. Steven Veerapen, author of the new book "Witches: A King's Obsession," discusses the witch-hunts' most infamous textbook, supporters, and legacy.

Elizabeth Boleyn Jan 20, 2026

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Anne Boleyn's mother was said to be so beautiful that she inspired poetry. Others believe that Elizabeth Boleyn, Countess of Ormond and Wiltshire will always remain a mystery. I'm joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman, author of the first biography of Elizabeth, to discuss her remarkable story.

Shattered lands and the British Empire Jan 06, 2026

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A hundred years ago, the Indian Empire of the British Empire covered one of the largest political entities in history. Then, over the space of forty years, it collapsed into five partitions that created twelve new states, triggering one of the largest mass migrations of people in human history.

To understand what happened, I'm joined by bestselling author Sam Dalrymple, who discusses who acclaimed new book "Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia."

Anna of Denmark Dec 23, 2025

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One of the most glamorous, important, and fascinating queens in the histories of the British monarchies, Anna of Denmark led a life every bit as dramatic as the era in which she lived.

The Dark Lady of Doona Dec 04, 2025

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Known to legend as Grace O'Malley, Gráinne Ní Mháille, the "pirate queen of Tudor Ireland," led a life that was adventurous on land and by sea.

Did King James abandon his mother? Nov 19, 2025

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In 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots faced execution. Had her own son helped bring her to this terrible fate? One of the great mysteries of James VI's life are his feelings towards his exiled, Catholic mother. In this episode, I explore surprising evidence from the heart of James's court that shows the role he played in his mother's final tragedy.

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