Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

Latest Episodes:

The Stolen Crown of Elizabeth I? Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Skullduggery, espionage, royal narcissism, and plots a-plenty were the order of the day in the dying days of the Tudor dynasty - and to uncover it, we're joined on Single Malt History by Dr. Tracy Borman, Sunday Times bestselling author of the new hit book "The Stolen Crown".

A Civil War Queen Nov 04, 2025

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Matilda of Boulogne was a powerhouse in medieval politics, almost universally admired in a time of treachery, anarchy, and civil war.

Scotland's Summer Queen Oct 30, 2025

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In the sixteenth century, a Scottish king called James braved sea and storm to bring home Scotland's new queen.

The North Berwick witch hunts Oct 23, 2025

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Discover the brutal story of the witch-hunts that consumed Scotland, one hundred years before Salem.

Queen James: An Exclusive First Extract Feb 27, 2025

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In a Single Malt History exclusive, the first chapter of my book "Queen James" - narrated by me - is shared here on UK publication date.

History's Lost Causes Feb 17, 2025

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From the dreams of a religious pharaoh and the ambitions of Cleopatra, to Britain's first anti-technology movement, Single Malt History takes a look at three of History's lost causes.

Ireland's Most Infamous Unsolved Murder Dec 22, 2024

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In 1922, a murder happened in Belfast that was so horrific that everyone - from Winston Churchill to Michael Collins - condemned its savagery. Yet, the killers were never brought to justice. A century later, I’m joined by historian Dr. Edward Burke, author of the new book “Ghosts of a Family,” who set out to solve the mystery of Ireland’s greatest unsolved cold case.

The Molly Houses of Georgian London Dec 02, 2024

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Author AJ West visits Single Malt History to discuss his new Sunday Times best-selling novel “The Betrayal of Thomas True,” and the world, hidden in plain sight in Georgian London, that inspired his book.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Single Malt History contains discussions of sexual behaviour. Listener discretion is advised.

Murder at Sea: The Inventor, the Emperor, and John D. Rockefeller Nov 23, 2024

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New York Times bestselling author Doug Brunt joins Single Malt History to discuss his hit new book "The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War One."

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

Show notes

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.