Villains and Virgins History Podcast

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Ferdinand and Isabelle: EP4- The Spanish Inquisition Dec 18, 2022

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You have probably heard of the Spanish Inquisition, even if only from a certain Monty Python sketch. The truth about why it was started and for what purpose will probably surprise you. In this episode we take a close look at the episodes in Spanish history that prepared the way for the Inquisition. We also examine how it operated, what forms of torture were used, and who it targeted. Why did the Pope try to stop it? What was an auto da fe? What did it have in common with totalitarian surveillance states? The villains and victims in this history are almost certainly not who you would expect.

Ferdinand and Isabella: EP 3- Slavery, Slaughter and Stake-burning in the Reconquista Dec 05, 2022

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In this episode, our plucky and determined heroine discovers the mantle of religious warfare. Isabella and Ferdinand respond to an attack on a Castilian city from Moorish forces. This becomes the first skirmish in a "Holy War" against Muslims in Spain. It is a war that will last a decade, and inflict a terrible fate on the city of Malaga. Harem politics of betrayal and revenge undermine Moorish resistance to Castilian forces. Along the way, Ferdinand and Isabella champion Renaissance learning and education for their daughters, but the war against the Moors will occupy most of their attention. They see themselves as champions of Christianity, not just in Spain but in Europe. Their use of religious languages and symbols emerges against a larger global context where Christian countries fear the rising power of the Ottoman Empire. Victory against Muslims on the battlefield in Spain takes on a larger significance, and encourages a terrifying drive for religious purity that will have catastrophic consequences.

Ferdinand and Isabella: EP 2- Queen at Last Nov 11, 2022

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After a high risk secret marriage to Prince Ferdinand of Aragon, Isabella finds there is no easy path to gaining the crown of Castile. An evil uncle, a civil war, and a heroic Portuguese flag bearer appear in this episode as Isabella fights to be Queen. An astonishing solution to a domestic quarrel paves the way for female rulers in Spain, and Isabella reveals her courage and determination as she takes on rebellious nobles and a kingdom in desperate need of management. Along the way the incredible social mixture that makes up the cultural fabric of Spain comes into focus.

Ferdinand and Isabella: EP 1- The Crown of Castile Oct 26, 2022

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Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain are figures you may have heard of in passing, as the sponsors of Christopher Columbus. The fact that Isabella's name is remembered in the same breath with Ferdinand's is remarkable in an age when only men could hold political power. From the Black Death to royal scandal, this episode introduces the fascinating story of these two people and how their marriage would change Spain forever.

Operation Pied Piper: England's Darkest Hour May 30, 2022

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The remarkable story of the mass evacuation of Britain's children in the darkest days of WWII. Britain, under Winston Churchill, faces aerial assault and imminent collapse. This is a moment when it is clear that history could have taken a radically different direction.

Henry VIII: Ep 5- A Tale of Two Queens Mar 06, 2022

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Henry VIII is dead, but he leaves behind an England that is forever changed by his Church of England legacy. Two of his daughters, from very different mothers, will inherit the throne. These two queens, Mary Tudor and Elizabeth I will pull the nation in opposite directions. Tales of ordinary people burning at the stake reveal how "Bloody Mary" got her name.

Henry VIII: Ep 4- Fast and Furious, the Wives Edition Jan 19, 2022

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After the execution of Anne Boleyn, what is next for Henry VIII and for England? A terrible jousting accident changes the king, and may be a hidden factor in his increasing ruthlessness. The future of England and its religion hangs in the balance as Henry decides to assert his authority over English monasteries. This episode covers the Pilgrimage of Grace, the sordid fall of Catherine Howard, and the many other marital misadventures of England's most notorious king.

Henry VIII: Ep 3- Off with her head! Dec 21, 2021

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This episode covers the sordid and sickeningly fast story of Anne Boleyn's fall from grace. It has rumor, scandal, and a completely hilarious introduction to the codpiece. This is also the moment that Henry VIII begins to resemble the ruthless monster that he has become in popular imagination. With Anne's position hanging precariously, what will be the fate of Protestantism in England?

Henry VIII: EP 2- Queen of Scandal Oct 18, 2021

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The woman who is blamed for turning Henry VIII from a most Catholic king into the one who separated Tudor England from the Catholic Church was a dark eyed stunner named Anne Boleyn. This is the story of how a king overturned the institutions of his country to get a divorce. It is also the story of a more complex king than the Henry VIII you think you know.

Henry VIII: The Accidental King Sep 23, 2021

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You may think you know all about Henry VIII, but the version of his life that gets passed around focuses on an obese maniac who married and divorced or beheaded quite a number of women. There is much more to the story than that. In this series we look at Henry the Renaissance man and his bold Spanish queen, against the dazzling backdrop of Europe in the grip of seismic changes. Henry himself will be the surprising instrument of remaking England. Find out how.

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