Consistently Eccentric History
Consistently Eccentric History is a podcast that explores lesser-known and bizarre events from British history. Each week, host Joe Heathcote tells a friend a story about an obscure historical figure or event, focusing on the weird and unbelievable. With over 150 episodes, the podcast aims to fill the gaps left by traditional history education, covering topics beyond the usual World War Two and Henry VIII narratives.
Episodes
The Bernard Method of Forensic Pathology - a compelling story is all the evidence you need (Spilsbury Part 2)
In the second part of our story we discuss how Bernard went from being a dissector of corpses to a national institution and a knight of the realm. But while the courts were happy with the conviction rate, Sir Bernard's methods became more scrutinised by the medial community at large. This was a potential problem for Spilsbury as it turned out that most were absolutely horrified by what they sa
The origins of Bernard Spilsbury - (or) How to create a flawed doctor (Spilsbury Part 1)
This week we are embarking on the story of one of the most famous medical men of the 20th Century. And also one of the most controversial.Little Bernard Spilsbury did not show any particular interest in becoming a doctor. But as his father James wanted to live vicariously through his firstborn son, his wishes could be ignored.It was not an easy process, but through a combination of dressing to imp
Elizabeth Fry - Got her new 'friends' in Newgate seriously quaking with her reforms
This week Pam is taking us back to a time when UK prisons were a cause of concern for parliament (imagine).However luckily for the Late-Georgians there was a serious Quaker who was ready to do some serious reforming. Elizabeth Fry was a workaholic idealist from Norwich who was not afraid to get her hands dirty in the stinking cells of Newgate. She was determined to prove that by treating prisoners
The Blackout Ripper - (or) some weeks can be (multiple) murder (Gordon Cummins part 2)
This week we rejoin Gordon Cummins as he rapidly escalates in his frenetic killing spree. But while you might think the chaos of wartime would provide good cover for criminality, Gordon was immediately being hunted by a dream team of criminal investigators who would be able to take advantage of even the slightest slip-up......Which was unfortunate for Gordon, as he seemingly could not help but lea
Gordon Cummins - (or) the results of letting your penis make all the decisions (Gordon Cummins part 1)
This week we are starting the tale of Gordon Cummins, a man who would become notorious for his actions in WWII London.......but first we need to explore how his childhood and teenage years formed him into a man obsessed with sex and status, and who was willing to lie, cheat and steal in order to get them.From a transient school career, to time as a leather man, to his decision to join the RAF and
A history of crossing the Morecambe Bay - (or) A quick shortcut over quicksand? What could go wrong?
We are focusing on local history this week to talk about the history of a unique and dangerous highway that was used to speed up journeys to Cumbria.In the middle ages crossing the sands of the Morecambe Bay could knock days off a journey, which convinced many people to risk it despite the ever present risk of drowning.And when you had hungry monks at the other side, it apparently suddenly became
Captain John Smith - Putting the 'can' in American (because he never lost his head)
This week we return from our summer holidays (having avoided the wildfires in France) with Pam narrating the life of Captain John Smith. A man from Lancashire who became both a key part of the British settling of the East Coast of America, and a Disney Character.From humble orphan origins, John embarked on the life of an adventurer which encompassed pretty much everything you could imagine. So str
The 1966 World Cup - (or) feeding English delusions for 60 years and counting
For once we are releasing a timely episode as England are still (at time of release) in the 2026 world cup. Which is the perfect time to talk about how, 60 years ago, a team full of missing teeth, combovers and prominent knees, somehow managed to win the whole thing on home turf. The story of the 1966 world cup has everything. Death, controversy and even a potential international incident (not to
Marchamont Nedham - A man who was never write about the Civil War
This week (slightly delayed due to illness) we are discussing a man who found a way to profit from the upheaval of the English Civil War via the most partisan of journalism. Marchamont Nedham was a gifted writer who became the most influential journalist of his day. Though not the most reliable.Never one for consistency, Marchamont was willing to switch sides if he felt it would benefit him person
A Century of British Cryptids - Getting in a Tizzie Whizie about Cryptozoology
This week we are welcoming the youngest member of the Heathcote clan, Milo to his first episode!And as a result we are covering a subject that is currently rather close to his heart. The pseudoscience of Cryptids. Covering 10 questionable critters that span the entirety of the 20th Century we will answer the question, is there a Cryptid in the UK that is better than Nessie?As this episode is recor
The Assassination of Thomas Thynne - Marriage negotiations can be murder
This week we are talking about how an imagined love triangle (which contained absolutely no love) resulted in the death of a sitting MP and nearly sparked both an international incident and mob-rule on the streets of London.Because in Restoration England any noble woman who had a fortune but no husband was in constant peril. Due to the way the law worked, any man she married would instantly take p
Maurice Wilson - It is plane to see that climbing Everest is hard
This week we are heading to the Mills of Bradford to meet a Yorkshireman whose unshakable self-belief led to one of the most longwinded self-destructions in history. Having survived the horrors of WWII (and the retail industry), a chance encounter with some Yogis set in motion a series of events that would see Maurice Wilson defy the British Government, and find himself 23,000 feet up the side of
James Barry - If women can't be doctors, then why not stop being a woman?
To celebrate international Midwifery day, Pam is back in the hosting chair to tell us the story of a pioneering Doctor who didn't let their lack of balls stop them from becoming one of the top medics in the entirety of the British Armed Forces.Originally only pretending to be a man in order to get through medical training, James Barry was planning to practice as a woman in service of Francisco de
The Hammersmith Ghost - (or) A ghostly Georgian Blunder(buss)
After a series of unfortunate events we are back with a spooky tale from the early 19th Century that resulted in multiple deaths. The Hammersmith Ghost was initially a local oddity, but as the winter of 1803 progressed it became a source of increasing fear for the local population.But as any good Georgian knew, the best way to protect yourself from the supernatural is with a bloody big gun!Guest H
Jeanne de Clisson - (or) Middle aged female piracy is the best kind of piracy
This week we are heading across the channel to talk about how one of the many Anglo-French spats during the middle ages resulted in the creation of one of the most effective pirates who has ever sailed the high seas (of the English Channel).After her husband was executed (murdered) by the French king, Jeanne de Clisson swore revenge. However being an eminently practical woman, she ensured that her
The British Union of Fascists (Oswald Mosley Part 3) - (or) How to get London to hate you
Finally we have reached the end of the cautionary tale of Oswald Mosley, as we talk about his period as Britain's best known Fascist. However unlike in Italy and Germany the population of Britain were not interested in lurching to the right, leaving Oswald waiting for a revolution that stubbornly refused to come.Featuring secret Italian funding, wives dying of apathy and a framed picture of Hitler
James Graham and his Celestial Bed - You don't need a degree to be a doctor of love (though you may need to be insane)
This week we are jumping back into the world of quack medicine, following a nearly-doctor called James Graham as he blazed a path through multiple medical fields (none of which he was remotely qualified for.)While James Graham was searching for the pseudo-treatment that would make his fortune, he stumbled upon the idea of providing a medicalised model for improving marriage, specifically the procr
The Halifax Slasher - (or) should we be concerned about Yorkshire?
This week we are heading back to 1938 to talk about a very odd crimewave that plagued the people of Halifax during the cold, dark days of November. When Mary Sutcliffe reported being attacked by a man wielding a blade, it was assumed that it was an isolated incident, however as the attacks rapidly began to pile up a sense of panic seemed to engulf the people of Halifax.Was it a maniac? Was it more
Charlotte Temple - (or) a cautionary tale for Valentine's day
As we head toward February 14th, Pam is bringing us a tale of Georgian romance. In fact one of the first and most popular tales of romance in early American history.Starting in the UK it is a story of the upper classes, scandals and doomed romances. But how is this linked to a gravestone in New York and is any of it actually true?Guest Host: Pamela Loetterle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Mosley in Parliament (Oswald Mosley Part 2) - The life and soul of multiple (political) parties
It is back to the story of the most famous British Fascist this week as we discuss the Parliamentary career of Oswald Mosley, which started at the tender age of 22.Going in with a naive belief that he would quickly rise through the ranks it is the story of how people born of privilege can struggle when they face even the mildest of barriers, and how the political system can be manipulated to your
Mul-Sac John - Royalist Highwayman with sooty giblets
This week we are talking about a humble chimney sweep who ended up becoming a millionaire, via the medium of highway robbery!Though he originally appeared to want to do the right thing, John Cottington found that even the most successful Master Sweep would not be welcomed into the upper classes. Growing resentment at this glass ceiling (combined with an awkward marriage and extreme shaving adventu
1726, a year of Crime! - (or) a merry tale of snick and snee.
To celebrate the new year we are looking back exactly 300 years to see how the criminal fraternity of London were dealt with in the courtroom of The Old Bailey.With tales of theft, murder, persecution and duels it there are parts that seem absurd, and others that are all too familiar. So join us to see how far the British justice system has come. Now with more sexual innuendo.Guest Hosts: Emma Hea
John Elwes - A misrepresented Ebenezer Scrooge?
Merry Christmas from Consistently Eccentric!To celebrate the big day we are discussing the life of John Elwes, a Georgian man with unimaginable wealth, who chose to spend as little of it as possible. While his eccentricities led him to become Dickens' inspiration for Scrooge, we make the argument that this is an unfair characterisation, as while he would not spend a penny on himself (or his long-s
Oswald Mosley pre-politics (Oswald Mosley Part 1) - (or) how to ruin a right leg in four easy instalments
This week we are starting the tale of the most famous of all British Fascists, Oswald Mosley.Born into privilege and the certainty that he would never have to work for a living should he not wish to, Oswald should have enjoyed an idilic childhood. However the lack of a consistent father-figure mixed with rampant narcissism led him to pursue a career in the Military as a means of gaining the recogn
The History of British Theme Park Deaths (UNEDITED) - Proof that those of us who were teenagers in the 2000s were the most hardcore
This week we have been in Scotland visiting Ollie, so we decided to take the chance to record a three person episode. To celebrate we are discussing every death that has occurred at the many Theme Parks of the UK and Ireland. Starting with a quick primer on the origin of the Theme Park we discuss both the worst disaster in UK history and the worst decade for deaths (maybe the Emo's were onto somet
Mary Kingsley - A victorian woman travelling alone? You better believe I AfriCAN!
This week we are discussing the brief but influential career of Mary Henrietta Kingsley, a woman who only began travelling in her 30s, but who nevertheless managed to write two of the most influential travelogues of the late Victorian era.Brought up in almost complete isolation, but hearing the stories from her father's many foreign adventures, Mary dreamed of going somewhere that no other British
The HMS Birkenhead disaster - Women and children (and horses) first!
This week we are heading of the southern coast of South Africa for a cautionary tale of what can happen as a result of multiple little mistakes. With questions regarding the design, the decision making of the crew, the impact of various 'improvements' and the general maintenance of the lifesaving equipment on board the HMS Birkenhead, there should have been concerns about sailing it through a regi
The End of Port Royal (Port Royal Part 3) - An earth-shattering conclusion
It is time to draw to a close our series on Port Royal, beginning with the return of Henry Morgan to Jamaica with a mission to end piracy. Though of course he instead decided to find a way to turn a (slightly corrupt) profit.But while the merchants of the were making ever greater profits and building ever more houses on the tiny spit of land that constituted Port Royal, deep below the surface of J
Pirating with Royal Consent in Jamaica (Port Royal Part 2) - If you do it well enough we may even name a brand of Rum after you
This week we continue our exploration of the history of Port Royal, learning not only how it got it's name, but also how it developed into being the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean... it was extortion.But even a Pirate port needed leaders, and we discuss some of the most influential of the early days, as well as discussing the rise of one Henry (formerly Harri) Morgan. Morgan was a Welshman w
How the English ended up in Jamaica (Port Royal Part 1) - (or) Puritans don't do well in the sun
This week we are embarking on a three part series covering the most notorious pirate port in the Caribbean, so naturally we are starting by talking about Oliver Cromwell.While the Spanish were busy conquering South America, they saw Jamaica as little more than a convenient staging post. So much so that when the English were considering which Spanish territories to invade, it didn't even make the l
Cleopatra's Needles - (or) the difficulties in managing rock-hard shafts
As a special bonus episode, Pamela is taking us through the history of both of the Obelisks that have been given the monicker 'Cleopatra's Needle.'This is a story that covers nearly 4,000 years and a hell of a lot of wrangling over shipping costs, but which ends with New York City getting crabs!Guest Host: Pamela Loetterle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
William Hacket - A cheap(side) version of a messiah
This week we have beaten a plague of technical troubles to recount an Elizabethan tale of a born-again Christian who took things a little too far.William Hacket was an illiterate servant who managed to talk his way into a good marriage and a malting business. However this didn't seem to fulfil him, so when he was introduced to the concept that protestants can have a direct conversation with God he
Big Daddy and the Fall of British Wrestling - (or) repetition to the MAX!
This week we finish our dive into British Wrestling with the story of the Crabtree brothers and how they inadvertently contributed to the decline of the wrestling industry.It is a story of office politics, nepotism and at least one death. Guest Host: Emma Heathcote Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rise of British Wrestling - (or) you can't perform a cross buttock on TV
It is time to lace up your boots and get ready to rumble as we dive into the history of British Wrestling.From an Edwardian fad for Greco Roman wrestling we follow the highs and lows of grappling in the UK through seven decades, to the institution that was World Of Sport on a Saturday afternoon.It is a story of adaptation, exploitation and features a memorable cameo by a polar explorer that answer
Robert Maudsley - More than a spoonful of punishment
This week we are heading into the bowels of Yorkshire to talk about Robert Maudsley, a man who holds one of the most unwanted records in human history.After an abusive upbringing and decent into drug addiction, Robert made some choices that landed him in Broadmoor Hospital for the Criminally insane, but when you prove to be too much for an insane asylum to handle there is only one place to go.....
The Night of the Big Wind - A significant blow to the housing stock of Ireland
This week we are discussing the weather in Ireland. Specifically the evening of January 6th 1839, when 'Women's Christmas' was interrupted by one of the worst storms in Irish history.We discuss the loss of life, livestock and (tree) limbs, and explore how the lack of support following the disaster helped to further cement the view that being governed from London was not necessarily in the interest
The Freckleton Air Disaster - (or) Never underestimate the British weather
This week both Emma and Ollie are joining in for the story of the worst aviation accident in Britain during WWII, which just so happened to take place a stones throw from where Emma grew up.The unassuming village of Freckleton was more than willing to do its part for the war effort, welcoming around 10,000 American servicemen into the local area, and trying their best to make them feel at home.But
Elstow Abbey - (or) Nuns Gone Wild!
This week we are lucky enough to have an extra bonus episode written and presented by friend of the show Pamela Loetterle, who has been delving into the rather naughty history of the Nuns of Elstow Abbey.A tale of longstanding religious insubordination, illicit meals in the buttery and questionable worship in the choir, you may end up asking the question; "Was Henry VIII onto something with the di
Wojtek the Bear - Do bears transport artillery shells in the woods?
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr Robert Clements - (or) why marriage can be hazardous to your health
This week we are heading to my hometown of Southport to discuss Dr Robert Clements. A man who saw marriage as a means of improving his bank balance, and who was willing to 'divest' himself of his wife as soon as the money ran out.While you would think that this would arouse suspicion, Dr Clements was able to point to the death certificates, which stated that his wives just kept dying of obscure me
The Bargarran Witches - (or) you need to be Shaw before you start throwing accusations of witchcraft around
This week we are getting spooky in Scotland, with the tale of how a volcanic eruption may have contributed to the country's last mass witchcraft trial.When little Christian Shaw began experiencing fits, she was soon able to convince her parents that the cause was infernal, leading to every odd character in the area falling under suspicion of working for the devil.But surely no one was actually goi
John St. John Long - (or) sketching out a medical career
Get ready for another extra special episode from friend of the show Pam Loetterle!This time she is bringing us the tale of John St. John Long, a handsome Irishman who decided that actually studying medicine should not be a requirement for becoming a doctor.Instead he swapped a promising career illustrating medical books for one as a top medical professional in London. Though to be fair he did stre
Joseph Pocklington - Building a reputation (and a fort) in the Lake District
This week (on the hottest day of the year) we are talking about Joseph Pocklington. A man with a dream to become an architect, and who was fortunate enough to have enough money to make that dream a reality despite a complete lack of skill.Creating a series of questionable buildings across Nottinghamshire, Joseph then set his sights on the Lake District. However, he found that the locals were a bit
The consequences of Robert Clive - An abused membrum (Robert Clive Part Three)
As we end our series on Robert Clive we discuss his second attempt to break into UK politics and the results of his governorship of Bengal... It turns out that trying to reform corrupt business practices is much harder if everyone knows that those practices are precisely how you made your fortune. But as the EIC responsibilities in India grew way beyond what they were capable of managing and profi
Lottie Dod - (or) what does one do after their tennis career?
This week we are taking a quick break from Robert Clive to mark the beginning of Wimbledon by talking about the most interesting of the early champions, Charlotte 'Lottie' Dod. Due to the success of her father's cotton business Lottie knew that she would never have to work a day in her life, and didn't particularly need a husband. With the freedom to do whatever she chose, Lottie decided to focus
Anna Atkins - Being a pioneer of photography can be fatiguing
Strap in for the first ever Consistently Eccentric episode written and hosted by Evie!We are heading back to the Georgian era to discuss the life and achievements of Anna Atkins, a botanist with a passion for reproducing what she saw in the natural world, first as illustrations and then with chemicals.Just be careful not to tire yourself out, as apparently that can be rather dangerous.Guest Presen
The Second Coming of Robert Clive - Trying to get out of a black hole (Robert Clive Part Two)
We are returning to our tale of Robert Clive, picking back up with his return to England as a celebrity and the way he managed to blow through a fortune in only two years.Luckily the East India Company were more than happy to welcome him back with open arms, provided he agree to settle down into the life of an administrator in Madras......so naturally part two features pirates, political coups and
The Origins of Robert Clive - A love of fighting out of all measure (Robert Clive Part One)
We are heading back to the Georgian era this week to begin the tale of a man who is arguably the single person most responsible for the British taking control of the Indian subcontinent for nearly 200 years.But how did the son of a minor country gentleman end up wielding such enormous power and influence? In this first part of the story of Robert Clive we will reflect on the trauma of his childho
Thomas Morton - Trying to get merry with the Puritans (and failing)
We are making our way across the Atlantic this week to discuss one of the shortest lived, but undeniably most fun settlements on the New England Coast.When Lawyer, Thomas Morton, was left in temporary charge of a small group of indentured servants, he decided to try setting up his own communal utopia. Offering to free his charges (which he had no authority to do) he suggested they live as equals,
Margery Kempe - (or) a full and honest account of every time I wept
This week we are heading back to the 15th century to discuss the life of a middle class housewife who just so happened to also regularly speak to Jesus Christ.Following the traumatic birth of her first child, Margery Kempe began experiencing religious visions which would last for the rest of her life, and would eventually (after a misstep into the world of brewing) lead her to become a professiona
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester - I would do anything for love, but I won't fight a duel with a Bergundian Duke.
This week we are heading back to the middle ages to discuss the life of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. A man who became a Prince at age 9, but somehow still managed to make life unnecessarily hard for himself.Determined to expand his territory onto the continent Humphrey came up with what he thought to be a foolproof plan... ...even if his older brother has explained to him in detail exactly why it
Margaret Damer Dawson - Recognising the police force could use a woman's touch
This week we are heading back to the turn of the 20th century to discuss the life of Margaret Damer Dawson, a one woman campaigning machine who had a strong sense of justice, and enough money to ensure that her voice was heard.After seeing the way that women in the 1910s were experiencing the criminal justice system, Margaret decided that the only way to improve things would be to have women on th
The Daphne Disaster - (or) a serious Scottish shipping snafu
Happy 200th EpisodeThis week we are looking into the biggest disaster in the history of Glasgow shipbuilding, when a relatively small ship designed to ferry people and cargo to Northern Ireland instead became a sunken tomb for over 100 people. Even worse it was a disaster that occurred in front of a large audience, and only a biscuit throw from shore.A tale of cutting corners and entirely predicta
Sir Thomas Sopwith - (or) flying through 100 years of aviation
We are heading into the skies this week to talk about Sir Thomas Sopwith, a man who had a natural talent for two things. Engines and business. Luckily for him he was born just in time for the dawning of powered flight. Slightly less luckily he was also in prime position to influence he development of British fighter planes during both world wars.So join us as we shamelessly name drop some of the m
Gerrard Winstanley - Digging the idea of communism
This week we are delving into the brief period when Britain was a republic, and when anything seemed possible...At least it did to Gerrard Winstanley, a failed businessman who took the promise of more equality to the extreme when he founded a commune in Surrey with the belief that God had told him to prove to the people of England that private property was against the teachings of Jesus.Regardless
The many fires of the Theatre Royal - Bringing the house down (multiple times)
We are treading the boards this week as we investigate a series of theatre disasters that took place across Britain, but always in a building named the Theatre Royal.Starting with the most famous theatre fire in 1613 we discuss how, over the next 400 or so years, theatre owners never seemed to learn the lesson that basic safety precautions are never too expensive in the long run (also, buildings i
Robert Liston - He knows the quickest way to get you legless
This week we are are dipping our toes into medical history, discussing the life and times of the fastest surgeon (possibly) ever. A native Scotsman, Robert Liston was already an accomplished surgeon while still in his teens. But while his talent was great, his ego appeared to be even greater.After annoying his colleagues in Edinburgh for over a decade, Robert found himself being passed over for pl
Lilly Maxwell - It is always a Bright idea to use a vote when you are (accidentally) given one
This week we are heading back to the world of the Women's Suffrage movement to discuss how a clerical error gave one shopkeeper a chance to vote in a General Election.Having worked her way up to the point where she met the property threshold for a vote (had she been a man) Lilly Maxwell found herself added to the electoral roll for a hastily arranged by-election in Manchester in November 1867.Enco
Baron Spolasco - (or) proof you should always check your doctor's credentials
This week we are delving into the world of early Victorian pseudo-medicine with a man who can literally be described as 'a bit of a character.'Born into obscurity near Manchester (possibly), young John Smith (at least we assume that was his name) dreamed of becoming famous throughout the British Isles and beyond.To this end he reinvented himself as 'Baron Spolasco', a doctor who could cure absolut
The Gentleman's Magazine 1756 - Why not have a butchers?
This week we are viewing the events of 1756 through the editorial decisions of The Gentleman's Magazine. One of the premier publications of Georgian London.Join us as we discuss the criminal inclinations of butchers, the impact of war with France, and the potential pitfalls of bigamy.Guest Hosts: Emma Heathcote & Ollie Green Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robert Fortune - Was practically never home for tea
This week we are following a tale of transcontinental industrial espionage from the Victorian Era.Robert Fortune was a poor Scots horticulturalist who just so happened to have been born at a time when plant hunting was deemed to be of vital importance to the British Empire. Determined that his last name would not be his only fortune Robert agreed to travel to China to steal the secrets of their th
Dr John Donne - (or) I have Donne a lot more than just write a poem
This week we have an extra special episode, researched and presented by the birthday girl, Pamela Loetterle.We are talking all about Dr John Donne. Born a Catholic and a child genius, we follow his career, love-life and eventual conversion (by Royal Decree) to become the most famous Anglican preacher of his day......who also liked to write saucy poetry.Far more than just the bloke who wrote; 'For
Richard the Lionheart - Going on Crusades can be taxing
This week we are talking about a King who was immortalised by Disney, and who was given the nickname 'The Lionheart' due to his prowess in battle.Unfortunately being a king isn't all about battles, and in every other aspect it could be argued that Richard I was sadly lacking. So join us for a story of battles and poor decision making as we discuss the life and times of Richard the Lionheart! (and
Jasper Maskelyne - Having a magical time in war (perhaps)
This week we are learning about what happens when a magician tries to apply his skillset in an active war zone with the tale of Jasper Maskelyne.Determined to serve during WWII, Jasper ended up in Cairo where the British were facing off against the tactical might of Rommel in the deserts surrounding the Nile Delta.What follows is a story of increasingly sophisticated (and almost unbelievable) dece
The Cadbury Brothers - Keeping it fancy since 1870
This week Emma is taking the lead to tell the tale of how two brothers took a failing drinking chocolate business from the brink of bankruptcy and made it into a chocolate colossus that still exists to this day.Following their father losing his interest in the Cadbury's factory following the death of his wife, his two young sons George and Richard decided that they would take up the reins and try
Sir Julius Caesar - (or) what do you mean the king needs to stick to a budget?
We are back with another episode written and researched by the extremely knowledgeable Pamela Loetterle who wanted to shine a light on one of the forgotten nobles from the Elizabethan / Stuart era, Sir Julius Caesar. The son of immigrants Julius was determined that he would become a man of power, wealth and influence within Court, setting his sights on the position of 'Master of the Rolls.' But as
Barry Williams - Having neighbours isn't up everyone's street
This week we are talking about a rare event in British history, a spree shooting. Though it could easily have been two.Barry Williams was a man who struggled to see other people as anything other than objects, and who had a fascination with guns, which is not the best combination.So when he began to get annoyed with his neighbours in the middle 70s, it was only a matter of time before he decided h
Mother Shipton - How to make profit from a prophet
This week we are talking about a woman who was forced by circumstance to live in a cave, and made it work.Denounced by her neighbours as a witch, Mother Shipton leaned into the role in order to survive and did such a good job that she is still remembered nearly 500 years later.But what parts of her story are true? Was she actually able to tell the future? And why did it take so long after her deat
Dr Roderigo Lopez - Sex, spies and enemas in Elizabethan England
We are delving into the world of Elizabethan espionage this week to discuss a displaced Jewish doctor who realised that the way he communicated with his fellow exiles across Europe could just so happen to be turned into a readymade spy network for profit.Quickly rising in influence after leaving his home of Portugal in his 30s, Dr Lopez managed to reach the dizzying heights of personal physician t
The Dublin and Gorbels Whiskey/Whisky floods - Another reason to consider a dry January
For our first 2025 episode we are discussing two separate occasions when whisky* related disasters caused death and destruction within the British Isles.With a brief history of whisky production over the years, explaining how a monopoly of larger distillers was encouraged by the government and how this may have contributed to setting the conditions for the disasters that followed, it is a story of
Hannah Snell - A life too fantastical to be true?
This week on Consistently Eccentric we are discussing the life of a poor Georgian woman who enjoyed 15 minutes of fame due to a sensational biography and her willingness to wear pants.When she was abandoned by her husband Hannah Snell decided that she was not going to take it lying down. So (according to her) she borrowed a set of her brother-in-law's clothes and headed off in hot pursuit as 'Jame
The Penlee Lifeboat Disaster - A coastal Christmas calamity in Cornwall
This week we are heading to the Cornish coast to discuss a history of shipwrecks that culminated in a lifeboat disaster that still holds a grim record in the UK.From the initial wreckers of the middle ages, through early attempts to formalise a system of help for stricken sailors, two world wars and the creation of the RNLI.Guest Host: Ollie GreenIf you like the episode you can support us via KO
The Hong Kong Plague of 1894 - trading lives for profit in the Empire
This week we are joined by Ang from 'Dissecting Medical History' to discuss the origins of the Third Plague Pandemic, and how everything was made worse by the British.When the plague was threatening the colony of Hong Kong the British Colonial Government had a chance to take decisive action to stop the outbreak in its tracks. All they would have to do would be to impose some restrictions...... unf
Sabrina Sidney - (or) The story of a Georgian incel
Welcome to season 3 of Consistently Eccentric History!We are coming in hot with the story of Thomas Day and his 'experiment' to try and raise a girl to become his perfect wife. Taking Sabrina from an orphanage at age 12 (under false pretences) he spent the next 6-7 years trying to mould her into becoming the kind of woman that he would want to spend the rest of his life with.Would he succeed? Why
Lady Marjory Allen of Hurtwood - The architect of many childhoods
This week we are discussing a woman whose advocacy for the wellbeing of children should be much better known; Lady Allen of Hurtwood.Starting out with a passion for plants and a plan to make a career creating beautiful gardens, Marjory Allen became convinced that gardens and green spaces should be a tool for improving the lives of all of the people living in Britain. Becoming one of the leading li
The Rum Rebellion - Trying to say bye Bligh to authority in Australia
When setting up a brand new colony it is important to ensure that you have a long term plan. Unfortunately for the convicts being sent to Botany Bay in Australia, it seemed that their ongoing welfare was more of an afterthought. And when the first Governor left and placed the leader of the New South Wales Corps in temporary charge things went downhill fast. Which is always a likely outcome when al
Adrian Carton de Wiart - (or) Eye would give my left hand for the British Army
To commemorate Remembrance Sunday this week we are talking about a man who gave more than most to the British Army, during a career that spanned both world wars.Despite being born in Belgium, Adrian Carton de Wiart's desire to see excitement saw him lying about both his age and nationality in order to fight for the land of his grandmother against the Boers in South Africa. This was the start of a
BONUS EPISODE - Sir Richard Owen and the Walrus Enquiry
This bonus episode is coming to you from long time listener, two time guest host and now first time main host Pamala Loetterle. Because we at Consistently Eccentric are always looking to encourage other people to start their own podcasts and become more successful than we are!A mystery involving animal bones buried in a coffin in London. Pamala has been investigating the why, the who on a tale tha
King Athelstan - (or) a series of convenient deaths
How frustrated would you feel if you were the first King of a united England, but practically no one knows who you were? This week we will be trying to do our part to address this injustice by talking about the life and times of King Athelstan. A man who took the chances that were presented to him in order to create a brand new country.With a good quota of vikings, many a fortunate death along the
Dick Kerr Ladies - Kicking off during WWI
This week we are discussing the origins and eventual demise of the most successful women's football team of the 20th century. Starting as a way to keep workers motivated in a munitions factory in Preston, the Dick Kerr Ladies quickly developed a reputation as the best team in the country (and specifically as a better team that the French could muster). Their charitable aims and massive crowds shin
