Single Malt History with Gareth Russell
Historian Gareth Russell hosts a podcast that shares demented and delightful stories from history. The show covers unusual and entertaining episodes from the past, blending historical insight with dark humor. Gareth Russell, an author and historian, brings these curious tales to life.
Episodes
The Convent Girl who became a Queen
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
The true story of an ancient Egyptian priest.
The House of Cromwell
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
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
A City of Secrets: Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast
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
Have you read Mein Kampf?
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
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
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, Sal
Francis Dereham: A Tudor Narcissist?
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
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
The real Anne of Cleves
A biography six years in the making uncovers remarkable details about Anne of Cleves, including a surprising, forgotten, and eerie similarity to her tragic predecessor Anne Boleyn.
Edward Longshanks
For half a century, Edward I won fame on the battlefields. He escaped rebels and vanquished his enemies. But what was the real cost of his ambitions?
The bloody Norman kings of England
Invasions, mysterious deaths, private scandals, quarrels with saints, treachery, and civil wars shaped the dramatic lives of England's four Norman kings.
The Six (Non-) Loves of James I
James VI & I lived a life full of love - and alleged lovers - but did gossip sometimes get it wrong? Yes. But feel free to make up your own mind. This episodes looks at some of the fascinating lives of those who probably never James's lovers - including a Scottish noblewoman so beautiful she was nicknamed "the Pearl of Lochleven," a handsome but quarrelsome rebel's son, a so
The fall of the German monarchy
Was Kaiser Wilhelm II a victim of circumstance or the author of his own ruin?
The House of Boleyn
Downton Abbey meets The Tudors - Dr Tracy Borman stops to discuss her new historical novel, "The House of Boleyn".
The lost face of Anne Boleyn
The face that launched a reformation? For centuries, the missing portraits of Anne Boleyn have excited investigation, imagination, and indignation. With her childhood home now mounting the largest exhibition of Anne Boleyn's images in history, I spoke to two of its curators Kate McCaffrey and Dr. Owen Emmerson.
The fall of the Russian monarchy (part 2)
How did three centuries fall apart in three years? The rise of Rasputin, plots in the military high command, riots in the cities, and a monarch's mental breakdown play out against the backdrop of one of the most brutal conflicts in human history.
The fall of the Russian monarchy (part 1)
The dramatic early reign of Nicholas II and Russia's catastrophic entry into the First World War.
24 Hours at Hampton Court
24 ghosts of Hampton Court guide you through its extraordinary history.
The Princess who vanished for seven years
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 accla
Anna of Denmark
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
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?
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.
The Stolen Crown of Elizabeth I?
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
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
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
Discover the brutal story of the witch-hunts that consumed Scotland, one hundred years before Salem.
Queen James: An Exclusive First Extract
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Pantries, Police, and Prayer in 19th-century Ulster
From working in a Victorian mansion, to a murder that rocked a working-class community, and a society that enriched another, join me for these tales from 19th-century Ulster.
Admired by three kings: The extraordinary life of Barnaby Fitzpatrick
From a childhood on an Irish mountainside to the banquets of Hampton Court Palace, Barnaby Fitzpatrick lived a remarkable life. Best friends to the Tudor boy-king, he dazzled the court of Catherine de Medici, rescued a relative from kidnapping, fought an emperor, impressed Philip II, and charmed Elizabeth I.
The Unionists of Old Belfast
From the mysterious death of a marquess to one of the largest anti-independence rallies in Irish history, join me for a trip to 19th century Belfast.
Henry V with Dan Jones
Dan Jones returns to Single Malt History to discuss his new biography, "Henry V: The astonishing rise of England's greatest warrior king."
The House of Tudor (part 2)
From the downfall of Anne Boleyn to the reign of her daughter, Elizabeth I, join us in part 2 of "The House of Tudor."
The House of Tudor (part 1)
They are one of Europe's most famous royal families, but are they worth their modern hype? Join me in part 1 of 2 on the House of Tudor, chronicling their extraordinary rise - from a handsome Welsh servant to a controversial English queen.
The Last Catholic Queen of England
England's last Catholic queen, Mary-Beatrice of Modena, was detested by many of her husband's subjects, who accused her of orchestrating one of the greatest political cons in history. In later years, she was considered saintly by many who knew her. What was the truth behind Mary-Beatrice's remarkable career?
The Kaiser's Childhood
The shocking childhood of Germany's last emperor, Wilhelm II.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Single Malt History contains details of medical experiments, which some may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
24 hours onboard the Titanic
24 mini-stories from the Boiler Rooms to the Grand Staircase onboard history's most famous ship.
With Jake Douglas (Lawrence Beesley), Joanne Doody (Kate Buss), and Ashley Montgomery (Mary Sloan).
Six medieval kings and the rise of England
I'm joined from the University of Cambridge by Caroline Burt and Richard Partington, authors of the new critically acclaimed history "Arise, England: Six kings and the making of the English State," for a fascinating discussion on six individuals, two centuries, and the transformation of a country.
Catherine Howard's reputation
Single Malt History is back with a new episode on how Queen Catherine Howard's reputation was shaped by Tudor merchants, Victorian professors, feminist revisionists, French novelists, the Me Too movement, and the silver screen.
Special Episode: The new royal play that everyone is talking about
I am joined by internationally best-selling author Dr Philippa Gregory, author of the new play "Richard, My Richard" and two of its stars, Richard III (Kyle Rowe) and Margaret Beaufort (Laura Smithers), for an exclusive interview about the new royal play garnering rave reviews in England.
Season's Farewells with the Tudor Songbook
Jay Britton is setting the world of immersive history alight and I'm thrilled she's joining me here for the Christmas - and season finale - of Single Malt History.
The Marquess of Anglesey on his Tudor ancestor
I'm joined by the Marquess of Anglesey to discuss his fascinating new book "The Great Survivor of the Tudor Age," about his ancestor Sir William Paget. Paget was Jane Seymour's secretary, and Anne of Cleves', an adviser to Henry VIII, Edward VI made him a baron, he supported Lady Jane Grey but then served Mary I, and died in the reign of Elizabeth.
Immortal Valor in World War Two
I am joined this week by Robert Child, author of “Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II,” to discuss his acclaimed research into the remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers who were awarded the World War II Medal of Honor – and the 50-year campaign by some to deny them the heroes’ recognition.
Elizabeth II's Coronation Ball
PUBLICATION DAY EPISODE - to celebrate the American release of my new book, "The Palace," I am reading an exclusive extract from the book - the prologue, describing the 1953 coronation ball of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mysteries of Harvington Hall
Nestled in the English countryside, Harvington Hall is an extraordinarily well-preserved Elizabethan manor house, with many secrets - some, quite literally, hidden within its walls. I'm joined by Phil Downing, Harvington Hall's manager, to explore the role Harvington played in a dark yet fascinating chapter of English history.
Winston Churchill and the Muse of History
This week, I'm joined by two guests: Kleio CEO, Siobhán O'Shaughnessy, to talk about how she created her new Catherine Howard and Hampton Court candles, and counter-terrorism expert Anthony Tucker-Jones, who's here to discuss his book, "Churchill: Master and Commander".
The Mongol Empire
In the Middle Ages, the Mongols created one of the world's largest empire, fuelled by their religious belief that they had been given the Mandate of Heaven to rule the world. I'm joined in this episode by Dr Nicholas Morton, author of an exciting study of this staggeringly large empire, "The Mongol Storm".
Downton Abbey star Penelope Wilton on her new role as the Queen Mother
Dame Penelope Wilton is beloved by millions for her role as Isobel Crawley in "Downton Abbey". Now, she is playing a very different kind of matriarch - Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother - opposite Luke Evans in the new West End play, "Backstairs Billy." Ahead of opening night, Penelope stops by Single Malt History to talk about her latest role with Queen Mother biographer, and S
Dan Jones chats "Wolves of Winter"
I'm joined by Sunday Times bestselling historian, TV presenter, and author Dan Jones to talk about his new novel, the medieval warfare epic "Wolves of Winter" - its real-life inspirations and its role as a sequel to his hit book, "Essex Dogs".
The Lionheart's Queen
Berengaria of Navarre was said to be the only queen of England who never set foot in the country. Explore the life of the princess who married Richard the Lionheart, travelled Europe with Eleanor of Aquitaine, and was held hostage in the Mediterranean.
Henry VII at Hampton Court
Hampton Court had a history before Henry VIII. Join us to discover his father Henry VII's visit to the estate on a crisp autumn evening in 1500.
The Sixtus Affair of 1917
Vienna, 1917: As snow storms pummel the city, spies and princes in disguise carry documents with secrets that could topple an empire.
ACTOR/S
Paul Storrs as Edward Lisle-Strutt
The Irish rebellion that shook the Tudors
In 1534, what drove the best-dressed man in Ireland to parade through the streets of Dublin and denounce Henry VIII? This episode of Single Malt History with Gareth Russell covers the remarkable actions of 'Silken Thomas' Fitzgerald, an earl suspected of witchcraft, a countess who nursed her husband in prison, and how Tudor Ireland reveals what Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell thought of on
Brand Sussex, Brand Monarchy?: A Coronation chat with Bob Sheard
I sit down with brand expert Bob Sheard to chat about what advice he'd give to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the royals in the 21st century. And I discuss what's gone wrong at previous coronations - from Anne Boleyn's re-think on the dress, Queen Adelaide's invocation of Marie-Antoinette, a burst appendix, chatty dukes, tripping barons, and how trophy hunter
Matilda of Flanders: The Conquest's Queen
In 1066, England had three kings and, by the end of the year, a new queen. Pious and beautiful Matilda of Flanders followed her brutal husband's victory at the Battle of Hastings to become England's queen consort in the age of the Norman conquest.
Canada's Titanic and the Queen Mother's cousin
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's cousin Charles was involved in one of the forgotten - and harrowing - shipping disasters of the 20th century.
Hatshepsut: Daughter of the Sun
The remarkable and dramatic life of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.
Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast (pt 2)
‘Nine Tales from Victorian Belfast continues with a murder in east Belfast, unionist dinnerware, a Catholic sisterhood with a secret in the west, a party with the Titanic’s designer, and a servant’s life in the mansions of the south.
5. A Murder on Eliza Street
6. From Slob-Land to Snob-Land: A servant’s life on the Malone Road
7. The Duke of Abercorn gives a speech
8. The Sisterhood of Clonar
A Temporary Auf Wiedersehen
A slightly unexpected ending to season 3 and what's ahead in season 4. So, a farewell and a thanks.
Tudor queens, the power of books, and researching Anne of Cleves
I am joined by Dr. Valerie Schutte to discuss her fascinating research into the world of sixteenth-century books and her forthcoming cultural biography of Anne of Cleves, Queen of England (b. 1515, d. 1557).
The Buggery Laws of 1533 - Homosexuality and bisexuality with the Tudors and Stuarts
When homosexuality was made a death penalty offence for the first time in English history by Henry VIII in 1533, it looked like the new laws might claim hundreds or even thousands of lives. But, sixty years later, a young poet was openly writing poems about his love for another man in a London ruled over by Henry's daughter. What was the reality for Tudor people who fell in love or lust with their
The Queen Mother: Monarchy, Martinis, Margaret, and Mustique
Some exclusive anecdotes from the Queen Mother's life on the day my biography of her hits the shelves in Britain, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa.
History's Most Luxurious Cold War: The Dark and Tragic Competitions of the Ocean Liners
From 1897 to 1939, floating palaces and luxury liners were surrogates for the feuds between the rival countries. In the latest episode of Single Malt History, I discuss the grandeur, absurdity, and tragedy of History's most luxurious cold war. I’m joined by actors, bringing to life the eyewitness testimonies of some of those who were involved - from crew members to victims, socialites and sc
Reflections on Elizabeth II's funeral
Some reflections on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) and the many royal figures who attended her funeral.
The Fethard-on-Sea Boycott
In a sleepy Irish seaside village in 1957, a priest called on a housewife for a cup of tea one rainy afternoon to chat about what school was best for her daughter. A few hours later, the woman backed out of her driveway in such a panic she smashed her car into the gatepost. She kept driving. Within days, a scandal had swept over everybody involved.
The Truth about Wallis Simpson: Socialites, Spies, and Anne Sebba
Wallis Simpson divided a nation and continues to divide opinion. I'm joined by Anne Sebba, author of the acclaimed Simpson biography "That Woman," who the real Wallis Simpson was - and Anne's new hit read, examining what really happened to the alleged American Communist spy, Ethel Rosenberg.
Content warning: This episode contains brief discussions of domestic and sexual abuse, which some listener
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
The extraordinary stories of Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr, their marriages to the notorious King Henry VIII, and how they ended up memorialised in the rhyme Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.
Content warning: This episode contains frequent discussions of miscarriages and fertility struggles, which some lis
A World Transformed: How slavery in the Americas changed the world
Our interview with Professor James Walvin, author of the new book A World Transformed: Slavery in the Americas and the Origins of Global Power. Professor Walvin discusses working on the history of enslavement over the past four decades and his most recent work, in which he explores how the brutal enforced transportation and labour of millions of Africans continues to have significant consequences
