AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan)
AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

The Victorians were the first truly world wide, high speed, high tech civilisation, but they are often misunderstood. Your host, Chris Fernandez-Packham, will bust popular myths, cover events around the world, and focus on a people centric history. You will see how the Victorians shaped the world, changing it from the age of horse, musket, cannon and sail to the age of steam, rifle and iron in this monthly podcast with regular special episodes and bonus content. You will learn about Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Volcanoes, Famines, great art, geography and so much more. You will discover how the Victorians changed our landscapes, and mastered new energy forms that have led us to move from being a part of the natural world to shapers of it. You will learn how the modern world was created by the actions of the Victorians. You will learn how the Victorians gave birth to our modern understanding of weather, climate, history and even time and space.

  1. 1 FEB

    EP061 DON’T CARRY ON UP THE KHYBER

    INDIA SERIES 08 Happy 2025, and welcome back! In this episode, we conclude our deep dive into the 1st Anglo-Afghan War with one of the most infamous military disasters of the Victorian era—the catastrophic retreat from Kabul in 1842. As British forces, led by the indecisive General Elphinstone, attempted to escape through the freezing Khyber Pass, they faced relentless Afghan attacks, starvation, and total collapse. Episode Highlights:🔹 The disastrous leadership of General Elphinstone and Sir William MacNaughten.❄️ The brutal winter retreat and the suffering of British troops and civilians.⚔️ The last stand at Gandamak—courage, chaos, and ultimate defeat.🏇 The survival of Dr. William Brydon and the myths surrounding the retreat.🌍 How this catastrophe shaped Victorian imperial policies and perceptions of Afghanistan. Key Takeaways: * Leadership failure can turn a bad situation into a total catastrophe. * The realities of empire-building were far bloodier and more chaotic than the myths suggest. * The First Anglo-Afghan War left a lasting legacy, shaping British military thinking for years to come. Next Episode Teaser:Stay tuned as we explore the British response to this defeat—because when an empire stumbles, it rarely stays down for long. Host’s Note:Thank you for your ongoing support! If you’re enjoying the series, please leave a review and consider joining our Patreon community.

    51 min

  2. 23/12/2024

    CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING

    Get ready for a holly-jolly dive into Christmas history! In this special episode, I unwrap how the Victorians shaped the modern holiday, turning it into a celebration of family, charity, and festive cheer. From Prince Albert’s Christmas trees to the rise of Santa Claus, discover the origins of the traditions we know and love today. Plus, enjoy a classic Victorian ghost story to complete the holiday magic! Episode Highlights:🎄 How the industrial revolution made Christmas possible.📜 The Victorian invention of “ancient traditions” (like Christmas cards).🎅 The birth of Santa Claus and his merger with Father Christmas.📚 Victorian holiday pastimes: poems, ghost stories, and more.👻 A chilling Victorian ghost story to end the episode. Key Takeaways: Christmas, as we know it, is a product of Victorian modernization and commercialization. Cultural evolution transformed Christmas into a global phenomenon of joy, family, and charity. Traditions like Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and holiday cards have complex and fascinating histories. Stay tuned for more historical deep dives in the new year. Thank you for a wonderful season of learning and laughter! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our listeners! Thank you for your support through a challenging year. We’re excited to bring you even more content in 2025. Cheers to the journey ahead!

    1h 3m

  3. 11/12/2024

    EP060 Agent Down! Catastrophe in Kabul

    INDIA SERIES 07 Episode Summary:In this dramatic episode, we unpack the chain of events that led to the catastrophic unraveling of British occupation in Kabul during the First Anglo-Afghan War. From strategic blunders to leadership failures, General Elphinstone’s indecision turns a precarious situation into full-scale disaster. Listen to the cautionary tale of how poor planning, arrogance, and hubris can unravel even the mightiest empires. Highlights: Flawed Occupation Strategy: Mismanagement of finances and diplomacy stoked rebellion. * The Fall of “Agent 00Burnes”: The assassination of Alexander Burnes ignited unrest among Kabul’s population. * Indecision in Command: General Elphinstone’s hesitations worsened an already dire situation. * Military Blunders: Failed offensives, logistical failures, and poor morale among British troops. * Historical Parallels: Comparing the First Anglo-Afghan War to modern conflicts in the region. Key Takeaways: * Effective leadership is critical in crisis management. * Misunderstanding local dynamics and culture can have disastrous consequences. * Historical lessons from imperial conflicts remain relevant today. Next Episode Teaser:In our next installment, we follow MacNaughten’s ill-fated attempts to negotiate a resolution and the devastating aftermath of his decisions. Host’s Note:Thank you for your patience as I navigate some personal and health challenges. Regular episodes will resume next year with exciting content and bonus shows. Your support means the world—cheers to the journey ahead!

    33 min

  4. 01/09/2024

    EP059 INDIA SERIES 06 THE QUAGMIRE OF OCCUPATION

    INDIA SERIES 06 This episode continues the exploration of the Anglo-Afghan War, focusing on the British occupation and the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Key topics covered include: * Death of Sir Henry Durand: The episode begins by discussing the tragic death of Lt. Henry Durand, a prominent British officer, who was crushed by an elephant while passing through a low gateway. * The British Army: The episode provides a brief overview of the ranks of the British Army during the Victorian era. * The attempted return of Dost Mohammed: Dost Mohammed, the former Afghan king, returns to Afghanistan and begins to gather forces to challenge British rule. * British Mistakes: The episode highlights several critical mistakes made by the British, including the establishment of a vulnerable cantonment and the appointment of an incompetent commander. * Ruling by Fear and Western Views on Oriental Despotism: The episode discusses the British belief in the need to rule through fear and intimidation in Asian countries, reflecting Western views on “Oriental despotism.” This approach proved to be counterproductive and further alienated the Afghan population. * General Elphinstone: The episode highlights the incompetence and poor leadership of General Elphinstone, who was appointed to command the British forces in Afghanistan despite his lack of experience and health problems. * Growing Hostility: The Afghan population becomes increasingly hostile towards the British, fuelled by cultural clashes, economic hardship, and the perception of British arrogance. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

    39 min

  5. 01/08/2024

    EP058 ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH DEAR FRIENDS

    INDIA SERIES 05 This episode focuses on the continuation of the British invasion of Afghanistan in 1839. Here are the key things I cover: * British capture Kandahar: The poorly prepared British army, led by Generals Keane and Cotton, struggles through deserts and mountains but manages to capture Kandahar with little resistance. Shah Shuja is reinstated as king, but the locals are not enthusiastic. * Difficulties and discontent: The British underestimate the logistical challenges and the hostility of the Afghan people. Food shortages, inflation, and a lack of military intelligence create problems for the British. * Siege of Ghazni: The heavily fortified city of Ghazni stands in the way of the British advance. Despite lacking siege equipment, the British launch a desperate night attack led by Lieutenant Durand and his engineers. After a fierce battle, the British capture the city following a bloody urban warfare. * British brutality: The capture of Ghazni is marred by a brutal rampage by British and Sepoy troops who loot the city and commit rape and murder. * Fall of Dost Mohammed: The fall of Ghazni and illness of his son force Afghan king Dost Mohammed to flee Kabul and negotiate with the British. He proposes a power-sharing deal that is rejected by the British. * Arrival of Shah Shuja: Shah Shuja returns to Kabul as king, but has no real support from the Afghan people. The British establish a military presence in the city. * British incompetence: The episode concludes by highlighting the poor leadership and outdated tactics of the British army. * Next episode: The upcoming episode will delve into the disastrous failures of the British occupation and their eventual retreat from Afghanistan.

    36 min

  6. 01/07/2024

    EP057 FORWARD MARCH TO THE PASS

    Welcome to the podcast! I’m recording this episode while dealing with selling my house and going through a divorce. The podcast is a great escape for me during these difficult times. Quick housekeeping: I’m pleased to welcome new patron Matt Anderson as a Loveable Chimney Sweep. Update on transcripts: I’ve been working on fully footnoted transcripts back to episode 32. Apple Podcasts now automatically produces transcripts for all episodes, which is great for accessibility. Today we’re continuing our series on the invasion of Afghanistan. If you haven’t listened to episodes 054-056 yet, start there first. Prelude to the invasion: The First Anglo-Afghan War is remembered as a great military disaster and a masterclass in bad political decision-making. I discuss how this war doesn’t fit neatly into typical frameworks like colonialism or imperialism. The British goal was to install a friendly king as a buffer, not to rule directly. Different world views I explore the concept of Orientalism and how it applied to British views of Afghanistan at the time. We look at quotes from British envoys and compare them to Roman descriptions of Germanic tribes, noting similarities in how “frontier” peoples were viewed. I discuss the Afghan perspective and capabilities, including their use of the jezail rifle. The key British players introduced: * Lord Auckland (Governor General) * Sir William Macnaughten (Secretary to Governor General) * Alexander Burnes (British agent) * Sir John Keane and Sir Willaby Cotton (Generals leading the invasion force) Professionals talk logistics I detail the enormous logistical challenges of planning the invasion, including assembling troops, supplies, and animals. The invasion force had to take a longer desert route instead of the Khyber Pass, covering over 1,200km on foot. Hunger and missed opportunities The army starts to starve, and has to force the grim Bolan pass Next episode: We’ll follow the army as it pushes deeper into Afghanistan and attempts to put Shah Shuja on the throne. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at ageofvictoriapodcast@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com.  The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

    51 min

  7. 31/05/2024

    7TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL “SURELY HOLMES?”

    Introduction: * Welcome, everyone, to The Age of Victoria Podcast! * Today marks a special milestone – our 7th anniversary! * I’m incredibly grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm over the years. * In this celebratory episode, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: the reality of Sherlock Holmes, despite his fictional origins. * We’ll also explore the core of Holmes’ character and finish off with my top 5 Sherlock Holmes movies and TV series. Segment 1: Is Sherlock Holmes Real? * Discussing the intriguing philosophical question: Can a fictional character be considered real? * Exploring the concept of “literary realism” and how Sherlock Holmes has transcended fiction to become a cultural icon. Segment 2: The Core of Sherlock Holmes’ Character * Analyzing the essential traits that make Sherlock Holmes an enduring character: * His unparalleled intellect and powers of observation. * The importance of his friendship with Dr. John Watson. * Holmes’ unique personality quirks and eccentricities. * The moral and ethical dimensions of his detective work. * Discussing how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle developed Holmes’ character through the stories. * The evolution of Holmes over time and his adaptability to different eras and media. Segment 3: My Top 5 Sherlock Holmes Movies and TV Series * Sharing my personal favorites and why they stand out: * Jeremy Brett (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1984-1994 Granada TV Series) – Featuring the iconic and definitive portrayal of Holmes. * Peter Cushing (Various adaptations, including Hammer Films and BBC series) – Known for his intense and meticulous interpretation of the character. * Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes, 2009 Film) – Directed by Guy Ritchie, showcasing a dynamic and action-packed Holmes. * Ian Richardson (The Sign of Four, 1983 & The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1983 TV Films) – Bringing a classic and sophisticated portrayal to the small screen. * Tom Baker (The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1982 BBC TV Film) – Offering a unique and memorable take on Holmes, distinct from his Doctor Who fame. * Discussing the strengths and unique interpretations of each adaptation. * Encouraging listeners to share their favorite Holmes adaptations and why they love them. Closing: * Wrapping up with a heartfelt thank you to all the listeners who have supported the podcast over the past seven years. * Inviting feedback and suggestions for future episodes. * Reminding everyone to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Outro: * Thank you for joining me on this special 7th anniversary episode of The Age of Victoria Podcast. * Remember to stay curious and keep exploring the fascinating world of the Victorian era. * Until next time, take care and keep the spirit of adventure alive! * If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at a style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; white-space-collapse: collapse;" hr...

  8. 30/03/2024

    EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER

    SHOWNOTES: EP056 INDIA SERIES 03 THE AFGHAN FRONTIER Introduction * I discuss enjoying Easter treats like nut-free eggs and binge-watching Shogun. * Shout out to Two Broads Cider on the west coast of the U.S. * Note about using some AI voice clips in the previous episode * Welcome to new Patreon supporter Sean Spada Main Topic: The Borders of Victorian India and Afghanistan * Victorian Views on Borders/Imperialism * Importance of defined borders to nation-states vs. historical blended territories * Empires tended to use geographic features like rivers/mountains as borders * Motivations for expanding empire borders: security, resources, preventing rival expansion * Debate around British motivations – security concern vs. aggression Geography of Afghanistan * Overview of Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain and extreme climate variations * Significance of the Hindu Kush mountain range and Khyber Pass * Historical importance as a crossroads along Silk Road trade routes * Challenges the terrain posed for military movement/supply lines Main topic: Afghan culture * Predominantly Muslim, but rich cultural diversity beyond Taliban stereotypes * Alignment between conservative Victorian and Muslim values in some areas * Debate around female dress codes and varying interpretations * Primacy of tribal/kinship affiliations over national identity * Ethnic groups like Pushtuns and history of conflicts with groups like Sikhs * Afghan Border Security Concerns for Britain Main topic: Preventing Russian expansion from Central Asia into India * Recent history of Afghan rulers invading India (Mughals) * Unease over Russian/French intrigues to court Afghan allies against Britain Main topic: The Adventures of Sir Alexander Burnes * Early life and join the East India Company’s military * Daring diplomatic missions mapping rivers and intelligence gathering * Writing bestseller “Travels into Bokhara” about his experiences Main topic: Burnes’ Afghan Mission (1836-1838)

    59 min
See All (108)

4.6
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

The Victorians were the first truly world wide, high speed, high tech civilisation, but they are often misunderstood. Your host, Chris Fernandez-Packham, will bust popular myths, cover events around the world, and focus on a people centric history. You will see how the Victorians shaped the world, changing it from the age of horse, musket, cannon and sail to the age of steam, rifle and iron in this monthly podcast with regular special episodes and bonus content. You will learn about Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Volcanoes, Famines, great art, geography and so much more. You will discover how the Victorians changed our landscapes, and mastered new energy forms that have led us to move from being a part of the natural world to shapers of it. You will learn how the modern world was created by the actions of the Victorians. You will learn how the Victorians gave birth to our modern understanding of weather, climate, history and even time and space.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan)
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

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