AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan)
  • 4.8 (264)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

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. 2D AGO

    EP063: Are We Nearly There Yet?

    INDIA SERIES 10 In this episode of The Age of Victoria Podcast, your host Chris Fernandez-Packham takes a deep dive into the personal and social side of the British presence in early Victorian India. With the wars of the frontier temporarily behind us, we explore what it really meant to travel to India during the 1840s—not as a soldier, but as a settler, civil servant, or family member. From the monotony of months-long sea voyages to the complexities of Anglo-Indian identity, this episode is packed with insights, untold stories, and plenty of surprising realities about imperial life. Episode Highlights:🚢 The long, difficult voyage to India—rats, scurvy, seasickness, and cramped cabins.👒 Life aboard ship: class differences, gender restrictions, and DIY cabin prep tips.🏰 Settling in India: Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay as key British hubs.🤝 The social fabric of Empire: Anglo-Indians, cultural fusion, and community tensions.📚 Museums, mapping, and the start of Britain’s permanent cultural footprint in India.⚓ The rise of steamships and the decline of the old East Indiamen sailing ships.🧭 The paradox of empire: boredom, brutality, ambition, and adaptation. Key Takeaways: (I) Empire wasn’t just built by armies—it was built by administrators, families, and everyday people. (II) Travel to India in the 1840s was a daunting journey, often filled with discomfort and danger. (III) Anglo-Indian identity and integration were far more complex than the tidy labels of race and class suggest. (IV) British settlers and Indian society deeply influenced each other in ways that still resonate today. Next Episode Teaser:We’ll continue our look at early Victorian India, focusing on the settlers themselves—their backgrounds, motivations, and the lives they built in a land both foreign and familiar. Host’s Note:A big thank you to listener HRW13 for the kind review (and fair feedback)! Spotify access should now be fixed, and as always, your support means everything.

    49 min

  2. MAR 2

    EP062 SHALL WE NOT REVENGE

    INDIA SERIES 09 Episode Summary:The British Empire does not take humiliation lightly. In this episode, we follow the Army of Retribution as it storms back into Afghanistan to rescue prisoners, avenge the disastrous retreat from Kabul, and send a clear message to the world. But was it all just an expensive, bloody display of imperial pride? Episode Highlights:🔥 General Pollock’s stunning victory at the Khyber Pass—breaking a long-standing military myth.🔹 The dramatic rescue of British prisoners, including officers, women, and children.💥 The controversial destruction of Kabul’s grand bazaar—vengeance or war crime?⚔️ General Nott’s relentless battles in Kandahar.🌍 The war’s ultimate failure—thousands dead, nothing truly gained.🏇 The rise of Sir Charles Napier and Britain’s next imperial adventure in Sind. Key Takeaways: * The Army of Retribution was about restoring military prestige, not long-term strategy. * Afghanistan remained outside British control, but the empire proved it could strike hard when provoked. * The British were already shifting their focus—India’s northwest frontier was just one piece of a larger imperial puzzle. With Afghanistan behind them, the British set their sights on Sind. Enter Sir Charles Napier, a man who would Expand the empire in his own unique style. Host’s Note:Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or consider supporting on Patreon to keep the show going.

    42 min

  3. FEB 1

    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

  4. 12/23/2024

    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

  5. 12/11/2024

    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

  6. 09/01/2024

    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

  7. 08/01/2024

    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

  8. 07/01/2024

    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
See All (110)

    4.8
    out of 5
    264 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
      110
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Show Website
      AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

    You Might Also Like

    Content Restricted

    This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada