Single Malt History with Gareth Russell Gareth Russell

A slightly unexpected ending to season 3 and what's ahead in season 4. So, a farewell and a thanks. 

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).

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 own gender? Did it change under the Stuarts? Exploring the impact of the laws, the complexities of Elizabethan culture, and the scandals that rocked Stuart high society, this episode of Single Malt History discusses the ways in which sexuality was punished, hidden, proclaimed, and analysed in the early modern period.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frequent use of sexual language and a discussion of assault which some listeners may find distressing. 

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.

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 sceptics.


CAST

Cáilum Carragher as John Dempsey

Jake Douglas as John Malcolm Brinnin and Sir Tommy Lascelles

Peter Evangelista as Morgan Robertson

Debra Hill as Kate Gilnagh

Rebecca Lenaghan as Noëlle, Countess of Rothes

Maryann Maguire as Alice, Dowager Duchess of Buckingham

Ashley Montgomery as Mary-Josephine Barratt

Some reflections on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) and the many royal figures who attended her funeral.