Tickling tigers one day, and cracking jokes to expectant crowds the next, Bob Carlisle was a circus showman, agent, clown and big cat tamer. In the third episode of our new series on this larger-than-life character of the Victorian age, David Musgrove speaks to historian John Woolf to consider Carlisle’s hair-raising life in the travelling circus, and how it ... Show More
Aug 2023
The Hunt is On & Britain's Most Infamous King Takes the Throne... Season 3 of This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of mediaeval history alivethrough compelling stories, larger-than-life characters and vivid scenes. The third season tells the incredible story of England’s most diabolical ruler. King John makes enemies whereve ... Show More
2m 29s
Oct 2023
Dick Whittington: London’s golden boy
Over the past 200 years, Dick Whittington has become one of Britain’s best-loved pantomime heroes. Yet, as today’s long read explores, the real-life story that inspired Dick’s rags to riches tale is even more remarkable than the fiction. Based on his interview with author Michael ... Show More
17m 37s
Dec 2021
London's Tiger King, Part Two: Charles Jamrach Becomes a Problematic Hero
<p>By 1857, London's exotic animal trade was in full swing. Animals arrived at the city from across the world (often not surviving the journey), and Charles Jamrach was one of the most prominent animal dealers on the planet. At the height of his fame, he gained public attention b ... Show More
31m 56s
Mar 2023
Introducing...Season 2 of This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Power, greed, religion and sex: historian Dan Jones brings the drama of mediaeval history alive through compelling stories, larger-than-life characters and vivid scenes.
The saga of history’s most dysfunctional dynasty continues. Richard the Lionheart is on the throne and has on ... Show More
2m 18s
Sep 2022
Season 1 | 3. Rough Crossings
This episode contains descriptions of violence or sexual content that may not be suitable for all listeners.
Braving dangerous winter storms, Henry Plantagenet crosses the English Channel. He’s come to settle a civil war, lay claim to his mother’s inheritance, and follow in th ... Show More
18m 54s
Oct 2021
353 Oscar Wilde in Prison (with Scott Carter)
Even the best biographical depictions of Oscar Wilde often skip over the years he spent in prison, perhaps because the episode is so sad and painful. But in doing so, they miss the profundity of his life and writings. In this episode, Scott Carter, author of the new play Wilde Ma ... Show More
1h 17m