logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2019
48m 16s

The History of General Elections

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

You’re Dead To Me returns for a special episode on The History of General Elections. Welcome to the world of “bludgeon men”, “potwallopers”, and electorates of sheep (!). Travel back to the 18th Century, when Number 10 was number 5 (yes, really) and discover not just how voter rights have changed, but where they originated. Host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr Hannah Nicholson and comedian Catherine Bohart.

Up next
Today
New: The Hitler Diaries Scandal (from The History Podcast)
When Germany's biggest magazine Stern announced in 1983 that they'd found the long-lost diaries of Adolf Hitler, the world was poised to rewrite history. Unfortunately, they were fake. In this new series of The History Podcast, The Hitler Diaries Scandal, Andrew Hunter Murray goe ... Show More
10m 14s
Oct 9
Scottish Supernatural Beliefs: witches, ghosts and fairies in the early modern period
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Martha McGill and comedian Marjolein Robertson in early modern Scotland to learn all about beliefs in witches, fairies, ghosts and more. Jacobean Scotland is famous for witch trials, partly inspired by King James’ obsession with witches – he even publi ... Show More
58m 1s
Oct 2
Special Episode: 1066 and the Battle of Hastings
Greg Jenner is joined in medieval England by Dr Erin Goeres and comedian Alison Spittle to learn all about the tumultuous events of 1066, famously depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, to celebrate its arrival in London. The death of Edward the Confessor without an heir in January 106 ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
463. Mad Elections (Part 1)
"Good God I am shot! I shall die!" The colourful kaleidoscope of British elections from 1265 to their early 20th century incarnation, has seen some of the most critical, shocking, and downright farcical moments of western democracy. None more so than during the 17th, 18th and 19t ... Show More
52m 44s
Jun 2025
CLASSIC: History's Coolest (Non-Human) Political Candidates, Part I
It's no secret that politics can be a minefield of quirky events, and strange things happen in the lead up to elections. But just how strange can it get? Join the guys and returning guest Christopher Hassiotis as they explore bizarre tales of non-human politicians in this special ... Show More
54m 51s
Nov 2024
Elections Explained: A History of Rigged Elections
<p>Invisible ink, delayed flights and political meddling - elections are a symbol of democracy, so how can they become the opposite?</p><br><p>Don is joined for this episode by Brian Klaas, co-author of 'How to Rig an Election' to find out. What makes a free and fair election? Wh ... Show More
36m 21s
Oct 2024
America’s Deadliest Election with Dana Bash
How did America’s Deadliest Election change the future of democracy? Sharon McMahon is joined by CNN's Dana Bash to discuss a lesser known chapter of history and how this pivotal moment forever changed the course of history.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSuper ... Show More
39m 44s
Feb 2025
CLASSIC: Kidnapping, Binge Drinking and Costumes: Voter Fraud in the 1800s
Allegations of U.S. voter fraud have made the rounds in recent years -- but, once upon a time, these were much more than allegations. Join the guys as they explore the massive voting fraud operations that riddled U.S. politics throughout the 19th century in this week's Classic ep ... Show More
33m 59s
Aug 2025
History's Greatest Scandals Returns!
Join us for series two of History’s Greatest Scandals, where Ellie Cawthorne and Professor Hannah Greig are uncovering the secrets of the Georgian era. They’ll be following on the trail of forgers, exposing illicit liaisons, meeting cross-dressing celebrity spies and getting invo ... Show More
57s
Jun 2023
Colorado's Ridiculous, Disturbingly Corrupt 1904 Election, Part One: Let's Jump Off The Train
Elections are somewhere between sports and religions for the United States. It seems that, each and every time, people have problems with the official results. In this week's special two-part episode, Ben, Noel and Max dive deep into one of the most ridiculous elections in all of ... Show More
37m 57s
Mar 2014
No Such Thing As The Middle Ages
Episode 3: This week QI Elves Dan Schreiber (@schreiberland) and James Harkin (@eggshaped) are joined by Horrible Histories consultant Greg Jenner (@gregjenner) and comedian Alex Edelman (@alexedelman) to discuss the first recorded smile, the most important animal in America and ... Show More
27m 34s