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 *...

In today’s episode, I’m taking you on a journey back in time to explore the Honourable East India Company (EIC), focusing on its monumental role during the Victorian era. We’ll dive deep into its interactions with the Mughal Empire, its profound influence on art, the Maratha Wars, and the governance under Governor Hastings. Join me as we uncover the legacy of what was once the world’s most powerful corporation and its foundational impact on the British Empire in...

In this year’s festive episode, dive into the enchanting world of Victorian curiosities and captivating storytelling. First, join me for a mesmerising 10-minute journey through intriguing Victorian trivia, unraveling captivating tales from an era of innovation and eccentricity. From lesser-known facts to enthralling historical anecdotes, this brief exploration sheds light on the unique essence of the Victorian age. Discover the astonishing details behind events like the Sonning cutting...

To become a patron on Patreon, CLICK HERE Join me as I embark on a captivating journey through India’s vibrant history and cultural intricacies during the Victorian era. Join me as I start uncover the complexities of the Victorian’s in India. Delve into some fascinating transformations of place names that shaped India’s identity during this era. Explore the reasons behind these changes and their enduring impact on the country’s cultural fabric. I provide a succinct yet...

In this episode I’ll delve into the fascinating world of Prince Albert, the consort to Queen Victoria. I’ll explore his significant role in transforming Buckingham Palace, his artistic endeavors, his influential involvement in redecorating the Houses of Parliament, and the controversial dismissal of Baroness Lehzen.In the early 19th century, Buckingham Palace was in a state of disrepair. Prince Albert, however, had a grand vision for the royal residence. He saw it not only as a home for the...

I’m excited to take you on a journey through time today as we cover Queen Victoria’s first pregnancy & child. Together, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of historical events, focusing on the remarkable early reign of Queen Victoria and the dramatic affairs that unfolded during this era. Recap  Starting with a recap of the most significant events that the podcast has covered between 1817 and 1840. From technological advancements to political revolutions and cultural...

Celebrating 6 years of the podcast. I delve into the world of detectives in England during the 1840s. It’s time to explore the fascinating development of Victorian detective work, and how it was used to solve some of the most notorious crimes of the era, including the Bermondsey Horror. I begin by looking at the emergence of detectives in England during the early 19th century. Learn how detective work evolved from the work of primitive thief-takers and the Bow Street Runners, and how...

This is the final episode in the series on Charles Darwin’s five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle. I delve into Darwin’s impressions of Australia and the European contact history during his visit in 1835. Episode Highlights: Arrival in Australia: After months of sailing, HMS Beagle arrived in Sydney, Australia, in January 1836. Darwin was fascinated by the diversity of flora and fauna that he encountered upon his arrival. He marveled at the unique wildlife, including...

This is episode four of series on Charles Darwin’s five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin arrived in Tahiti in November 1835 and spent a month there. He was struck by the beauty of the island and its people, whom he described as “the finest race of savages in the world.” He was particularly impressed by their hospitality, noting that they were “good-tempered and cheerful, honest and obliging.” Darwin also observed the Tahitians’ social customs, such as their elaborate tattoos and...

The world can be a dangerous place. For explorers like Darwin to see the treasures of nature, they had to go boldly to the ends of the world. Join me as Darwin sails into savage and stormy seas, and find breathtaking beauty. * Intro.  * The lonely lands of Tierra Del Fuego. * Isolation. * A fragile speak on a vast stormy sea. * The Beagle Channel * Into the Pacific * Chile & the great quake * Exploring the Andes * More evidence – the scientific data mounts up * Onwards to...

January is here, and we are all feeling poor after Christmas. Time to talk about money. This is the first in a series of minisodes on Victorian money. To get things started we are looking at Victorian Coins. The age of gold, silver, sound money, and not having two farthings to rub together * Intro, thank you’s and reviews.  * Choosing a topic * Its pre-decimal so I’m going slightly mad * Remember this long list of coins * This is not a very difficult...

Christmas is here, so we really need to watch Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” but how to choose the best version? Sentimental? Accurate? Musical? This episode has got you covered; * Intro, thank you’s and reviews.  * A little reminder of the essentials * Honourable mentions * Pick a film, any film * A traditional ghost story. If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected], follow me...

Darwin’s great voyage of discovery continues. The ancient past was a vast mystery, with many claiming that God alone was the explanation for all things. As Darwin travelled and jotted his observations in his little notebooks, he began to lift the veil on the ancient past. New species, now long vanished, were discovered. Darwin began to build the foundations for our understanding of the world. This episode covers; * Intro, thank you’s and reviews.  * The problem with...

Darwin, and his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection; in this podcast we’ve covered the creation of the new settler Empire and the transition to the new energy form of coal & steam, then the railways, but Darwin had a bigger impact on civilisation than even those. This episode is the start of a series of episodes on Darwin and Evolution. It covers; * Intro, thank you’s and reviews.* The philosophy of mind & matter* Darwin’s dangerous idea* The young student* A trip to...

Just for fun, here’s a fiendishly difficult pub quiz which has been requested by many listeners. Good luck!

The death of Queen Elizabeth II is a momentous event in modern British history. This special episode contains some facts about her life, reflections on events, thoughts about King Charles III, the Royal Finances, the constitution, national decline, the Commonwealth, and possibilities for the future. This episode covers; * Intro * Birth, coronation & television* WW2 & the ATS* Post war austerity, the Elizabethan rebirth, more television* The start of the Commonwealth...

The essential guide to the Victorian class system. There was more to being middle class than drinking tea, and the working class weren’t all up the Chimney. From the well dressed footman, to the Haymarket prostitute, to the pie seller, and duke. All of Victorian life is here. * This episode covers. * Intro. * A discussion of what is Class.* A tiny bit of Marx.* Life at the top.* I say, those young people today, they are frightfully uptight.* We are a most humble Queen.* Prince Albert...

This much requested episode deals with the important but fun topic of women’s clothes and fashions in the 1840s. If you want to understand how a Victorian woman dressed and why, this is the episode for you.  * This episode covers. * Intro & reviews.* The importance of dressing well.* We don’t do business casual. * Victoria, a Goth.* Starting the day, the...

This episode deals with the real and harrow position for women during with contraception, pregnancy, and abortion in the Victorian era. Campaigners like Annie Besant attacked the patriarchy, and fought for the right to be heard. Women risked their lives getting dangerous abortions, in constant fear of the law, whilst the great scandal of the Victorian era, infanticide, loomed in the background. From the courts to the back alleys, join me in experiencing the reality of life before the...

This anniversary is a memorable event and naturally deserves to be photographed by the paparazzi. But what was the story of the invention of the photograph, and how did it become a Victorian icon? A story filled with invention, persistence, a lot of daring do, and possibly holding back some manly tears. Not to mention artistic nudes, pioneering thinking from governments, lots of chemicals and real dedication.   This episode covers.  * Intro & reviews.* Some all time great...

Our dive under the covers continues. How did sex and religion come together in the Victorian era? How was the bible such an influence on men & women’s sexuality? Should a religious Victorian be having sex? Some evolutionary pitfalls, social problems and a couple of wedding nights to talk about. This episode covers. * Intro & reviews.* The duties of Eve.* A morally ambiguous bible.* Seems risky.* Those teenager cave people.* Wars, unrest and shipping em off to the...

Why yes, we will be asking what Victoria did with Albert. We will be asking about the how’s and why’s of Victorian sex & sexualities. There’s a lot to say, so we are getting started with just how reserved were they really, and did the have a lot of sex? This episode covers. * Intro & reviews.* General biology* Darwin & sex* Public health – a deceiving lens* No, people really do like sex.* Poor Bonny Bet* A porn writer remembers……. If you want to get in...

What could be more of a traditional Victorian Christmas than carols by candlelight with an orchestra, piano and harp? Quite a bit actually. Victorian piano’s were a late addition and the carols were a really new thing. Find out how carols and piano’s go together like new age German synth and wannabe edgy 20 somethings. This episode covers. * Intro & reviews.* The Victorian carols hitlist.* Good King thingy and the famous Reverend Doctor Neale.* Queen Victoria’s rather gaudy...

Marriage isn’t easy, even in the early days, especially a royal marriage. It’s even harder if you are an intellectual who dabbles in cutting edge music, but your wife only thinks of you as a sex object. It wasn’t easy being Albert. Victoria had a lot of on her plate too, what with being a new Queen, starting her journey to Empress, and that pesky pregnancy. Oh and saving the political system of the U.K. * Intro & reviews.* Albert & the music.* Beethoven.* The invention of the...