Harlots and Hearses

In this week's episode, Grace delves into the intriguing world of witchcraft. Explore the historical context of witchcraft trials, the influence of demonology, and the societal upheavals that fueled these infamous events!  Sources used: Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials 

This week's episode takes you on a journey through the intriguing and often grim world of 18th-century venereal disease treatments. Drawing from her master's thesis, Grace explores the historical context of these diseases, which were rampant in London. Discover the bizarre and sometimes dangerous remedies of the time, including mercury treatments, and learn about the role of women in the medical f...

In this episode,  Grace returns to share the dramatic continuation of Margaret Leeson's story. She dives into the latter part of Leeson's memoir, revealing the emotional and stylistic shifts in her writing. From heartbreak and poverty to resilience and societal defiance, discover how Margaret navigated the complexities of her life as a high-class courtesan.

In this episode we go on a journey back to the Georgian era, exploring the life of Madame Margaret Leeson, a Dublin madam and prostitute. Discover the challenges and societal pressures she faced, her candid reflections on virtue and vice, and the poignant story of her memoir. Grace delves into the complexities of Leeson's life, offering insights into the historical context and personal struggles t...

In this episodes, Grace  delves into the harrowing yet inspiring story of Dr. Gisella Peal, known as the "Angel of Auschwitz." Through the lens of Perl's experiences, Grace explores the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust, the resilience of the human spirit, and the difficult choices made to preserve life amidst despair. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering h...

This week's episode  unravels the bizarre tale of Mary Toft, the woman who claimed to have given birth to rabbits in 1726. This episode delves into the frenzy that captivated 18th-century Britain, drawing the attention of King George I and the media. Grace explores the societal and medical implications of this historical hoax, examining its impact on the professions involved and the lessons i...

This weeks episodes delves into a scandalous 1765 court case from Scotland, involving murder, poison, and "incest?" Discover the tangled web of relationships and deceit surrounding Catherine Nairn and Patrick Ogilvy, as they navigate accusations of murder and forbidden love. Was justice truly served, or did the truth remain hidden? Tune in to explore this historical mystery and its dramatic courtr...

This week's episode takes us back to Charleston, Colonial Charleston that is! Discover how taverns served as meeting points for the elite and common folk alike, offering a space for business deals, social gatherings, and even entertainment. From the lively streets of Meeting and Broad to the intricate dynamics of class and control, this episode delves into the multifaceted role of taverns in shapi...

This week's episode takes us back to Charleston, Colonial Charleston that is! Discover how taverns served as meeting points for the elite and common folk alike, offering a space for business deals, social gatherings, and even entertainment. From the lively streets of Meeting and Broad to the intricate dynamics of class and control, this episode delves into the multifaceted role of taverns in shapi...

This week's episode explores the intricate cultural and social dynamics of early Jamestown. Delve into the lives of the Jamestown Brides, women who were hand picked to raise and fund the colony, and uncover how their presence shaped the colony's social fabric.  Sources: Jamestown Brides 

This week's episode takes us back to the early 1600s as we explore the grim realities faced by the Jamestown settlers during the infamous 'Starving Time.' In this episode, Grace Ardis sheds light on the struggles, survival tactics, and the stark contrast between myth and reality in one of America's first colonies. Discover the untold stories of hardship and resilience that shaped the course of his...

In this episode, Grace's delves into the life of Charlotte Hayes, a woman who carved out a name for herself in 18th-century London. Born into a world of complexity and contradiction, Charlotte's journey from Genoa to becoming a renowned madam is both fascinating and controversial. Discover how she navigated societal expectations, maintained her status, and left a legacy that continues to intrigue....

This week's episode takes us to the bawdy streets of 18th-century London. Grace explores the history and cultural impact of "Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies," a notorious directory that rated and reviewed the city's prostitutes. Learn about the key figures behind its creation, the social dynamics of Covent Garden, and how this publication offers a unique glimpse into the lives of women who s...

This week's episode takes us back the city of Edinburgh during the year 1828. Grace explores the end of Burke and Hare story and how their murder spree would go on to change not only the city of Edinburgh but medical history forever. Additionally it shows the true meaning of Karma's a B*tch   Sources mentioned:   Anatomy of Murders by Lisa Rosner  Trial of William Burke and Helen M'...

This week's episode takes us to the winding streets of Edinburgh in 1828 to follow the Case of the Notorious serial killers William Burke & William Hare. Grace explores how the the rising medical culture of 19th century Edinburgh created the perfect environment for these two men to kill 16 people and then sell the bodies to surgeons.  Sources mentioned:   Anatomy of Murders by Lisa R...

This week's episode takes us to colonial Louisiana and Paris during the period 1718 -1721. Grace looks to break down the the true story of who the Casket Girls were, the horrid treatment they faced in the French Prison system and then in the erasure of their story. Hear about just who the founding women of Louisiana really were!  Sources mentioned:  Mutinous Women: How French Convicts Be...

Grace is a forever a lover of history, so much so that she went back to school to get her master's in it. This week's episode takes us back to the years 1849-1855 to the heart of the Gold Rush in San Francisco. Following the life of one of the most successful Madams of the city during this period: Madam Belle Cora, Grace explores just how fast Belle and similar women rose in society and just how f...