Legacy

Now 18 and Queen of France, Marie's raison d'être is to produce a future King. But after 4 years of marriage, she still hasn’t had sex with her husband. Her big brother is sent in for ‘the talk’. Meanwhile, she distracts herself with extravagance. But the people are France are starving, and her lifestyle is causing a lot of upset.   Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A'...

Married off at the age of 14 in her mother’s very own Game of Thrones, Austrian-born Marie Antoinette finds herself in a foreign country, shackled to the teenage future King of France - who's more interested in lock-making than love. How are they to produce an heir? Then in 1774, the King is dead. Little does Marie know that she is about to be the last Queen of France... Join Legacy+ for bonus epi...

At the height of his fame, Dickens falls in love with a young woman (Nelly Ternan) and a city (Paris). He survives a train crash and public disapproval over his separation from his wife. People turn out in droves to see him perform his works on stage. But his lifestyle is catching up with him and his health is failing. What is his final scene to be? We look back at his life and try to work out wha...

Peter and Afua go on the British Scandal podcast hosted by Matt Forde and Alice Levine to discuss the life and times of Charles Dickens. Behind the snowy scenes, jolly carols and festive cheer, the so-called “Father of Christmas” had a turbulent home life full of drinking, alleged extramarital relations and workplace fights. But can we truly call his life scandalous? Matt and Alice weigh in. Join...

“A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, everyone!” A Christmas Carol is a huge success and Dickens is an international celebrity. There’s lots of money coming in – Bleak House, Hard Times, David Copperfield all do well - but he has a big family and a lavish lifestyle to fund, as well as his Home for Homeless Women. Plus, there’s trouble in his marriage when Dickens’ eye is caught by the turn o...

Dickens’ star is on the rise. Sketches by Boz is a success and he publishes The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist and more. Plus, he is a hit on both sides of the Atlantic with ‘Dickensmania’ sweeping the United States. But there is tragedy at home. And when his new novel doesn’t do as well as he’d hoped, he needs a new idea. Something to do with Christmas maybe? Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early...

A young Charles is filled with imagination and ambition, but his childhood with humiliation and uncertainty. His father is in and out of debtors’ prison and he is forced to sacrifice his education for a string of menial jobs to make ends meet. But he discovers he has a skill. He can paint pictures with words like no one else can. Could this be his destiny? Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early ac...

The war is won but the nation seems far from grateful as the election of 1945 sweeps Labour into power. But the Churchill phenomenon doesn’t stop and he’s back in Number 10 in 1951 as the new Queen Elizabeth’s first prime minister. Upon his death he receives a state funeral, but there were – and still are – many who question whether he truly was a national hero. Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, ea...

It’s 1939 and Churchill has been proved right in his fervent opposition to appeasement of Hitler. German tanks have crossed the Polish border and Churchill is brought straight back into government. Now he is tasked with guiding the country through one of the biggest crises it has ever faced. How can the seemingly overwhelming Nazi threat be beaten into submission? If there was ever a time for self...

The First World War sees Churchill as confident as ever in his role as First Lord of the Admiralty. But rash judgements – especially around the disastrous campaign in Gallipoli - cost thousands of lives. The UK press describes him as ‘a danger to the country’, he’s left out of Lloyd George’s cabinet and, at home, tragedy strikes. All the while he can see trouble brewing in Europe, but no one is li...

One of the most famous leaders of the twentieth century, Winston Churchill is far more than just WWII. The ‘pretty baby’, who as a boisterous boy fought for the attention of his aristocratic parents eventually emerged into adulthood as a soldier and war journalist. Soon he finds himself travelling through the Middle East and Africa - and risking his life. But will anyone back home notice? Join Leg...

Arguably the most famous political assassination of the 20th century, the shooting of John F. Kennedy has ignited scores of conspiracy theories. Was Oswald really acting alone? Could the Soviets have been involved? The CIA? And how does his infamous death affect how we view his legacy? Should he be remembered as charismatic proponent of civil rights who prevented nuclear world war? Or a womaniser...

For the White House and the Kremlin, the question of nuclear war is not if, but when. Newly-elected President John F. Kennedy is launched into proving his skills in international diplomacy. He faces a crisis in Cuba with the Bay of Pigs fiasco and must win over Krushchev in a crucial summit. Will his charm prevail now that he’s in the top job? Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A...

As the Kennedys face tragedy after tragedy, JFK becomes aware that time may not be on his side. But soon things move fast for him: after winning a seat in Congress - and marrying Jackie in a wedding fit for a royal couple, he is propelled to the presidential candidacy. But there are two obstacles in his way: his Catholicism, and Richard Nixon. Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A...

The son of a rich and prestigious family, John F. Kennedy’s childhood is seemingly idyllic. Yet his mother is strict and distant, and his father is openly a womaniser who resents John's frailty as a sickly child. But John is a fighter. He thrives at Harvard, and during World War Two, joins the navy. And it's there in the wake of a dramatic rescue mission, that he proves his heroism, setting him on...

Marilyn's death sparks grief, soul-searching and mystery - mystery that persists still to this day. Looking back at her legacy, how did Marilyn Monroe come to shape and define Hollywood, and America's views on sexuality, autonomy and feminism? This episode contains reference to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available 24/7. Contact Samaritans on 116 1...

At the peak of her fame, Marilyn takes on the studios in a bid to control her own career. But her superstardom is threatened by her own insecurities, and her increasing reliance on drink and drugs. This episode features descriptions of alcohol and drug abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the support service Frank day or night by calling 0300 123 6600 from within...

The struggling starlet is exploited by the powerful executives who run Hollywood. But Marilyn begins creating what will become the iconic Marilyn look which she'll use to her advantage to climb the industry ladder. But her ascent is jeopardised when a decision from her past threatens to create a scandal… and destroy everything she’s built so far. This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse an...

The young Marilyn Monroe has a traumatic childhood in and out of foster homes. Watching movies is a precious escape from reality, but it’s not enough to shield her from a mentally unwell mother and absent father. But this is LA, the land of Hollywood, and life-changing opportunities. And soon she discovers she might have a place in front of the camera. This episode contains discussion of sexual ab...

More than a century after Rhodes' death students in South Africa and Britain thrust his name back into the spotlight. Should statues of colonialists like him be torn down? And, in Africa, how is Rhodes' legacy felt today? Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more. legacy.supportingcast.fm Stay connected with Legacy: Instagram: @originallegacypodcast TikTok: @...

Rhodes deals with the fallout from the Jameson Raid as questions about his conduct reach the British parliament. He finds a new cause to further his ambition but years of ill-health are starting to catch up with him. Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more. legacy.supportingcast.fm Stay connected with Legacy: Instagram: @originallegacypodcast TikTok: @legac...

Rhodes dashes back to Kimberley to be with his dying friend. He then redoubles his colonial efforts, using ruthless tactics to trick the indigenous population out of their land. But an ill-fated scheme to take on the Boers is about to hurt him. Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer adverts and more. legacy.supportingcast.fm Stay connected with Legacy: Instagram: @original...

We've delved into the Legacy archives to bring back one of our most divisive characters: Cecil Rhodes. A sickly vicar’s son travels from England to Africa to join the diamond rush. Cecil Rhodes wants to make his fortune. But he also wants to extend the British Empire. Drama in his private life threatens to undermine both ambitions. Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A's, fewer ad...

Despite an assassination attempt, Bob Marley continues to spread political messages of peace, freedom and anti-colonialism throughout the world. But health issues from his childhood are catching up with him, and he'll have to confront a devastating diagnosis. Today, his face appears on t-shirts, lighters and posters around the world, but has his legacy become detached from the meaning behind his m...

Songs like 'Get Up Stand Up' and 'No Woman, No Cry' garner international success for Bob Marley and the Wailers. Not only do people love the music, but they're also inspired by the freedom fighting messages within it. Yet as political tensions heat up in Jamaica, Marley's global stardom and revolutionary lyrics become a threat to his safety... Join Legacy+ for bonus episodes, early access, Q&A...