Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

In 1922, a murder happened in Belfast that was so horrific that everyone - from Winston Churchill to Michael Collins - condemned its savagery. Yet, the killers were never brought to justice. A century later, I’m joined by historian Dr. Edward Burke, author of the new book “Ghosts of a Family,” who set out to solve the mystery of Ireland’s greatest unsolved cold case.

Author AJ West visits Single Malt History to discuss his new Sunday Times best-selling novel “The Betrayal of Thomas True,” and the world, hidden in plain sight in Georgian London, that inspired his book. CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Single Malt History contains discussions of sexual behaviour. Listener discretion is advised.

New York Times bestselling author Doug Brunt joins Single Malt History to discuss his hit new book "The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War One."

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret attended a glamorous all-night ball. To celebrate the US and Canadian paperback release of my book "The Palace," I'm taking you into the night when Elizabeth II partied at Hampton Court.

From working in a Victorian mansion, to a murder that rocked a working-class community, and a society that enriched another, join me for these tales from 19th-century Ulster.

From a childhood on an Irish mountainside to the banquets of Hampton Court Palace, Barnaby Fitzpatrick lived a remarkable life. Best friends to the Tudor boy-king, he dazzled the court of Catherine de Medici, rescued a relative from kidnapping, fought an emperor, impressed Philip II, and charmed Elizabeth I.

From the mysterious death of a marquess to one of the largest anti-independence rallies in Irish history, join me for a trip to 19th century Belfast.

Dan Jones returns to Single Malt History to discuss his new biography, "Henry V: The astonishing rise of England's greatest warrior king."

From the downfall of Anne Boleyn to the reign of her daughter, Elizabeth I, join us in part 2 of "The House of Tudor."

They are one of Europe's most famous royal families, but are they worth their modern hype? Join me in part 1 of 2 on the House of Tudor, chronicling their extraordinary rise - from a handsome Welsh servant to a controversial English queen.

England's last Catholic queen, Mary-Beatrice of Modena, was detested by many of her husband's subjects, who accused her of orchestrating one of the greatest political cons in history. In later years, she was considered saintly by many who knew her. What was the truth behind Mary-Beatrice's remarkable career?

The shocking childhood of Germany's last emperor, Wilhelm II. CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Single Malt History contains details of medical experiments, which some may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.

24 mini-stories from the Boiler Rooms to the Grand Staircase onboard history's most famous ship. With Jake Douglas (Lawrence Beesley), Joanne Doody (Kate Buss), and Ashley Montgomery (Mary Sloan).

I'm joined from the University of Cambridge by Caroline Burt and Richard Partington, authors of the new critically acclaimed history "Arise, England: Six kings and the making of the English State," for a fascinating discussion on six individuals, two centuries, and the transformation of a country.

Single Malt History is back with a new episode on how Queen Catherine Howard's reputation was shaped by Tudor merchants, Victorian professors, feminist revisionists, French novelists, the Me Too movement, and the silver screen.

I am joined by internationally best-selling author Dr Philippa Gregory, author of the new play "Richard, My Richard" and two of its stars, Richard III (Kyle Rowe) and Margaret Beaufort (Laura Smithers), for an exclusive interview about the new royal play garnering rave reviews in England.

Jay Britton is setting the world of immersive history alight and I'm thrilled she's joining me here for the Christmas - and season finale - of Single Malt History.

I'm joined by the Marquess of Anglesey to discuss his fascinating new book "The Great Survivor of the Tudor Age," about his ancestor Sir William Paget. Paget was Jane Seymour's secretary, and Anne of Cleves', an adviser to Henry VIII, Edward VI made him a baron, he supported Lady Jane Grey but then served Mary I, and died in the reign of Elizabeth. 

I am joined this week by Robert Child, author of “Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II,” to discuss his acclaimed research into the remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers who were awarded the World War II Medal of Honor – and the 50-year campaign by some to deny them the heroes’ recognition.

PUBLICATION DAY EPISODE - to celebrate the American release of my new book, "The Palace," I am reading an exclusive extract from the book - the prologue, describing the 1953 coronation ball of Queen Elizabeth II.

Nestled in the English countryside, Harvington Hall is an extraordinarily well-preserved Elizabethan manor house, with many secrets - some, quite literally, hidden within its walls. I'm joined by Phil Downing, Harvington Hall's manager, to explore the role Harvington played in a dark yet fascinating chapter of English history.

This week, I'm joined by two guests: Kleio CEO, Siobhán O'Shaughnessy, to talk about how she created her new Catherine Howard and Hampton Court candles, and counter-terrorism expert Anthony Tucker-Jones, who's here to discuss his book, "Churchill: Master and Commander". 

In the Middle Ages, the Mongols created one of the world's largest empire, fuelled by their religious belief that they had been given the Mandate of Heaven to rule the world. I'm joined in this episode by Dr Nicholas Morton, author of an exciting study of this staggeringly large empire, "The Mongol Storm".

Dame Penelope Wilton is beloved by millions for her role as Isobel Crawley in "Downton Abbey". Now, she is playing a very different kind of matriarch - Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother - opposite Luke Evans in the new West End play, "Backstairs Billy." Ahead of opening night, Penelope stops by Single Malt History to talk about her latest role with Queen Mother biographer, and S...

I'm joined by Sunday Times bestselling historian, TV presenter, and author Dan Jones to talk about his new novel, the medieval warfare epic "Wolves of Winter" - its real-life inspirations and its role as a sequel to his hit book, "Essex Dogs".