THE EQUESTRIAN Anna Sewell

“This was one woman with a very little life, who made the most enormous difference.” Celia Brayfield shares with Katie the story of Anna Sewell who, on her death bed, wrote a story and changed the world.  Black Beauty was no mere “horse book.” It catapulted the cause of animal rights and became one of the bestselling books of all time. But Anna Sewell – a quiet, humble Quaker – didn’t change the world by …

THE QUEEN OF HAITI Marie-Louise Christophe

Say you join a revolution in the name of liberty and equality – then someone hands you a crown. Could you do more good with that power? Or will everything fall apart? Come with us to Haiti and across Europe in the twisty-turny tale of the Queen of Haiti, Marie-Louise Christophe. Katie’s guest is Vanessa Riley, author of Queen of Exiles.   To learn more about the sound recordings by anthropologist Alan Lomax, check out …

THE PIRATE QUEEN OF CONNACHT Grace O’Malley

Her story was long consigned to legend and fantasy. An Irish pirate queen who commanded a fleet of ships from Spain to Scotland… in the 1500s?! Not likely. But in the 1990s, historian Anne Chambers found a trove of documents in a dusty old chest at Westport House, and the tales of Grace O’Malley were proven to be marvelously, fantastically, true. Join Katie on location at Westport House in Ireland for a swashbuckling tale like …

A COUNTRY HOUSE CHRISTMAS Phyllis Sandeman: 2022 Christmas Special

The darkest time of year inspires us all to reflect on the meaning and power of Home. Experience Christmas in a grand country house through the eyes of an Edwardian child in this charming reading of Phyllis Elinor Sandeman’s memoir, A Country House Christmas. Performed by returning favorite guest Jay Stelling. For a “virtual visit” to Sandeman’s home, explore this fun collection of artifacts from Lyme Park at the National Trust.   Jay Stelling is …

THE NURSE Mary Seacole

What would it look like to live a life without fear? Mary Seacole’s story may hold the answer! She spent her life rushing from one catastrophe to the next, doing anything she could to ease human suffering – without a single thought for her own safety. From disease-infested Panamanian goldmines to the horrific battlefield hospitals of Crimea – Mary spent her life being “relentlessly useful” …but how on earth did she do it? Olivia interviews …

THE GRATEFUL DUCHESS Harriot Mellon

The richest, most famous person you’ve never heard of is Harriot Mellon. An icon of the stage in Regency England, she rose from abject poverty and abuse to become the wealthiest woman in the country. More surprising still: she was the sweetest, most wholesome soul you’ll ever meet. Katie interviews renowned historian Ian Mortimer.   Explore the British Museum’s vast collection of objects related to Harriot Mellon here. Read the full two volumes of Harriot …

THE CARPENTER Elizabeth Gregory

When Sir Christopher Wren was tasked with redesigning Westminster Abbey in 1697, his extravagant vision was brought to life by Head Abbey Carpenter Elizabeth Gregory. In an era when men ruled supreme, this remarkable woman oversaw every one of the hundreds of carpenters working for the Abbey – for over fifteen years. Discover the mysterious life of Elizabeth Gregory, on-location with Westminster Abbey Community Learning Officer Aaron Paterson. Take a virtual tour of the Queen’s …

VERSAILLES CHRISTMASTIDE Mary Stuart Boyd: 2021 Christmas Special

Mary Stuart Boyd spent Christmas 1900 in Versailles, not on a festive tour of the grand palace, but to stay with her 13-year-old son, quarantined there with scarlet fever. Her Versailles experience seems worlds away from today’s tourist mobs. The author of eight novels and three travel narratives, her delightful insights leave us amazed that no one’s ever heard of her. This year’s Christmas Special is read by Sophie Greenhalgh-Cook from Not For the Dinner …

BONUS EPISODE: Lost Women of England Tour 2021

Come along with us on a virtual version of our September 2021 “Lost Women of England” Tour! Hear highlights from the trip, with context, commentary and other fun bonus content from Katie and Olivia, and “armchair travel” your way around the history of England with us in this special bonus episode. (Watch a video version of this episode with photos and visuals of the locations we’re discussing on our YouTube channel coming soon.)   To …

THE EXILE Stefania Turkevych

Stefania Turkevych was one of Galicia’s most talented and prolific classical composers – and then the Russian Revolution turned her world upside down. When she fled the USSR to find a new home, through Italy, Ireland, and to her final home in England, her work was lauded all across the continent. But fame is fickle when nobody speaks your language! Discover this forgotten star – Ukraine’s first female classical composer – with our guest Dr. …