Rasputin presented himself as a mystic healer, and preached that the only way to salvation was through sin — which sometimes, if rumour is to be believed, manifested in orgies.

It's definitely giving f*ckboy behaviour.

How did he make his way from poverty to the Russian royalty inner circle? What mystical powers did he claim to have? And did he really have a 13" penis?

Helping Kate get to know this charismatic - and problematic - figure, is Frances Welch, author of Rasputin: A Short Life.

*TW: This episode contains references to sexual abuse*

This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

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Ep 195 - Rethinking Orgies: Creating Inclusive, Diverse & Safer Spaces to Explore Sexuality