England in the mid sixteenth century was filled with drama and novelty. As conspiracies played out and a new queen sought to established herself on the throne, a glamorous new technology was emerging in the fashionable world.

In this fascinating episode, Rebecca Struthers, the author of Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History of Time, takes us back to the high Elizabethan Age to tell us all about the early days of watchmaking.

The stories that feature in this episode are covered in much more depth in Rebecca’s acclaimed new book. Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History of Time is published this week.

For more, as ever, visit our website: tttpodcast.com.

Show notes

Scene One: 1572. With Mary Queen of Scots in Sheffield Castle.

Scene Two: 1572. With Queen Elizabeth I in Whitehall.

Scene Three: 24/5 August 1572. Paris. St Bartholomew's Day Massacre.

Memento: Queen Elizabeth’s watch.

People/Social

Presenter: Peter Moore

Guest: Rebecca Struthers

Production: Maria Nolan

Podcast partner: Hodder & Stoughton

Theme music: ‘Love Token’ from the album ‘This Is Us’ By Slava and Leonard Grigoryan

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Rebecca Struthers: Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots and Watchmaking History (1572)