Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

Gareth Russell
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Jan 6, 2026 • 32min

Shattered lands and the British Empire

A hundred years ago, the Indian Empire of the British Empire covered one of the largest political entities in history. Then, over the space of forty years, it collapsed into five partitions that created twelve new states, triggering one of the largest mass migrations of people in human history. To understand what happened, I'm joined by bestselling author Sam Dalrymple, who discusses who acclaimed new book "Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia." 
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Dec 23, 2025 • 51min

Anna of Denmark

One of the most glamorous, important, and fascinating queens in the histories of the British monarchies, Anna of Denmark led a life every bit as dramatic as the era in which she lived.
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Dec 4, 2025 • 53min

The Dark Lady of Doona

Known to legend as Grace O'Malley, Gráinne Ní Mháille, the "pirate queen of Tudor Ireland," led a life that was adventurous on land and by sea. 
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Nov 19, 2025 • 42min

Did King James abandon his mother?

In 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots faced execution. Had her own son helped bring her to this terrible fate? One of the great mysteries of James VI's life are his feelings towards his exiled, Catholic mother. In this episode, I explore surprising evidence from the heart of James's court that shows the role he played in his mother's final tragedy.
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Nov 13, 2025 • 42min

The Stolen Crown of Elizabeth I?

Skullduggery, espionage, royal narcissism, and plots a-plenty were the order of the day in the dying days of the Tudor dynasty - and to uncover it, we're joined on Single Malt History by Dr. Tracy Borman, Sunday Times bestselling author of the new hit book "The Stolen Crown".
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Nov 4, 2025 • 50min

A Civil War Queen

Matilda of Boulogne was a powerhouse in medieval politics, almost universally admired in a time of treachery, anarchy, and civil war.
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Oct 30, 2025 • 34min

Scotland's Summer Queen

In the sixteenth century, a Scottish king called James braved sea and storm to bring home Scotland's new queen.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 52min

The North Berwick witch hunts

Discover the brutal story of the witch-hunts that consumed Scotland, one hundred years before Salem.
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Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 8min

Queen James: An Exclusive First Extract

In a Single Malt History exclusive, the first chapter of my book "Queen James" - narrated by me - is shared here on UK publication date.
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Feb 17, 2025 • 60min

History's Lost Causes

From the dreams of a religious pharaoh and the ambitions of Cleopatra, to Britain's first anti-technology movement, Single Malt History takes a look at three of History's lost causes.

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