

Single Malt History with Gareth Russell
Gareth Russell
Historian Gareth Russell's weekly podcast with demented and delightful stories from the past
Episodes
Mentioned books

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."

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


