British Scandal
Wondery
In a country obsessed with gossip, the great and the good fear one thing more than any other - scandal.British scandals change the course of history. They bring down governments, overthrow the rich and cause the mighty to fall. Some are about sex, others about money. In the end, they’re all about power. But often at the heart of a scandal, there are ordinary human stories. Stories of those caught up in the swirl of outrage. Who was really to blame for what happened? Why did they do it? And when all is said and done, did anything really change? From the creators of Business Wars, American Scandal and Ghost Story, comes British Scandal. Each week, hosts Alice Levine and Matt Forde delve into the murkier side of the British elite, from Phone Hacking to Profumo to the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss. Because sometimes the truth doesn’t set everyone free…Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 26min
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | An Actual Tichborne | 4
William Motley, a blood relative of the Tichborne family and author, shares the lurid tale of the Tichborne case and its lasting effects on his lineage. He discusses the audacious identity claims made by Arthur Orton and how they sparked a sensational legal battle. The conversation dives into the so-called 'Tichborne curse' and its historical significance, revealing how aristocratic legacy shapes modern perceptions of class. Join in as William unpacks the intriguing intersections of fraud, heritage, and the oddities of nobility.
12 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 54min
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | The People's Aristocrat | 3
The tale of Arthur Orton unfolds as he transforms from a prisoner to a public figure amid a battle for the Tichborne estate. Chaos erupts as supporters rally behind an imposter, leading to gripping courtroom confrontations where deception reigns. Exploring the psyche of charismatic leaders, the narrative intertwines identity struggles with societal implications. A shocking verdict flips Arthur's fate upside down, leaving him questioning his reality. This is a whirlwind of fame, justice, and the quest for truth in a sensational scandal.
8 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 51min
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Butcher or Baronet | 2
Arthur Orton, the notorious impersonator from the Tichborne case, gets dragged into a tumultuous legal battle to prove his identity as Sir Roger Tichborne. As a death throws the claim into chaos, Arthur faces an uphill struggle in court, weighing familial loyalty against his deceptive past. Tension escalates during a dramatic confrontation at a funeral and in the courtroom, where missing tattoos turn the tide against him. The stakes are high: public humiliation or the dream of aristocracy hangs in the balance.
Dec 27, 2024 • 52min
The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Mother Knows Best | 1
It’s 1865, and butcher Arthur Orton is living in poverty in Australia. Then he hears about a reward for information on England’s ninth richest nobleman, Sir Roger Tichborne, who's been missing for several years. So Arthur comes up with an audacious plan. All he has to do is fool the man’s entire family. How hard can it be?Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 18, 2024 • 48min
The Scandalous Life of Charles Dickens | Christmas Special | 1
Think Dickens was all jolly carols and festive cheer? Not so. Behind the snowy scenes and spirit of goodwill, the so-called “Father of Christmas” was hiding a scandalous love life. Matt and Alice dive into the details with co-hosts of Wondery’s Legacy podcast, writer Afua Hirsch and historian Peter Frankopan. Plus, did Britain's most famous novelist really "invent" Christmas? Afua and Peter weigh in.Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 11, 2024 • 33min
The Brink's-Mat Heist | How I Defended Brian Perry | 4
Jonathan Goldberg KC has acted for alleged murderers, rapists and fraudsters during his five decades as a leading barrister. Among his high-profile clients: Brink’s Mat launderer, Brian Perry. He takes Alice and Matt inside the uncompromising world of criminal justice, and reveals the long lasting impact of Brink’s Mat Heist. Plus, what’s it like to defend someone you suspect to be guilty?Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 47min
The Brink's-Mat Heist | Buried Treasure | 3
Dive into the thrilling world of the Brink's-Mat heist as loyalties are tested amidst chaos and deception. A chaotic police intervention leads to shocking arrests while personal relationships hang in the balance. Witness the intense rivalry between masterminds and traitors, where courtroom dramas unfold and secrets are laid bare. Experience the high stakes of betrayal and the haunting aftermath of stolen gold, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn.
10 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 48min
The Brink's-Mat Heist | The Golden Rule | 2
Brian Perry is living a luxurious life fueled by stolen gold, but his friendship with Micky is on the brink of destruction. Tensions rise as Micky confronts betrayal while balancing his fate and impending prison time. The chaotic aftermath of the Brink's-Mat heist reveals the complexities of crime, loyalty, and ambition in 1984 London. As negotiations unfold amidst chaos, the stakes become dangerously high, showcasing a world where wealth and danger collide in a thrilling dance of deception.
12 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 49min
The Brink's-Mat Heist | Daylight Robbery | 1
Dive into the audacious Brink’s-Mat heist where Mad Micky McAvoy helms a gang that pulls off Britain’s biggest robbery. Explore the humor and chaos as tensions rise during thrilling heist preparations and the struggle over dividing £26 million in gold. The aftermath reveals bitter rivalries and trust issues, leading to unexpected betrayals among the thieves. Witness the complex interplay of greed and survival in the shadowy world of crime, as personal conflicts unravel and the consequences of their daring act unfold.
Nov 13, 2024 • 31min
Guy Fawkes | The British Scandal School Trip | 4
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Olden Gregory, Curator of historic buildings at the Tower of London, shares his expertise on the infamous Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The talk dives into Fawkes' dramatic interrogation techniques, revealing the psychological warfare used by captors. Gregory contrasts the Tower's grim past with its preservation as a historic site, while highlighting the haunting experiences of notable prisoners. The conversation concludes with a comedic nod to an extraordinary heist, leaving listeners intrigued for more.
