The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h
593. The Fight of the Century
Robert Coles, an expert in the history of sport and author, joins the conversation to unpack the legendary 1860 boxing match between Tom Sayers and John Heenan. The discussion dives into the cultural significance of this brutal encounter and its reflections on 19th-century British identity. Listeners will learn about the harsh training regimens that fighters endured, the vibrant atmosphere leading up to the match, and the evolution of boxing rules that emerged from this chaotic era. Coles offers insights into how this clash changed British sport forever.
136 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 57min
592. Mad Victorian Sport
Dive into the fascinating origins of football and its clubs, alongside the odd interplay between public hangings and early sporting events. Discover the historical significance of iconic venues like the Oval and the remarkable endurance feats of Victorian pedestrian Richard Manx. Unravel the compelling stories behind rugby, cricket's Ashes rivalry, and the peculiar spectacle of competitive dog and monkey events. This intriguing exploration uncovers how sports evolved within the cultural landscape of 19th-century England.
133 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
591. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Manhunt for the Killer (Part 2)
Dive into the dramatic events of Good Friday 1865 when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. Discover Booth's impulsive motivations and the chaos that erupted in the theater that night. Follow the tense manhunt for Booth, filled with intrigue and betrayal, as Union soldiers pursued him through chaotic landscapes. Explore the profound grief felt by Lincoln's family and the racial implications of his death, debating his legacy as a martyr or tyrant and its impact on America's future.
208 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
590. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Death at the Theatre (Part 1)
Explore the dramatic final days of Abraham Lincoln as he navigates the aftermath of the Civil War and contemplates reconciliation. Delve into the psyche of John Wilkes Booth, the troubled actor whose radical views drove him to assassinate Lincoln. Learn about the pivotal moments leading to Lincoln's tragic fate at Ford's Theatre, juxtaposed against a backdrop of political turmoil and personal reflection. Witness the intertwining of hope and despair as history unfolds in a haunting narrative.
90 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
589. Mary, Queen of Scots: Downfall (Part 6)
Explore the dramatic turn of events in Mary, Queen of Scots’ life after her husband’s murder. Discover the intricate web of betrayal surrounding the Darnley conspiracy and the controversial marriage to Bothwell. Delve into Mary's harrowing descent into despair as she is coerced into abdication and forced to flee. Witness her tumultuous escape attempts and the political challenges she faced in England. Finally, reflect on the complexities of female leadership in the 16th century and how it shaped her legacy.
29 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 1h
588. Mary, Queen of Scots: The Mystery of the Exploding Mansion (Part 5)
Dive into the shocking murder of Lord Darnley, unraveling the political intrigue and controversies that surround his death. Explore whether Mary, Queen of Scots, had a hand in this dark chapter of history. Discover the tumultuous relationship between Mary and Darnley, marked by ambition and betrayal. Investigate the conspirators involved and how their schemes reverberated through Scottish politics. Finally, witness Mary’s struggle between personal grief and political survival amid the chaos of her reign.
56 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 54min
587. Mary, Queen of Scots: Murder Most Foul (Part 4)
Dive into the tumultuous life of Mary, Queen of Scots, as her second marriage to Lord Darnley threatens civil war. Explore her bold confrontations with Elizabeth I and the complex loyalties surrounding her. Discover the volatile role of Lord Bothwell and the shocking betrayal within her court that led to David Rizzio's assassination. Amidst personal strife and looming danger, Mary leads troops into battle while navigating the intense political landscape of Scotland. Will her heir's birth bring hope or further chaos?
77 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
586. Mary, Queen of Scots: The Battle for Scotland (Part 3)
Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to a politically charged Scotland only to face deep suspicion and rivalry. Her confrontational meeting with Protestant leader John Knox highlights the tensions of her Catholic roots in a Protestant landscape. As she navigated her choices and relationships, particularly with her second husband Darnley, intrigue and chaos loomed. The dynamic rivalry with Elizabeth I further complicated her reign, showcasing the precarious balance of power among the Scottish and English nobility.
206 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
585. Mary, Queen of Scots: The Royal Rivals (Part 2)
Dive into the lavish life of Mary, Queen of Scots, as she navigates the treacherous French court. Discover the ambitious plans of her mother, Mary of Guise, and the intricacies of her marriage that entangled her with royal power. Experience her rivalry with the formidable Elizabeth I and the blow of becoming unexpectedly widowed. Learn about the religious turmoil shaking Scotland and how it shaped a queen's destiny amidst alliances, betrayals, and the struggle for authority in a rapidly changing world.
549 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 55min
584. Mary, Queen of Scots: Birth of a Legend (Part 1)
Discover the fascinating early life of Mary, Queen of Scots, born amidst political and religious turmoil. Learn how she became a queen at just a week old, and betrothed by age five, setting the stage for her legendary status. Explore the dangers faced by Scottish monarchs in the 16th century and the complexities of her rivalry with Elizabeth I. Delve into the challenges of her reign and the intricate political landscape, with a special focus on her mother's strategies to secure powerful alliances. This is a captivating tale of ambition, struggle, and legacy.
