History Tea Time

Witch! The word struck terror in the hearts of many a medieval man. It whispers of people, mostly women, using dark magic and even selling their souls to Satan to get what they want. Forcing men to fall in love with them and cursing their enemies. Sorceresses have been feared since ancient times. And while their certainly have been purveyors of magical arts throughout history, it was often healers, midwives, girls dabbling in divination games and innocent people who were accused of the most heinous of enchanted crimes. Between 1300 and 1850, nearly 40,000 people in Europe were victims of witch trials. And 14,000 met their end on the gallows or the pyre. Some of them came from the highest ranks of society, even the royal family. In fact witchcraft was a convenient accusation to level against inconvenient royal women. As courts operated on a notion of guilty until proven innocent, and it was infuriatingly difficult to prove that you hadn’t danced in the moonlight, uttered a curse or poisoned the king, the…

The Romanov Imperial House ruled Russia with an iron fist for 300 years. In that time they made plenty of enemies. From a grief-stricken mother who foretold the demise of the dynasty, to a scorned Tsaritsa who cursed St. Petersburg to calamity. From a hermit monk who claimed to know the hour of Catherine the Great’s death, to another monk, Rasputin, who cursed Tsar Nikolai’s family for causing his death. All culminating in the tragic slaying of the Imperial family, which fulfilled not one but two famous curses. Let’s take a spooky stroll through 3 centuries of Russia’s dark history and explore 4 curses and ominous prophecies laid on the Romanov dynasty. 1. “You began with the death of a Tsarevich, you will end with the death of a Tsarevich!” Ivan the Terrible, False Dmitry, Marina Mniszech, Michael Romanov 2. “St. Petersburg shall be empty!” Peter the Great, Eudoxia Lopukhina, Empress Catherine I 3. “Empress Catherine will die in 10 months and 10 days!” Catherine the Great, Monk Abel, Emperor Peter III,…

For millennia, royals have claimed that their right to rule over the unwashed masses was granted to them by God. But a few have been associated with powers originating far south of heaven. Tonight I’ll share with you the spooky and salacious tales of the demon countess who spawned the bloodthirsty Plantagenet dynasty, an unholy canine who ferociously defended his master on the battlefield; A holy roman Emperor who was not very holy and performed black masses on his Empress’s naked body; and a Spanish king who underwent exorcisms in an attempt to rid himself of his terrible afflictions. The Demon Countess of Anjou The Prince’s Poodle From Hell The UnHoly Roman Emperor’s Black Masses The Exorcisms of The King of Spain Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell…

From sex-crazed libertines, to noble courtesans, to innocent Empresses; syphilis was a devastating disease which ravaged many, and sometimes changed the course of history. Let’s meet 10 royal and noble victims of this sexually transmitted infection. Lorenzo de’Medici, Duke of Urbino 1492 – 1519 Maria Salviati de’ Medici 1499 – 1543 Abbas II of Persia, Shah of Iran 1632 – 1666 John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester 1647 – 1680 Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor 1678 – 1711 Sally Salisbury 1692 – 1724 Lola Montez, Countess of Landsfeld 1821 – 1861 Luís I, King of Portugal 1838 – 1889 Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria 1858 – 1889 Archduke Otto Franz Joseph of Austria 1865 – 1906 Music: Butterflies in Love by Sir Cubworth Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell…

In 1700 the Stuart Dynasty was out of heirs, save one, Princess Anne. Parliament studied the royal family tree to determine who was next in line. The problem was they were all catholic. The succession skipped over 41 closer relations until they got to the nearest living Protestant, Sophia, Electress of Hanover. The Act of Settlement of 1701 declared that all future British monarchs must be her descendant. She ended up dying before Anne and the throne went to her son, George I. But who were the 41 royals skipped over? French Princes, Italian Kings, A Queen of Spain and a couple of Holy Roman Empresses, let’s meet the fascinating potential British Monarchs that never where. This succession uses the rules of male-preference primogeneture, the law of the land at the time. And only looks at dynasts who were alive in the year 1701. Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/…

Queen Anne was the younger sister of Mary II, half of England’s only joint monarchy, William and Mary. When they died, Anne had no interest in sharing the throne with her husband. She was the first married Queen of England to rule on her own. Anne was a strong political player and oversaw the creation of the new nation of Great Britain. She had a long term, possibly romantic relationship with Sarah Churchill, but when political differences tore them apart, she transferred her affections to another lady in waiting, Abigail Marsham. Anne had 17 pregnancies, but none of her children survived childhood. Her death meant the end of the Stuart Dynasty and the throne went to her German cousin, George I. Let's examine the life of Queen Anne. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100303 Artist:…

This week, we're bringing you a special teaser of You're Dead To Me, the BBC's hit comedy podcast that takes history seriously – on a topic close to our hearts, Tea! In this episode, host Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Yangwen Zheng and comedian Hugh Dennis to trace the story of tea back to its roots in ancient China. Expect hidden history, myth-busting and a lot of laughs. If you enjoy what you hear, find You're Dead To Me wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Queen Mary II was 1/2 of England’s only joint monarchy, and half of a pair of powerful sister Queens. She betrayed her father and took his throne with the support of her Dutch husband, William of Orange. She preferred to take a back seat but ended up doing most of the governing while William was away at war. There is evidence that both she and her sister Anne had romantic relationships with women. Mary’s life was marred by reproductive tragedy and cut short by smallpox. Let's examine the life of Queen Mary II. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100303 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and…

As the great pestilence burned across central Asia, north Africa and Europe, roughly 100 million people lost their lives in the worst pandemic in human history. More than half of the populations of Florence, Paris and London fell victim. We will never know the names of most of the poor souls who met their end in mass graves. But perhaps the best way to put a human face on this apocalyptic event is to explore the lives of those victims for whom we do have carefully kept records - the Royals. Today let’s meet 21 Kings, Queens and Princes who where cut out of history by the scythe of the black death, and the many outbreaks of plague that followed. And see how their sudden deaths changed the course of history. Abu Sa’id Bahadur Khan, Mongul Sultan Joan of England, daughter of Edward III Blanche of Lancaster Edward of Angoulême, Son of Edward the Black Prince Anne of Bohemia, Queen of England Gruffudd ap Owain George Plantagenet, Duke of Bedford, Future Prince of Wales Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond Joan II,…

“How many valiant men, how many fair ladies, how many sprightly youths, … breakfasted in the morning with their kinsfolk, comrades and friends, and that same night supped with their ancestors in the other world.” Giovanni Boccaccio, The Decameron Between 1346 and 1353 a horrifying pestilence burned across Central Asia, North Africa and Europe. The infected, covered in bubos and burning with fever, died in agony, with no family left to care for them or priest to pray for their souls. In some areas 50% of the population was wiped out, leaving whole villages deserted with no one to bury the dead. Those who were lucky enough to be healthy, and have the means to do so, escaped disease riddled cities for the fresh, miasma-free air of the countryside. In the midst of this horror, Florentine Giovanni Boccaccio, wrote his seminal work, The Decameron, about 10 young people who flee the plague for a lavish, sexy Tuscan Villa vacation and to hopefully not die. This medieval masterpiece has recently been turned into a…

Lovers of folklore and Chocolate will have heard of the famous Lady Godiva, who rode her horse naked through the streets of Coventry with only her golden hair to preserve her modesty. And of peeping Tom, the only man in the town who dared to gaze upon her birthday suit and was struck blind for his sin. But did Lady Godiva actually exist? And did she really take her famed bare-back canter? Let’s travel back to Anglo Saxon England and meet the real Lady Godiva... Music: Folk Round by Kevin MacLeod Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Boleyn is one of the most famous women in history. Her meteoric rise from minor noble to Queen of England, and even swifter downfall to the block in the tower of London is the stuff of legend and the focus of too many novels and dramas to count. But there are two important characters in Anne’s story who don’t get as much attention. Her older sister Mary was King Henry’s mistress first, and bore him two children. And her younger brother George also had an impressive rise at court, which was cut short when he was accused of incest with Anne and lost his head 2 days before her. I’m at Hever Castle just south of London where the Boleyn siblings lived for much of their childhood. Let’s explore the castle and get to know more about the Queen Anne’s childhood, and the lives of her fascinating and tragic sister and brother, Mary Boleyn and George Boleyn. Music: Journey in the New World by Twin Musicom Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel:…

What’s more British than the British royal family? More Spanish than the Spanish Monarchs? More Norse than the King of Norway? Well, a lot of things actually. In fact, nearly all of the 10 remaining hereditary monarchs of Europe have more German DNA than they do local. For centuries, royals almost exclusively married other, foreign royals. They rarely mixed their blue blood with people native to the Kingdoms they ruled over. What’s more, when dynasties died out (often from excessive inbreeding) foreign royal houses put their own seconds sons on the throne, establishing new, entirely alien dynasties. Modern royal families try to brand themselves as throughly native and in touch with the common people. And if they ever spit into a test tube and sent it off for a DNA test, they would probably never publish the results. But, by looking back at their family trees, we can get a pretty good idea of their heritage. Last week we explore the heritage of the reigning families of Belgium, Denmark Liechtenstein,…

What’s more British than the British royal family? More Spanish than the Spanish Monarchs? More Norse than the King of Norway? Well, a lot of things actually. In fact, nearly all of the 10 remaining hereditary monarchs of Europe have more German DNA than they do local. For centuries, royals almost exclusively married other, foreign royals. They rarely mixed their blue blood with people native to the Kingdoms they ruled over. What’s more, when dynasties died out (often from excessive inbreeding) foreign royal houses put their own seconds sons on the throne, establishing new, entirely alien dynasties. Modern royal families try to brand themselves as throughly native and in touch with the common people. And if they ever spit into a test tube and sent it off for a DNA test, they would probably never publish the results. But, by looking back at their family trees, we can get a pretty good idea of their heritage. So let’s find out just when and how the Swedish got so French, the Dutch got Argentinian, and everyone…

Genghis Khan is famous for launching the conquest of the largest contiguous empire the world has ever seen. And for fathering enough children that today nearly every person of Asian decent carries his DNA. But he might not have done any of it if not for the love he bore one incredible woman, his Empress, Borte. The couple started their story as a great romance. As it evolved into a saga of war, conquest, and politics, Borte was by her husband’s side, ruling in his stead and influencing trade and diplomacy across the Empire. She doesn’t even seem to have minded his many other, lesser wives, who we will also meet today. Let’s get to know the great Mongol Empress, Borte. Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday Sources: Favereau, Marie. The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World. Harvard University Press, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6rte Illustrations from: https://avid-archer.com/borte-empress-of-mongolia-wife-of-genghis-khan/ Music: Lau Tzu Ehru by Doug Maxwell…

If you want to be a monarch, you need three things: ultimate power over your domain, a brilliant gold crown to impress the peasantry, and the best seat in the palace. The idea of giving the most important person in a given space a special place to sit is near-universal. Many ancient civilizations placed their rulers, priests and gods on thrones. They became so synonymous with royalty that “the throne” is a byword for monarchy itself. Let’s take a closer look at 10 fabulous royal thrones from history. I’ve selected this list based on their fame, historic importance, beauty, and their fascinating stories. They span the globe and history. So find a comfortable seat, as we examine where ancient and modern monarchs rested their behinds. 1. Throne of Knossos, 1400s BCE 2. Golden Throne of Tutankhamun, 1323 BCE 3. Throne of Charlemagne, 790s 4. Chair of Saint Peter, 875 5. St. Edward’s Chair, 1296 6. Throne of Montezuma, 1507 7. Peacock Throne of the Mugal Empire, 1635 8. Coronation Chair of Denmark, 1662 9. Golden…

The Crown. The very symbols of power, wealth, majesty and royalty. It was a shining signal to the mud-caked peasantry that here was a person who was above them and blessed from above. You can’t be the King without the Bling. Let’s take a closer look at 10 incredible crowns from history. I’ve selected this list based on their fame, historic importance, beauty, and their fascinating stories, like the power to kill Nazis. They span the globe and history, so let’s begin with the ancient diadems and work out way to the modern, eye-popping crown jewels. The Iron Crown of Lombardy, 300s (Italy) The Gold crowns of Silla, 400-600s (Korea) The Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, 962 The Crown of St. Wenceslas of Bohemia, 1346 The Imperial Crown of Russia, 1762 The Great Crown of Victory, 1782 (Thailand) The Kiani Crown of Iran, 1796 The Crown of Napoleon , 1804 (France) The Shripech Crown of Napal The Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom, 1937 Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History!…

In the final episode, we’ll find out what happened with the Kings of Scotland inherited the throne of England. And learn what the Scots thought of the English chopping off one King’s head, exiled another, and finally invited a German to take the throne. James VI of Scotland & I of England Charles I Charles II James VII of Scotland & II of England Mary II & William II Anne Music: "Angevin - Thatched Villagers" by Kevin MacLeod Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me on a historic tour of Scotland, May 15th-21st, 2024: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/united-kingdom/united-kingdom-with-lindsay-holiday-may-2024 You can see the whole series now at: https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday In this episode we’ll met more Stuarts monarchs, one who inspired the Red wedding Scene in Game of Thrones, another who’s vendetta against his uncle, Henry VIII cost him his life, and Mary Queen of Scots, who plotted to assassinate her cousin, Elizabeth I and lost her head for it. James II James III James IV James V Mary, Queen of Scots Music: "Angevin - Thatched Villagers" by Kevin MacLeod Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would…

In this episode we’ll see Scotland go through it’s most tumultuous century, beginning with it’s first, tragic Queen Regnant; though the Wars of independence, where we’ll learn what Braveheart and Outlaw King got right and wrong about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, ending up with the accession of the Stewart Dynasty, who would rule Scotland for 300 years. Margaret “Maid of Norway” John Balliol Robert I “Robert the Bruce” David II Robert II “the Stewart” Robert III “the Lame” James I Music: "Angevin - Thatched Villagers" by Kevin MacLeod Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

In this episode we’ll continue the bitter rivalry between branches of the royal family, learn how the Scots took advantage of the Norman invasion of 1066, meet the nation’s most famous Saint-Queen and find out what really happened to MacBeth. Part 2: House of Dunkeld Duncan I Macbeth Lulach Malcolm III Donald III Duncan II Edgar “the Valiant” Alexander I “the Fierce” David I “the Saint” Malcolm IV William I, "The Lion" Alexander II Alexander III Music: "Angevin - Thatched Villagers" by Kevin MacLeod Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can see the whole series now at: https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday Magnificent and roughed, Scotland has long been a country of fierce independence and brutal power struggles. From ancient warrior kings who fought off battering waves of Vikings raids, to royal cousins who murdered each other for the throne. From the medieval monarchs who alternately sold out and fought to preserve their nation from the English, to the savvy Stewarts who built the Kingdom up and came to rule over all of Britannia. In this 5 part series, we’ll meet the Kings and Queens of Scotland from Kenneth MacAlpin, to Queen Anne. Part 1: House of Alpin Kenneth MacAlpin Donald I Constantine I Áed Giric Eochaid Donald II Constantine II Malcolm I Indulf Dubh Cuilén Kenneth II Amlaíb Constantine III Kenneth III Malcolm II Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me…

Throughout history, across cultures and in every walk of life, there have always been people with varied sexual attractions, or lack there of. Asexuality, in particular, has only been identified and studied since the early 20th century. People in the past did not have the concepts, terminology or relative freedom we have today. So those who might now identify as asexual had a limited understanding of what they were experiencing. This makes it difficult for historians to identify people from the past who may have been asexual. Sexual attractions and relationships of every variety often left evidence, like steamy love letters and reports from others. But a lack of sexual desire was much less likely to be expressed. Sexuality, particularly among royals and especially among women, was often not a matter of choice. Princes and Princesses had to marry and reproduce with whoever their parents told them to. In many cases, particularly when young princesses were wed to much older kings, their own desires were…

The United Kingdom has a new Queen Consort, Camilla. She is the first Queen of England to have been born a commoner since Catherine Parr (1547). Since the Norman conquest in 1066, English and British Royals have almost exclusively married other royals, usually as part of treaties with powerful neighboring nations. Of the 42 royal consorts, 13 have been French, 8 German, 5 Spanish, 4 Danish, 1 Dutch, 1 Italian, 1 Portuguese and 1 Scottish. But on a few, rare occasions an English monarch put his heart (or his lust) before his head and chose instead to make an English woman his Queen. There have been 9 English Queens of England, one was a member of a rival branch of the English royal family. 2 were from noble families and 6 were commoners... Elizabeth Woodville Anne Neville Anne Boleyn Jane Seymour Catherine Howard Catherine Parr Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon Camilla Shand Plus Future Commoner Queen Catherine Middleton Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel:…

I answer your questions on ruling Queens through the ages: 5 Types of Queens (Queen Regnant, Queen Consort, Dowager Queen, Queen Mother, Queen Regent) Who was the first ever Queen Regnant? What was the most common Regnal name for a Queen Regnant? Have there been Queens Regnant who have been canonized? Who were the youngest and oldest Queens Regnant? Which Queens Regnant have had the longest and shortest reigns? Which Queen Regnant was the richest? Which Queens Regnant ruled over the largest and smallest lands? Where their ever Queens of two Kingdoms at once? Which Queen Regnant was married the most times? Are their cases of consecutive Queens regnant, like mother and daughter? Can a Queen Consort become a Queen Regnant? Have there been any Queens regnant who died in childbirth? Which Queen Regnant had the most children? If a Queen Regnant died before the Prince consort, would he be titled Dowager Prince Consort? If a Queen Regnant married a woman, what title would she be given? Are there monarchies that…

One of the most anticipated, and ceremonially significant parts of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla was what the royals would wear. And everyone wanted to know if Catherine, Princess of Wales would be wearing a Tiara. From real fur to faux tiaras, and some surprising and creative robe choices, the royal family were all dressed to impress. Now that the ensembles they selected have been splashed on screens across the world, let’s take a look at the history of English and British coronation fashion and see how the 2023 Westminster abbey looks staked up. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating…

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. And in the case of the six most famous wives in history, it’s true. Catherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Catherine and Catherine again all had mothers who greatly influenced them and played important roles in their dramatic lives. Some of them weren’t too fond of their murderous son-in-law, King Henry VIII. Let’s meet the 6 Mamas of the 6 wives of Henry VIII, and found out if it’s really like mother, like daughter... Isabel I, Queen of Castile Madre de Catherine of Aragon Elizabeth Howard, Countess of Wiltshire mother of Anne Boleyn Lady Margery Wentworth, Mother of Jane Seymour Maria, Duchess of Jülich-Berg, matter von Anne of Cleves Joyce Culpeper, Mother of Catherine Howard Lady Maud Green, Mother of Catherine Parr Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram:…

Charlemagne is a central figure in European history. In the 700s he conquered a vast empire. He is considered the progenitor of the French monarchy, several Germany dynasties and more. He even forced the Pope to crown him Holy Roman Emperor. But while Charlemagne was busy converting pagans to Christianity at sword point, his love life was far from holy. The great emperor had 4 or 5 wives, the relationship statues of one has long been debated for a very cruel reason. And at least 4 concubines. Many of his romantic entanglements were going on simultaneously. And the influence these women had on imperial politics shocked clerics of the day. In total, they presented the king with 18 children. And so many heirs planted the seeds for the destruction of the Carolingian Empire. Today let’s meet Emperor Charlemagne’s many wives and concubines. Wives: Himiltrude Desiderata of the Lombards Hildegard of the Vinzgau Fastrada Luitgard Concubines: Gersuinda Madelgard Regina Ethelind Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling…

I'm at Hampton Court Palace in the Communication Gallery to look at a very special collection of paintings, the Windsor Beauties. These portraits immortalize 10 woman said to be the most stunning members of the restoration court. They exude elegance, confidence, and more than a hint of seduction. It was long whispered that famous philanderer, King Charles II used the paintings like a catalog, to choose which lovely lady would be his bedfellow for the evening. His lascivious majesty would then place his order with the Keeper of his Privy Closet, known as his ‘Pimp-master General’ who would then call for the patiently waiting lucky lady. The Windsor beauties gained such a notorious reputation that by 1835, the now prudish royal court despised them. The collection was consigned to Hampton court Palace, which was no longer a royal residence. But were the Windsor beauties really just restoration Pinups, or is there more to the story? Let’s meet the real women rendered in colorful goop, and find out why they were…

Tattoos have a long and colorful history across the world, and are an important part of many cultures. While 1 in 3 Americans have at least 1 tattoo today, western culture still sees the art form as counter culture, risque and rebellious. You might be shocked if you learned that your grandma was inked. And you certainly wouldn’t expect that prim and proper royals of the Victorian era were concealing covert tattoos under their stiff dress uniforms and frilly gowns. But in fact, a handful of trend setting Princes in the late 19th century started an aristocratic craze for secret ink. Let’s take a journey through the history of tattoo, learn how it flourished on other continents, but passed Europe by, and was then enthusiastically reintroduced. Along the way, we’ll meet several royals from history who were secretly tatted up! King Edward VII of the UK King George V of the UK Grand Duke Alexis of Russia Alfonso XIII of Spain Frederik IX of Denmark Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany King Oscar II of Sweden King…

Originally published on Youtube in 2023. Buckingham Palace recently announced that Queen Consort Camilla as selected from the crown jewels the Crown of Queen Mary to wear at her own coronation on May 6th, 2023. Mary of Teck was a strong force within the British royal family and greatly influenced the morality and sense of duty her favorite granddaughter, Elizabeth II was famous for. The royal family have her to thank for the acquisition and preservation of several important pieces of art, antiques and especially jewelry. But her magpie collecting gained her a false reputation as a kleptomaniac. Let’s get to know this important British Queen Consort and find out why her crown is a fitting choice for Camilla. The Children of George V & Mary of Teck: 1 Brother Kings: https://youtu.be/PA9myeZcsac 2 Scandalous Siblings: https://youtu.be/kUG2yYqB-Vk Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Please consider supporting me at…

From Bathsheba to the Queen of Sheba, from Jezebel to Esther, the Queens of the bible have been referenced in art, music and pop culture for thousands of years. But who were these ancient women? What were their stories and what historic evidence do we have of their lives? Today let’s meet the Queens of the Bible: Michal – 1 Samuel 14:49 Bathsheba – 2 Samuel 11:3, 1 Chronicles 3:5 Queen of Sheba – 1 Kings 10:2, 2 Chronicles 9:1 Jezebel – 1 Kings 16:31 Athaliah – 2 Kings 8:16–11:16, 2 Chronicles 22:10–23:15 Vashti – Book of Esther Esther – Book of Esther Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque…

While getting swept away in the latest season of Outlander, or researching your own highland heritage, you might wonder about these key elements of Scottish culture and history. What was a clan and how did they work? Does my last name mean that I belong to a certain clan and that I can only wear that clan’s tartan? What is tartan, what is a kilt, and what do Scotsmen wear under them? Buckle on your sporran, or pin up your bonnie wee tartan shall, and lets answer these questions and more as we explore the history of Scottish clans, tartans and kilts! Early Tartan and Kilts The Scottish Clan System Tartan and Kilts after 1745 Scots in America & Around the World Tartan and Kilts after 1745 Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime…

When the Guinness family saw the turmoil and scandals of other great historic dynasties, they literally said, hold our beer, and proceeded to top them all. The new series, The House of Guinness dramatizes just one generation of the famous Irish family; the 4 children of Benjamin Guinness, who took over the brewing business in 1868. And while we'll cover what was fact and fiction, there is so much juicy gossip on with the rest of the family tree. Including some rather creative cases of looking for dates at the family reunion. From how they turned cold Irish porter into cold hard cash in the 1760s, to the 1960s drug impresario whose tragic death inspired the Beatles song "A day in the life" to rumors of a family curse. The clan has a history as dark as their famous stout. So order up a pint of plain, and let's get to know the Guinness family. Arthur Guinness Benjamin Guinness Arthur Guinness, Baron Ardilaun Edward Guinness, Earl of Iveagh Anne Guinness Rupert Guinness Aileen Guinness Maureen Guinness Oonagh…

Jeanne Bécu, Jeanne du Barry, Madame du Barry, clawed her way up from the illegitimate daughter of a single mother, to one of the most celebrated courtesans in Paris, to the final royal mistress of King Louis XV. Her captivating life has been dramatized in numerous operas, films and television shows. Most recently in the new film written, directed and starring Maïwenn and featuring Johnny Depp as King Louis. Today we’ll meet the real Jeanne du Barry, learn about her diamond-studded life at Versailles, and find out what happened to her after the final frame of the film, when the revolution caught up with the France’s last great royal mistress. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at…

Through most of history, male monarchs have been the norm. Their wives held the title of Queen or Empress, but were merely consorts, with little real power. Many monarchies, like France, The Ottoman Empire and Bhutan have strictly barred women from inheriting the throne and have never had a Queen Regnant, or a Queen in her own right. While others have rules loose enough that a handful of women have had the opportunity to claim the throne and become the highest authority in the land. Some achieved this by outliving their brothers, or not having any, some by seizing power from their husbands or male relatives, and a few actually married their own brothers in order to claim the throne. One nation on our list actually had a matrilineal monarchy for 300 years. Let’s take a look at the top 7 nations who have been ruled by 10 or more Queens Regnant: 7. Japan - 10 Queens & Empresses is Japan 6.Hawai’i - 13 Queens 5. Italy - 14 Queens 4. United Kingdom - 15 Queens 3. Spain - 17 Queens 2. Nigeria - 24 Queens 1. Egypt…

For most of history, men ruled the world. But for 3 decades in the late 1500s two powerful women dominated Europe. Catherine de Medici was Queen of France and Elizabeth I was Queen of England. Neither one was expected to be Queen. But both bid their time until they could seize power. They were brilliant, dynamic, determined, and sometimes ruthless leaders. But even with all they had in common, their differences made them fierce opponents. Catherine was a catholic, a wife and a mother, while Elizabeth was protestant and single by choice. Dozens of books and dramas have focused on the epic rivalry between Elizabeth and her northern neighbor, Mary Queen of Scots. And while she is an important part of the story, Elizabeth’s relationship with her greater nemesis, Catherine has long been forgotten. However, season 2 of the Starz series Serpent Queen, and the recent book Blood, Fire & Gold by Estelle Paranque have resurrected the historic frienemies. So let’s examine the parallel lives and epic rivalry between…

Ever wonder what women of the past wore to give them that ample bustline? Let’s explore the bra, corset and various garments that have been there to support women through the centuries and the many fashions that have come and gone with them. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Dream Of The Ancestor by Asher Fulero #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through most of history, royals were stuck in unhappy, arranged marriages. But, sometimes, after getting through the awkward wedding night, royal brides and grooms found they had a lot in common and formed intimate, passionate, life-long connections. Some kings even ignored the court ladies clamoring to be their mistresses, and had eyes only for their Queen. From a medieval Queen who rode into war at her husband’s side, to a renaissance emperor who trusted his wife to rule. From a Queen who risked death to continue sleeping with her husband, to a Princess who was betrothed to the heir, but ended up happy with the spare. While these monarchs might have been romantic heroes in the bedchamber, they were far from flawless. Some were cruel and violent towards their enemies and even their own people. But they prove that happily ever afters really can come true! At least until a lack of medical knowledge came in to turn their Julia Quinn bodice rippers into Nicholas Sparks tragedies. Let’s meet 4 royal couples, who…

Popular historic dramas like Bridgerton, Little Dorrit and year of the Rabbit sometimes receive criticism that their diverse casts are historically inaccurate. But in fact there have been people of color in Britain since Roman times. In a previous video, I explored the lives of 7 fascinating black Aristocrats & Celebrities who were living in 18th century England and France. Today we’ll travel forward in time and meet 7 more compelling people of African and mixed heritage who were making waves in Britain during the Victorian era. They include the Queen’s own goddaughter and her royal ward, a renowned actor, a heroic nurse, a circus performer immortalized by the Beatles, one of the most visible models of the era and a best-selling composer. Here are their stories... Sara Forbes Bonetta Ira Aldridge Mary Seacole Pablo Fanque Fanny Eaton Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Prince Alemayehu of Ethiopia Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel:…

The Astors... Chances are you’ve hear the name of this prominent and obscenely wealthy dynasty of gilded age America. You may have been to a hotel, library, subway station or town that bares their name; vaguely remember that one of them went down with the Titanic, or recall seeing their modern decedents in US or UK tabloids. But who were these captains of industry and Queens of society? Today we’ll sort out the Astor family tree, put faces to the famous names and unearth their scandals! We’ll explore how they got their incredible wealth, what they did with it and what their decedents are up to today. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make…

Ahilyabai was born a commoner but was chosen as the bride of a prince at the age of 8. When her Husband was killed in battle she was convinced not to commit sati by throwing herself on his funeral pyre. She instead became a warrior princess and studied statecraft. When her father-in-law and then son died, she became the ruler of Indore. Her just rule, love of peace, care for her people and numerous building projects have made her famous across India. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Bansure Raga by Doug Maxwell #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please…

For 500 years Lucrezia Borgia has been the focus of operas, novels, movies, and televisions shows. She was one of the inspirations for Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. Nearly all of these works further her reputation as a femme fatale and one of the most evil women in history. It is said that she went through 3 husbands, used a poison ring to murder her enemies, and slept with her father and brother. But was she really such a depraved, licentious villain? Or was she the victim of a twisted family and vengeful gossip? Let’s separate reality from the arsenic dipped rumors and get to know the true Lucrezia Borgia Rodrigo Borgia - Pope Alexander VI Cesare Borgia Giovanni Borgia Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please…

Have you every felt like you really should be living in a palace? Do diamond encrusted, golden crowns look particularly fetching on you, and are you darling at waving to adoring crowds from a carriage or balcony? Then you may have wondered if you have a few Kings and Queens way back in your family tree! Today I will share how you can find out if you have royal blood and introduce you to 10 historic royals with prolific progeny. Wherever you are from in the world, there is an excellent chance that you are related to at least one if not several of them. 10. Ismail Ibn Sharif (1645 – 1727) ~ 5 Million modern descendants 9. Atahualpa (1502 – 1533) ~ 100 Million 8. Edward III (1312 – 1377) ~ 200 Million 7. William the Conqueror (1028 – 1087) 300-400 Million 6. Genghis Khan (1162 – 1227) ~ 2 Billion 5. Charlemagne (748 – 814) ~ 3 Billion 4. Niall of the Nine Hostages (c. 360s - 400) ~ 3 Billion 3. Emperor Taizong of Tang (598 – 649) ~ 4 Billion 2. Ramses II of Egypt (1303 – 1213 BCE) ~ 6 Billion 1. Scorpion I of…

Time, it marches on relentlessly outside of human control. But humanity has long found a variety of ways to mark our passage through the eons. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. But why do we count our collective journey through the ages in these integers? A day makes sense, that’s one rotation of the earth on its axis and can easily be marked by the rising and setting of the sun. And a year is one orbit of the earth around the sun, traveling through the 4 seasons again and again. But why 60 seconds in a minute, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week and 12 months in a year? Let’s look back through history to learn the varied origins of these odd measures of time. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please…

In Germany, Christmas really glitters! In fact many of the traditions we associate with the festive season in Britain, the US and around the world come to us via Germany. The Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Advent Calendars, nutcrackers, toys, Christmas Markets and a cornucopia of Christmas confections had roots in Deutschland. Much of this cultural exchange comes from the tight familial bonds between the British and German royal families. So curl up by the Tannenbaum with a plate of Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas cookies), and a mug of Glühwein or Kinderpunsch (mulled wine with or without the alcohol). And together let’s explore the history of German Christmas traditions and visit the royal neues palais on December 24th, 1907 for a spectacularly festive meal with Kaiser Wilhelm and his family. Christmas trees, Tannenbaum, Christmas ornaments Santa Clause, Saint Nicholas, Christkind Nutcrackers, wooden toys Christmas Markets Christmas food and drink (cookies) Kaiser Wilhelm II's Christmas Eve Menu, 1907 Join me…

Jane Austen was born in the 16th of December, 1775, which means this month marks her 250th birthday. Jane lived a quiet, mostly happy life in the English countryside, surrounded by the balls, romantic intrigues and family dramas that fill her novels. Her writing was always her true passion. She glimpsed success, with 4 books becoming wildly popular in her lifetime. But she died tragically young, depriving the world of her talent. Her stories have been adapted and re imagined countless times. And in this, Jane’s 250th year, she continues to be a mainstay in pop culture. But let’s look past the endearing characters and timeless stories, and met the woman holding the quill. Let’s get to know Jane Austen... Sense and Sensibility (1811) Pride and Prejudice (1813) Mansfield Park (1814) Emma (1816) Northanger Abbey (1818, posthumous) Persuasion (1818, posthumous) Lady Susan (1871, posthumous) Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel:…

Each Disney Princess movie is set in a different time and part of the world. For many they are a first glimpse of history and cultures outside of our own. But have you ever wondered what life was really like for your favorite Disney Princess? Let’s take a look at each of Disney’s 16 animated Princesses, including the latest addition, Asha, to determine where and when they are most likely set. Then I’ll match each iconic princess to a real-life royal woman from the same time and place. So we can get a sense of what life without witches, curses and singing animal sidekicks was really like. In some cases there are interesting similarities; Eugénie de Montijo really did go from rags to riches like Cinderella, Catherine of Valois was a sleeping beauty like Aurora and Mihrimah Sultan was a respected leader like Jasmine. So put on your ballgown and tiara, or strap on your armor and let’s compare Disney Princesses to real history! Part 1: Snow White - Maria Anna of Bavaria, Archduchess of Austria Cinderella -…

Each Disney Princess movie is set in a different time and part of the world. For many they are a first glimpse of history and cultures outside of our own. But have you ever wondered what life was really like for your favorite Disney Princess? Let’s take a look at each of Disney’s 16 animated Princesses, including the latest addition, Asha, to determine where and when they are most likely set. Then I’ll match each iconic princess to a real-life royal woman from the same time and place. So we can get a sense of what life without witches, curses and singing animal sidekicks was really like. In some cases there are interesting similarities; Eugénie de Montijo really did go from rags to riches like Cinderella, Catherine of Valois was a sleeping beauty like Aurora and Mihrimah Sultan was a respected leader like Jasmine. So put on your ballgown and tiara, or strap on your armor and let’s compare Disney Princesses to real history! Part 1: Snow White - Maria Anna of Bavaria, Archduchess of Austria Cinderella -…

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Kensington Palace in London, where Queen Victoria was born and raised. Let’s explore the rooms where she spent her troubled youth, examine the harsh Kensington system under which she was reared, discover a few of her childhood joys and learn what transformed her into a Queen. We’ll also get to know her two half siblings, find out what became of them and what sort of relationship they had with their royal little sister. Karl, Prince of Leiningen (1804–1856) Princess Feodora of Leiningen (1807 – 23 September 1872) Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque…