Larger-than-life, scandalous, and unforgettable – Lola Montez blazed across the Victorian stage and into the history books. But who was she really? A glamorous dancer, a political influencer, a femme fatale, or simply a woman determined to seize control of her own life in a world that demanded obedience?

In this episode of the Age of Victoria Podcast, we dive into the extraordinary story of Maria Delores Eliza Rosanna Gilbert – better known as Lola Montez. From her unconventional childhood in India to her explosive marriage, her reinvention as a Spanish dancer, and her stormy debut on the London stage, Lola’s life was anything but ordinary.

We’ll explore the myths, the scandals, and the darker truths – from public whippings and political intrigue to the constant reinvention of her own identity. Was Lola a heroine of independence, a dangerous adventuress, or both?

Join me as we meet the Magnificent Montez, explore her early life and set the stage for her dazzling – and often destructive – career across Europe and beyond.

Listen & Follow

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=19744898&fan_landing=true

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It’s the 8th anniversary of The Age of Victoria Podcast! Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham as he celebrates this milestone with a very special episode dedicated to one of the most unforgettable rogues of Victorian historical fiction—Sir Harry Flashman.

In this reflective and richly detailed episode, I explore the character of Flashman, the brilliant mind of his creator George MacDonald Fraser, and how the Flashman Papers have become an unconventional yet insightful lens into the Victorian world.

Expect deep dives into:

Whether you’re already a fan of Flashy or new to this bawdy, cowardly antihero, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Victorian hypocrisy, heroism, and how luck and PR shaped the Empire’s image.

“If I had been the hero everyone thought I was, or even a half-decent soldier, Lee would have won the battle of Gettysburg…”

“Like them or not, the Victorians strode the stage of history in glorious technicolour.”

“Some of the most interesting people in history—and in fiction—are really awful in some ways.”

Thanks to all the listeners who’ve joined the journey over the last 8 years. If you’ve found the show informative, entertaining, or just a good companion on long walks, please consider sharing it or leaving a review.

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INDIA SERIES 10

In this episode of The Age of Victoria Podcast, your host Chris Fernandez-Packham takes a deep dive into the personal and social side of the British presence in early Victorian India. With the wars of the frontier temporarily behind us, we explore what it really meant to travel to India during the 1840s—not as a soldier, but as a settler, civil servant, or family member.

From the monotony of months-long sea voyages to the complexities of Anglo-Indian identity, this episode is packed with insights, untold stories, and plenty of surprising realities about imperial life.

Episode Highlights:
The long, difficult voyage to India—rats, scurvy, seasickness, and cramped cabins.
Life aboard ship: class differences, gender restrictions, and DIY cabin prep tips.
Settling in India: Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay as key British hubs.
The social fabric of Empire: Anglo-Indians, cultural fusion, and community tensions.
Museums, mapping, and the start of Britain’s permanent cultural footprint in India.
The rise of steamships and the decline of the old East Indiamen sailing ships.
The paradox of empire: boredom, brutality, ambition, and adaptation.

Key Takeaways:

(I) Empire wasn’t just built by armies—it was built by administrators, families, and everyday people.

(II) Travel to India in the 1840s was a daunting journey, often filled with discomfort and danger.

(III) Anglo-Indian identity and integration were far more complex than the tidy labels of race and class suggest.

(IV) British settlers and Indian society deeply influenced each other in ways that still resonate today.

Next Episode Teaser:
We’ll continue our look at early Victorian India, focusing on the settlers themselves—their backgrounds, motivations, and the lives they built in a land both foreign and familiar.

Host’s Note:
A big thank you to listener HRW13 for the kind review (and fair feedback)! Spotify access should now be fixed, and as always, your support means everything.

The post EP063: Are We Nearly There Yet? appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

INDIA SERIES 09

Episode Summary:
The British Empire does not take humiliation lightly. In this episode, we follow the Army of Retribution as it storms back into Afghanistan to rescue prisoners, avenge the disastrous retreat from Kabul, and send a clear message to the world. But was it all just an expensive, bloody display of imperial pride?

Episode Highlights:
General Pollock’s stunning victory at the Khyber Pass—breaking a long-standing military myth.
The dramatic rescue of British prisoners, including officers, women, and children.
The controversial destruction of Kabul’s grand bazaar—vengeance or war crime?
General Nott’s relentless battles in Kandahar.
The war’s ultimate failure—thousands dead, nothing truly gained.
The rise of Sir Charles Napier and Britain’s next imperial adventure in Sind.

Key Takeaways:

With Afghanistan behind them, the British set their sights on Sind. Enter Sir Charles Napier, a man who would Expand the empire in his own unique style.

Host’s Note:
Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or consider supporting on Patreon to keep the show going.

The post EP062 SHALL WE NOT REVENGE appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

INDIA SERIES 08

Happy 2025, and welcome back! In this episode, we conclude our deep dive into the 1st Anglo-Afghan War with one of the most infamous military disasters of the Victorian era—the catastrophic retreat from Kabul in 1842. As British forces, led by the indecisive General Elphinstone, attempted to escape through the freezing Khyber Pass, they faced relentless Afghan attacks, starvation, and total collapse.

Episode Highlights:
The disastrous leadership of General Elphinstone and Sir William MacNaughten.
The brutal winter retreat and the suffering of British troops and civilians.
The last stand at Gandamak—courage, chaos, and ultimate defeat.
The survival of Dr. William Brydon and the myths surrounding the retreat.
How this catastrophe shaped Victorian imperial policies and perceptions of Afghanistan.

Key Takeaways:

Next Episode Teaser:
Stay tuned as we explore the British response to this defeat—because when an empire stumbles, it rarely stays down for long.

Host’s Note:
Thank you for your ongoing support! If you’re enjoying the series, please leave a review and consider joining our Patreon community.

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Get ready for a holly-jolly dive into Christmas history! In this special episode, I unwrap how the Victorians shaped the modern holiday, turning it into a celebration of family, charity, and festive cheer. From Prince Albert’s Christmas trees to the rise of Santa Claus, discover the origins of the traditions we know and love today. Plus, enjoy a classic Victorian ghost story to complete the holiday magic!

Episode Highlights:
How the industrial revolution made Christmas possible.
The Victorian invention of “ancient traditions” (like Christmas cards).
The birth of Santa Claus and his merger with Father Christmas.
Victorian holiday pastimes: poems, ghost stories, and more.
A chilling Victorian ghost story to end the episode.

Key Takeaways:

Stay tuned for more historical deep dives in the new year. Thank you for a wonderful season of learning and laughter!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our listeners! Thank you for your support through a challenging year. We’re excited to bring you even more content in 2025. Cheers to the journey ahead!

The post CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

INDIA SERIES 07

Episode Summary:
In this dramatic episode, we unpack the chain of events that led to the catastrophic unraveling of British occupation in Kabul during the First Anglo-Afghan War. From strategic blunders to leadership failures, General Elphinstone’s indecision turns a precarious situation into full-scale disaster. Listen to the cautionary tale of how poor planning, arrogance, and hubris can unravel even the mightiest empires.

Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

Next Episode Teaser:
In our next installment, we follow MacNaughten’s ill-fated attempts to negotiate a resolution and the devastating aftermath of his decisions.

Host’s Note:
Thank you for your patience as I navigate some personal and health challenges. Regular episodes will resume next year with exciting content and bonus shows. Your support means the world—cheers to the journey ahead!

The post EP060 Agent Down! Catastrophe in Kabul appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

INDIA SERIES 06

This episode continues the exploration of the Anglo-Afghan War, focusing on the British occupation and the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Key topics covered include:

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected], follow me on twitter @ageofvictoria, visit the website at www.ageofvictoriapodcast.com. The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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INDIA SERIES 05

This episode focuses on the continuation of the British invasion of Afghanistan in 1839. Here are the key things I cover:

The post EP058 ONCE MORE UNTO THE BREACH DEAR FRIENDS appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

Welcome to the podcast! I’m recording this episode while dealing with selling my house and going through a divorce. The podcast is a great escape for me during these difficult times.

I’m pleased to welcome new patron Matt Anderson as a Loveable Chimney Sweep. Update on transcripts: I’ve been working on fully footnoted transcripts back to episode 32. Apple Podcasts now automatically produces transcripts for all episodes, which is great for accessibility. Today we’re continuing our series on the invasion of Afghanistan. If you haven’t listened to episodes 054-056 yet, start there first.

The First Anglo-Afghan War is remembered as a great military disaster and a masterclass in bad political decision-making. I discuss how this war doesn’t fit neatly into typical frameworks like colonialism or imperialism. The British goal was to install a friendly king as a buffer, not to rule directly.

I explore the concept of Orientalism and how it applied to British views of Afghanistan at the time. We look at quotes from British envoys and compare them to Roman descriptions of Germanic tribes, noting similarities in how “frontier” peoples were viewed. I discuss the Afghan perspective and capabilities, including their use of the jezail rifle.

I detail the enormous logistical challenges of planning the invasion, including assembling troops, supplies, and animals. The invasion force had to take a longer desert route instead of the Khyber Pass, covering over 1,200km on foot.

The army starts to starve, and has to force the grim Bolan pass

We’ll follow the army as it pushes deeper into Afghanistan and attempts to put Shah Shuja on the throne.

If you want to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

The show also has a facebook page and group. Just search for Age of Victoria. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it takes less time than making a coffee. You can also subscribe for free on most major podcast apps. To support the show on Patreon, either CLICK HERE or you can go to Patreon and search for Age of Victoria podcast or my name. Take care and bye for now.

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