In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast we explore the surprisingly private and complex life of Henry VIII beyond his public image. From his refined tastes and athletic pursuits, this episode reveals a lesser-known side of the Tudor monarch.

Cast List:

Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces 

Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist 

Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’

Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist 

Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’

Dr. Matt Green: Historian 

Lesley Ronaldson: Guide Lecturer, Hampton Court Palace 

Eleri Lynn: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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In this episode, we investigate a medieval skeleton found near Lewes, Sussex, initially suspected to be a casualty of the Battle of Lewes in the 12th century. But with radiocarbon dating revealing an even older origin, possibly the Norman era, the research team delves into whether this could be the first skeletal link to the Battle of Hastings...

Cast List:

Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist, University Of York

Malin Holst: Osteoarcheologist, University Of York

Chris Whittick: Senior Archivist, East Sussex County Council

Luke Barber: Research Officer, Sussex Archaeology Society

John Bleach: Sussex Archaeological Society

Greg Chuter: Assistant County Archaeologist, East Sussex County Council

Edwina Livesey: Sussex Archaeological Society

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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In this episode we uncover the true origins of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a story born from scientific curiosity and the eerie promise of reanimation. Over 200 years later, its questions about creation, responsibility, and the limits of human ambition are more prominent than ever in the age of artificial intelligence...

Cast List:

Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In this episode, we dive into the extravagant reign of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King" who ruled France for over 70 years. Discover how his obsession with absolute power and the lavish court life at Versailles transformed the French monarchy and left a lasting legacy on European culture.

Cast List:

Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces 

Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist 

Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’

Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist 

Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’

Dr. Matt Green: Historian 

Emmanuel Frossard: Master Perfumier

Christine Baltay: Historian

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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In 2013, a team of metal detectorists in Janakkala, Finland, stumbled upon something astonishing - a mysterious grave dating back over a thousand years. Buried with two swords, the extraordinary find suggests a link between Christians and Pagans. 

Cast List:

Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist 

Simo Vanhatalo: Archaeological Field Services, Museuivirasto

Paul Macdonald: Sword maker, MacDonald Armouries

Rachel Wood: University of York

Raila Altonen: Landowner

Mikko Mäkelä: Metal Detectorist 

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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In this episode, we journey into one of the most enduring conspiracy theories of the 20th century: Did NASA really land astronauts on the Moon in 1969, or was it an elaborate hoax filmed on a Hollywood soundstage? We explore the origins of the Apollo moon landing conspiracy theory, discuss the most common claims made by skeptics, and examine how science, photography, and cold war politics fuelled both belief and doubt.

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian 

Guy Walters: Author, historian and journalist 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In this episode, we unpack the life of King George III, his battles with mental illness and how they forced his son, the Prince Regent, into power. As the king faded from public life, the prince indulged in grand architectural dreams and lavish tastes, ushering in a new era shaped by crisis, culture, and conflict.

Cast List:

Tracy Borman: Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces  

Tony McMahon: Author & Journalist 

Hallie Rubenhold: Author, ‘The Scandalous Lady W’

Dominic Selwood: Author & Journalist 

Rebecca Rideal: Author, ‘Plague, War & Hellfire’

Dr. Matt Green: Historian 

Dr Jane Desborough: Curator of Scientific Instruments at the Science Museum, London

Professor Peter Garrard: Professor of Neurology at St George's University of London

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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In this episode, we’re joined by Tony McMahon to explore the life and legacy of James, the so-called “brother” of Jesus. Was James an early leader in the Jerusalem church whose influence shaped the foundation of Christianity, and a truly a devoted follower of Jesus? Or are there hidden texts or Gnostic writings that reveal a different James than the one we’re told about...

Cast List:

Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In this episode we explore the Nazi regime’s radical urban planning ambitions, from Hitler’s vision for “Germania” - a colossal, totalitarian capital meant to eclipse all others, to the destruction of Warsaw.

Cast List:

Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.

Nicholas O’Shaughnessy: Professor of Communication at Queen Mary, University of London

Terry Charman: Historian & Author 

Frank McDonough: Author & Historian of the Third Reich

Nigel Jones: Author & Historian 

Wolfgang Schlecker: Historian 

Alexander Kropp: Berlin Journalist & Historian 

Dr. Alexander Schmidt: German Historian & Nuremberg resident 

Eric Meyers: Narrator

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In this episode we’re joined by historian and author, Guy Walters, as we explore the mysterious world of the Freemasons - their origins, symbols, rituals, and the conspiracy theories that swirl around them. From medieval stonemasons to modern lodges, discover what’s fact, what’s fiction, and why they’ve fascinated the public for centuries.

Cast List:

Guy Walters: Author & Historian 

Eric Meyers: Narrator 

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