Tis the season to be jolly, so we've dipped into our stocking full of podcasts and pulled out three festive talks that explore Christmas traditions through the ages. In this episode, Kate Howard from Past Pleasures talks about the roots of the traditional Christmas panto in an era that brought entertainment to the masses. For more information on the history of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories 

The history of Christmas performance

Historic Royal Palaces are a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. This fortnightly podcast brings you the history and stories of those palaces. 
 

You’ll hear from our experts and the people who bring our palaces to life, as we create space to explore how history moves us, telling stories about the monarchs you know, and uncovering the lives and histories of the people you don’t. 


Just like our palaces, this podcast is a mix of old and new. Each episode will have a different feel, from previously recorded live talks, to exciting new discussions and discoveries. You’ll have every opportunity to share in the history we love.     


Explore more history and stories from our six palaces hrp.org.uk

History

Society & Culture

 Caroline Herschel stares at the stars. Recognition as an astronomer and scientist seems further away than even the most distant constellations. But her discovery of comets and her love for her work is contagious. It’s not long before Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, takes notice.      Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the people in the shadows. Listen to Outliers - Stories from the edge of history wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://sites.libsyn.com/109217/site    Please note, these episodes are released in a different order than on the original podcast. 

Outliers – Pinpricks of Light

 Catalina served Katherine of Aragon for years, proudly, passionately, and loyally following her from Spain all the way to the side of King Henry VIII. But Henry’s interest has turned. He is intent on divorce, and his henchmen are digging up the secrets of Katherine’s first marriage to Arthur Tudor. They think Catalina is the weakest link and their method is intimidation. But have they underestimated Catalina’s strength and loyalty?    Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the people in the shadows. Listen to Outliers - Stories from the edge of history wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://sites.libsyn.com/109217/site    To learn more about Catalina of Motril watch this mini documentary:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGCehukyT6A    Please note, these episodes are released in a different order than on the original podcast.  

Outliers – Secrets of the Bedchamber

 Leech is a man who knows about fire, how it burns and how it feels. But when Whitehall Palace, the largest palace in Europe, becomes the greatest kindling pile for a seemingly unquenchable blaze, even he is left dazzled. Everything burns, even the home of kings.     Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the people in the shadows. Listen to Outliers - Stories from the edge of history wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://sites.libsyn.com/109217/site    Please note, these episodes are released in a different order than on the original podcast.    To read more about the lost palace of Whitehall go to:      https://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/      https://artsandculture.google.com/project/banqueting-house              

Outliers – Crack of Thunder

 As lady-in-waiting to an ageing queen and wife to a failed adventurer, Bess Raleigh has learnt to fight her corner against all adversity. Her life is spent in the shadow of the Tower of London with her husband Sir Walter Raleigh. But will she manage to keep her head whilst others around her lose theirs?        Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the people in the shadows. Listen to Outliers - Stories from the edge of history wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://sites.libsyn.com/109217/site    Please note, these episodes are released in a different order than on the original podcast.  

Outliers – Fresh Sweat and Cloves

 Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the people in the shadows.    It’s late spring in 1726 at Kensington Palace, and the lavish court of King George I is in residence. Meanwhile, Mehmet, the Turkish valet to the King, is having some problems with Peter from Hanover, 'the wild boy' who is kept for the King’s amusement. A comical cat-and-mouse chase ensues, but perhaps it is Peter who has some unexpected lessons to teach Mehmet.    Listen to Outliers - Stories from the edge of history wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://sites.libsyn.com/109217/site    To find out more about Peter’s life go to:    https://www.hrp.org.uk/blog/peter-the-wild-boy-from-hanover/      Untold Lives is an exhibition that explores the forgotten stories of those who worked at the royal palaces over 300 years ago.       https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/whats-on/untold-lives     Please note, these episodes are released in a different order than on the original podcast.  

The history of Christmas performance

Download our free app to listen on your phone