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 talk, historian Dr Mark Connely takes us on a comical whistle stop tour of Christmas traditions, from Medieval times right through to the Victorians and modern day. For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories 

The history of Christmas traditions

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

The Tower of London holds an incredible collection of historic graffiti, from the prisoners of the Tudor dynasty, right through to the 20th century. But there is still so much that we don’t know about who made the graffiti and why.  In this episode, we follow Postdoctoral Research Associate Jamie Inghram into the Salt Tower, a legendary prisoner tower in the precinct of the Tower of London. The Salt Tower is rich with graffiti including some examples that have never been investigated before. Jamie talks us through the very early stages of a new research project that is hoping to reveal the secrets of this history.  This episode is part of a series where we’re exploring fresh research that is taking place in our Palaces. We won’t be releasing this sequentially, so these episodes will appear throughout the year. To see Hugh Drapers Graffiti visit:   https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/FAGcYgdjb7Sflg Please note that POW is an abbreviation for Prisoner of War.  

Graffiti at the Tower of London – New Research at the Palaces

 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.  

The history of Christmas traditions

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