The Rambling Historians

In the first episode of our Halloween series, we explore the history of witchcraft, starting from prehistoric ideas of spirits and folklore and ending with discussions surrounding the representation of witches in modern culture... so grab those broomsticks, ramblers, it's time to cast some magic.

To find more of Dr Jojo's work you can find her on instagram under ⁠intothepastwithjojo⁠⁠

To know more about Dr Peter's work find him on instagram p.stiffell97⁠ or check out his website ⁠www.drpeterstiffell.com⁠

What happens when an eighteenth-century argument ends with a sword, a dead man, and a murder trial?

This week, we’re diving into the 1731 case of Francis Woodmarsh and Robert Ormes. Using the trial records and the Ordinary’s Account, we piece together what happened, why Woodmarsh claimed he acted as he did, and how his character was presented after the killing.

Along the way, we discuss ideas of honour, masculinity, violence and eighteenth-century justice, question how reliable these sources actually are, and inevitably get distracted by some of the stranger details the records leave behind.

Because apparently nothing says eighteenth-century history quite like a dispute escalating dramatically and ending up at the Old Bailey.

Think you know your historical preferences? Think again!

In Historical Would You Rather 2.0, Peter takes over the questions and puts Jojo through a series of impossible historical choices. Who would you rather meet? Which historical life would you rather live? Which disaster would you rather face?

Expect plenty of debate, some very difficult decisions, strong opinions, and the inevitable question: why on earth would you choose that?!

What was an ordinary day like for Queen Victoria?

Beyond the coronations, jubilees and grand royal ceremonies, Victoria’s life was filled with letters, family dramas, meals, walks, work and the everyday routines of being queen. In this episode of The Rambling Historians, we dive into Victoria’s own diaries to discover what a typical day in her life really looked like — and uncover the woman behind the famous image of the Victorian monarch.

Ramblers! In this weeks episode we are going to go and gather some gossip from the royal court of James I of England/James VI of Scotland! And who better to take us by the hand to explore all this gossip with then Amilia Gilles!

To find out more about Amilia's work you can find her on instagram amiliapeapod

@amiliagillies.bsky.social

Linkedin: Amilia Gillies

In this episode of The Rambling Historians, we delve into one of the most enduring mysteries of English history: the Princes in the Tower. What happened to Edward V and his younger brother Richard after they disappeared from the Tower of London in 1483? We explore the suspects, the evidence, and the theories surrounding their fate — and ask whether we can ever know what really happened to the two princes.

In this episode of The Rambling Historians, we dive into the scandalous, fascinating and complicated life of Lord Byron. From his poetry and politics to his many romances, friendships and scandals, we explore the man behind the legend and ask how much of the Byron we think we know is actually true. Expect literary drama, questionable behaviour, Regency gossip and plenty of Byron being… Byron.

Note: We realised that Jojo made a mistake when discussing Byron in relation to his wife Caroline and at one point kept reffering to Byron as Lord Melbourne... apologies Ramblers, we just couldn't stop thinking about Melbourne in 'Victoria'

Ramblers on today's episode Jackson Van Uden will be talking to us all things Henry VIII and why we should be considering the idea that he was in fact a dictator... a title we have traditionally used when describing particular leaders of the 20th century.

To find more of Jackson's work you can find him on instagram under historywithjackson

To find more of Dr Jojo's work you can find her on instagram under intothepastwithjojo
p.stiffell97 or check out his website www.drpeterstiffell.com

On this weeks episode, Dr Peter will take you on a guided tour of Ashford Museum with the help and assistance of Ann who is part of the collections team! So ramblers let the tour commence!

To find out more about Ashford museum check out their website: https://ashfordmuseum.org.uk/

And their instagram: ashfordmuseum1243

intothepastwithjojo

To find out more about Dr Peter's work you can find him on instagram under p.stiffell97 ⁠or check out his website www.drpeterstiffell.com

This week’s episode of The Rambling Historians sees Dr Jojo and Dr Peter engaging in a game of ‘Historical Would You Rather?’  Their answers and opinions are rather questionable as they explore various historical events and time periods.

For Dr JoJo's research click here

For Dr Peter's research click here