Raiders of the Lost Archive

The real Mitford Sisters - Diana 4


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The plot thickens as the seeds for fascism in Britain are sown! In this critical episode, Diana Mitford trades her glittering social life first for the solitary life of a divorcée and mistress, then for the international stage of political extremism. We discuss the years 1931 to 1933, years that would define the rest of her life.


We dive into the rapid political evolution of Oswald Mosley: how the star of his idealistic New Party sank as quickly as it had risen, and how he then, inspired by Benito Mussolini, founded the British Union of Fascists (BUF) and introduced the Blackshirts to Britain.

But the REAL DRAMA is personal: Diana, still married, met Oswald, and they began their notorious, unashamed affair. Hear more about Diana’s most dramatic and consequential decision to leave Bryan Guinness and her life of luxury to lead the life of a social outcast. But then tragedy (or luck?) struck the Mosley family with the death of Oswald's first wife, Cynthia.

Finally, we look into Diana's growing fascination with fascism and the growing bond with her sister Unity, and how it culminates in their attendance at the very first Nuremberg Rally with Adolf Hitler himself.


This is the jaw-dropping story of how a society beauty became a key figure in Britain's darkest political movement. Perfect for fans of aristocratic scandal, WWII history, and historical drama!


Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1931

0:06:04 Mosley’s New Party & Benito Mussolini

0:09:13 The founding of the British Union of Fascists 

0:14:30 Oswald’s implements fascism in Great Britain 

0:24:00 Diana meets Oswald: the unashamed affair

0:28:45 Diana leaves Bryan - the decision that changed her life!

0:38:19 Diana’s divorce, bonding with Unity, and the Nuremberg Parteitag

0:42:52 Cynthia, Oswald’s first wife, dies & Oswald’s love affairs

0:49:15 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 5 (when things turn proper fascist)


Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, British Union of Fascists, BUF, Bryan Guinness, Unity Mitford, Nuremberg Rally, Adolf Hitler, British History, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

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Raiders of the Lost ArchiveBy The Mitford Podcast