Philadelphia, Jessica & Gage consider that 'monger' is now primarily negative, 'warmonger', 'hate monger'  but in the 16th century that was not so!

Philadelphia, Jessica & Gage are astonished that a woman with as much self-control as Elizabeth 1 can become bedazzled by the young and charming Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex. 

Philadelphia, Jessica & Gage discuss the bathroom humor and sense of fun Martin Marprelate brought to his criticisms of the Church of England.

Philadelphia, Jessica & Gage listen to three versions of 'to be or not be' by Benedict Cumberbatch, Adrian Lester and Andrew Scott, and also their use of our word of the week in that most famous of speeches.  Let us know which one you enjoy most!

Philadelphia decides she must do what she must do and 'sally forth' when her castle is attacked by Mary I's men. Jessica and Gage try to convince Philadelphia that her grandmother, Mary Boleyn, had a tryst with Henry VIII.

Philadelphia relishes meeting anyone who is a charming flibbertigibbet. Jessica and Gage discuss how this charming word fits into the tragedy, 'King Lear'.

Philadelphia's word this week 'madding' is not to be confused with maddening! Jessica and Gage talk about the use of this word in the 16th century pamphlet defending the rights of women by Jane Anger.

Philadelphia warns London visitors to keep an eye out for 'coney-catchers,' while Jessica and Gage talk about Robert Greene's views on corruption and why he should be remembered for more than his famous insult to Shakeaspeare.

Philadelphia dissaproves of 'jangling' courtiers, while Jessica and Gage consider why Elizabeth I decided to, or not to, use the word 'jangling' when she admonished parliament for considering her successor.

Philadelphia's word this week, 'avouch',  is something that it is almost impossible to do in the 16th century. Jessica and Gage talk about Shakespeare's MacBeth.