The bloody Norman kings of England

Invasions, mysterious deaths, private scandals, quarrels with saints, treachery, and civil wars shaped the dramatic lives of England's four Norman kings.

James VI & I lived a life full of love - and alleged lovers - but did gossip sometimes get it wrong? Yes. But feel free to make up your own mind. This episodes looks at some of the fascinating lives of those who probably never James's lovers  - including a Scottish noblewoman so beautiful she was nicknamed "the Pearl of Lochleven," a handsome but quarrelsome rebel's son, a social- climbing knight, a dashing former soldier, and one of the most powerful noblemen in Ireland. 

Was Kaiser Wilhelm II a victim of circumstance or the author of his own ruin?

Downton Abbey meets The Tudors - Dr Tracy Borman stops to discuss her new historical novel, "The House of Boleyn".

The face that launched a reformation? For centuries, the missing portraits of Anne Boleyn have excited investigation, imagination, and indignation. With her childhood home now mounting the largest exhibition of Anne Boleyn's images in history, I spoke to two of its curators Kate McCaffrey and Dr. Owen Emmerson.

How did three centuries fall apart in three years? The rise of Rasputin, plots in the military high command, riots in the cities, and a monarch's mental breakdown play out against the backdrop of one of the most brutal conflicts in human history.

The dramatic early reign of Nicholas II and Russia's catastrophic entry into the First World War.

24 ghosts of Hampton Court guide you through its extraordinary history.

The daughter of a Shakespearean hero and a Catholic saint, Matilda of Scotland lived a life at the heart of medieval politics.

It is Single Malt History's 100th episode! To celebrate, I'm taking a look back at its most downloaded episode and its (shaky!) first. There are clips from West End actors, stars of the silver screen, the first historian to stop by for a chat, and the two episodes that are still brought up to me the most often by listeners.