The Commandary: Oliver Cromwell's Deal with the Devil

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On this episode, we're revisiting Tom's old gaff... The Tower of London. Tom lived there for six years and it was pretty marvelous actually. We've all been feeling pretty homesick and that's why we're bringing you part two of his chat with (at the time of recording) the current resident, Meghan Clawson. As well as being Queen of the Castle, Meghan is also a novelist and TikTok star, and she owns a very cute dog called Ethel. Open the gates! We're coming home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are going to explore the rich and whimsical history of heaver Castle in Kent, Engand. Hever Castle has a rich and varied history, from its origins as a country house in the thirteenth century to its transformation into a grand mansion in the twentieth century. Amongst its notable residents was the Boleyn family, who lived at Hever Castle in the Sixteenth Century and whose daughter Anne became the second wife of King Henry VIII. (She'll be playing a big part in this story.) Joining us as our expert is Dr Amy Boyington, as we delve into the castle's past and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked there, the events that shaped its history, and the unique features that make heaver Castle one of England's most beloved historic parks...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleanor Campbell, Duchess of ArgyllSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Beware of making deals with the devil, for he will always find a way to collect his debts.” Someone should have told that to Oliver Cromwell because this week we're back at The Commandary with Megan and Alice to hear about the seven years of prosperity he was granted in return for his soul...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back at Ripley Castle, home to the Ingilby family for the last seven hundred years. Last time we heard about a whole host of Ingilby's. There was William, Jarl and Henry, Sir, William Francis and his brother David, Sir Thomas... the list goes on. And speaking of Sir Thomas, we are in the very privileged position of actually being able to talk to a live, living Ingilby! Sir Thomas Ingilby, the sixth Baronet, joining us on the podcast today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holkham Hall returns this week to discuss some of the notable women that have called Holkham home over the years. Our two experts this week are collections coordinator Katherine Hardwick & Holkham Archivist Lucy Purvis. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the Midlands where we're returning to Harvington Hall, famous for having the most priest holes in England and filling us in on those holes, is a man who spent a lot of time in them programs, Manager Pill Downing. Last time we heard about evil priest hunter and priest torturer Richard Topcliffe, but there's one very important person we yet to talk about: Nicholas Owen aka The Elusvie IllusionistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're back at Versailles which means one thing: "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche!" and with that delicious cake we'll be taking a look at one of Bad Manors most controversial figures Marie Antoinette. Joining us again is the wonderful Birgit Marie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.