Guy Fawkes, the man behind the iconic rhyme has just failed to light the fuse of the Gunpowder Plot, one of the most notable plots in British history.  

In this second episode of our two-part series, Curators Charles Farris, Brett Dolman and Alden Gregory talk through the failure of the plot and what relevance this has to us today. Why do we still celebrate it? 

The Gardens of Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are the perfect place to walk and enjoy the sounds and feelings of being in nature. 

So for today's episode, we're collaborating with sound artist and musician Alice Boyd, who is going to lead us into these tranquil gardens to meet Claire Woods who is Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle.  

We want you to be immersed by this episode, so take a moment to focus in on the lovely sounds and enjoy an escape to the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle.  

Find out more about the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle. 

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk landscape architect Robert Myers describes the personality of the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace as a playful space for children.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015.

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk historian Alison Sim talks about how the Tudors used gardens as places for play, pleasure and to show their power.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015.

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk historian Kate Felus explores the Georgians' relationship with gardens and pleasure.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

In this talk Maze designer Adrien Fisher tells us about the trend of the maze both in history, and in culture today.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

In this special episode, we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a rip-roaring tour of the history of Royal Jubilees. Join Curators Charles Farris, Joanna Marschner and Lee Prosser as they find out what it takes to make an iconic Jubilee celebration.   To find out more about Superbloom at the Tower of London and other Jubilee celebrations at Historic Royal Palaces visit hrp.org.uk  

In this talk Historic Royal Palaces' Curator Susanne Groom enchants us with a description of royal gardens and how they were used for rest.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk award winning garden designer Anne-Marie Powell talks about mental health, horticulture and happiness.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this episode historian Dr Vivian Thomas gives a potted history of Shakespeare's use of plants and gardens in his plays.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk art historian Anne Lyles compares the works of Turner and Constable as painters of English landscapes.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk historian John Phibbs delves into the work and world of the original landscape gardener Capability Brown, from the agricultural revolution to his iconic landscapes.

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk historian John Phibbs delves into the work and world of the original landscape gardener Capability Brown, from the agricultural revolution to his iconic landscapes.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

LGBTQ+ people have always existed in the history of our palaces, yet the stories of this community have often been obscured or misunderstood.  

When we explore queer histories, we gain a much fuller picture of societies in the past, from when our palaces were first built, right on through to their more recent history.    

In this week's episode, Curator Matthew Storey is joined by Assistant Research Curator Holly Marsden, and Dr Kit Heyam, to discuss some queer stories connected to our palaces, and how best to understand them in their historic context.   

A transcript of this episode is available on the Historic Royal Palaces website. 

Explore more LGBTQ+ histories from our palaces on our website. 

Read Matthew's article about Kathleen Woodhouse.  

Read Molly McClain's article on Stuart women. 

Find Kit Heyam's books on their website.

In this episode we use a range of different gender pronouns to discuss historical people, including those used in the original sources and those used by historians today. 

Content warnings:  

Homophobia, including the murder of queer people 

Transphobia  

Non-consensual medical examination  

Suicide  

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the history of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this episode historian Dr Oliver Cox talks about the political history of gardens in the age of the enlightenment.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

In this talk Historic Royal Palaces' Gardener Vicki Cooke explores the history of  Hampton Court's kitchen garden where she works today.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The history of the English garden reveals more than expected about the past and its people. This series explores the theme of gardens as places of work, rest, and leisure.    

In this talk Hampton Court Palace's Gardens and Estates Manager, Graham Dillamore explores the theme of folklore and gardens.

This talk was recorded live at Hampton Court Palace in 2015. 

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

Despite ill health and tragedy, Queen Anne was a surprisingly successful monarch.

This series from our archive explores perceptions of her reign.

In this talk historian Dr Anne Somers, takes us through the life of Queen Anne, and encourages us to rethink her reign.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

This series from our archive explores perceptions and conceptions of her reign.

In this episode historian Dr Anna Whitelock discusses the body of Queen Anne, and how her appearance has influenced how people think about of her reign.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

In this episode join Historic Royal Palace's Chris Gidlow to explore the intriguing life of Sir Jeffrey Hudson, the queen's dwarf, at the court of Charles I.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories 

The Stuart period is marked by decadence and debauchery. Experience the Stuart court in all its nuanced splendour in this series complied from our archive.

In this talk from Historic Royal palaces curator Dr Olivia Fryman, discovers the political significance of the royal bed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories 

In this talk historian Dr Anne Daye explores an elaborate form of entertainment at the Stuart court - the Masque. Combining dance, theatre and a fancy dress ball, masques were staged regularly at the Banqueting House in Whitehall.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories 

The Stuart period is marked by decadence and debauchery. Experience the Stuart court in all its nuanced splendour in this series complied from our archive.

In this talk, Historic Royal Palaces curator Olivia Fryman delves into court life, fashion, etiquette and intrigue during the latter years of the Stuart court.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories 

In this talk Historic Royal Palaces' Curator Brett Dolman introduces us to Charles II's court and its most famous courtiers and mistresses.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

In this talk Historic Royal Palaces' Chief Curator Lucy Worsley takes us on a tour of famous women from the 17th century.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

In this talk, a panel of experts considers the iconic work of the old masters on display at Hampton Court Palace.

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2015.
For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

Our palaces are home to many significant works of art.  This series taken from our archives explores the history of art in the palaces, from royal patronage to its modern influence.

In this talk we explore the role of Charles I as a collector of masterpieces. As the first British monarch to collect art for art's sake, he lay the foundations of today's sumptuous Royal Collection.

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2015.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

Our palaces are home to many significant works of art. This series taken from our archives explores the history of art in the palaces, from royal patronage to its modern influence.

This conversation with artist Yinka Shonibare explores how the Georgians have influenced modern art, and how Yinka's own work has explored ideas of race, class and the meaning of cultural and national definitions.

This talk was originally recorded live at Kensington Palace in 2017.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The Tudor court was all about competitive displays of power and wealth. This series examines the influence of music and entertainment on the balance of power. 

In this talk, Jeremy Summerly, Director of Music at St Peter's College Oxford, explores how Henry VIII used music to shape his own image and consolidate the reformation in England.        

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2017.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The Tudor court was all about competitive displays of power and wealth. This series examines the influence of music and entertainment on the balance of power.

This talk explores the role of modern performance at Hampton Court Palace, and how the past can be recreated through drama and live interpretation.

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2017.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The Tudor court was all about competitive displays of power and wealth. This series examines the influence of music and entertainment on the balance of power.

In this talk historian Thomas Betteridge examines how drama was used as a tool for persuasion and diplomacy at the Tudor court.

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2017.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The Tudor court was all about competitive displays of power and wealth. This series examines the influence of music and entertainment on the balance of power.

In this talk historian Suzannah Lipscombe explores the role of the fool at the Tudor court, calling into question the myths surrounding these entertainers.

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2017.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

The Tudor court was all about competitive displays of power and wealth. This series examines the influence of music and entertainment on the balance of power. 

In this talk, historian Tamsin Lewis explores Anne Boleyn's keen ability as a musician and composer and how this influenced her role at court.

This talk was originally recorded at Hampton Court Palace in 2017.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk/history-and-stories

To celebrate Black History Month, in this talk art historian Michael Ohajuru and historian Miranda Kaufmann talk about their research into Black Tudors in England during the 16th century.

To find out more about Miranda's book Black Tudors: The Untold Story visit: www.mirandakaufmann.com/black-tudors

For more on The John Blanke Project visit: www.johnblanke.com

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk-history-and-stories

The history of the Jewish community in Medieval England is complex and fascinating, but it hasn't received as much attention as it deserves when it comes to our understanding of the Tower of London. 

In this bonus episode as part of our mini-series, curator Charles Farris is joined by Dr Rory MacLellan and Professor Miri Rubin to discuss how the Jewish community interacted with the Crown and the Tower of London during the Middle Ages.  

This episode is a re-release of the episode on the same topic from 2023, to add context to our reopening of the Medieval Palace. 

Read more about the Jewish community and the Tower of London. Jewish Medieval History at the Tower | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces 

Rory's research can be found on our website. The Jewish History of the Medieval Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces 

Visit the medieval palace. Medieval Palace | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces 

Content warnings:  

This episode discusses prejudice against Jewish people, including: 

• Blaming Jewish people for the death of Christ  

• Blood libel 

• Accusations of greed and financial crimes 

• Imprisonment  

• Mob violence  

• Execution  

• Forced conversion  

• Expulsion  

The Tower of London has an intriguing yet relatively unknown Jewish history. This series compiled from our archive reveals some fascinating stories from the Tower's shared past with the Jewish community.

In this talk our panel explore the role the Tower of London has played in Jewish history from 1066 to the modern day.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk-history-and-stories

The Tower of London has an intriguing yet relatively unknown Jewish history. This series compiled from our archive reveals some fascinating stories from the Tower's shared past with the Jewish community.

This episode explores 13th-century coinage, the Jewish community's status as money lenders, and the events that culminated in their tragic expulsion from England.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk-history-and-stories

In this intriguing talk, historian Steven Gunn explores accidents in Tudor life and uncovers some of the worrying dangers people encountered living during the era.

For more information on the history and stories of our palaces visit: www.hrp.org.uk-history-and-stories

In this talk, historians Lauren Mackay, Susannah Lipscombe and George Bernard explore the life of Anne Boleyn and her relationship with the Tower of London.

In this episode historian Steven Gunn concludes our series of talks on Henry VIII by taking a step back and allowing us to understand the wider social and political context of Henry VIII's reign

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

In this episode historian Glenn Richardson explores losing your head at Henry VIII's court, by contextualising how the court operated as the machinery of monarchy.

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

In this talk historian David Loades explores survival strategies at Henry VIII's court by assessing developments in his personality throughout his reign.

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

In this episode historian Jessie Childs advises us what not to do at the court of Henry VIII in order to keep your head.

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

In this episode author Hilary Mantel enlightens us on what it takes to have influence at the Tudor Court and what to do in order to survive King Henry VIII.

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

In this episode historian Derek Wilson asks the question that preoccupied many of the people close to Henry VIII: how do you keep your head at Henry VIII's court?

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.

In this episode historian Eric Ives argues for the good versus the bad Henry, and questions if he deserves his reputation as a tyrant king.      

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII.

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.         

In this episode historian Margaret George explores Henry VIII's personality, paranoia and his realisation of power.

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII. 

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.         

In this episode historian John Guy explores Henry's successes, and the role of his Chief Ministers in achieving them.

In this series of talks by renowned Tudor historians, we closely examine the monarch and man himself, Henry VIII. 

These talks were recorded live in collaboration with History Today to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII.