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The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
- episodes
- 967 episodes
- Last updated
- Aug 12, 2026
Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Shadow War (Part 5)
Aug 9, 2026 · 1h 2m
Who was the charismatic Sir Philip Sidney, a beloved but also suspect courtier to Elizabeth I? Why, in 1585, was England in such danger from a Spanish invasion? And, would Sydney, with his friend Sir Francis Drake, help to save their beloved queen? Join Tom and Dominic as they plunge into the high point of the Tudor Cold War: with Philip II brooding on war in Spain, Holland ablaze, and religious tension gripping Europe, what would Elizabeth I do? *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show
Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: A Treacherous Conspiracy (Part 4)
Aug 5, 2026 · 1h 13m
After ransacking Spanish treasure ships, would Elizabeth I betray Sir Francis Drake to her enemies? Who did she back in the French civil wars? And, with the help of English conspirators, would Mary Queen of Scots, incur a Spanish invasion, and see her rival Elizabeth assassinated? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Sir Francis Drake’s return to England, revolts in Europe, Catholic unrest, and the Throckmorton Plot to see the Queen of England murdered, and replaced with her royal cousin… This episode is sponsored by Anthropic, the team behind Claude. Try Claude for free today at Claud
Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: England’s Greatest Hero (Part 3)
Aug 2, 2026 · 1h 17m
Why is Sir Francis Drake enshrined as one of England’s greatest heroes? Where did he come from, and how did he rise to prominence and earn the adoration of Elizabeth I, from obscure poverty? And, why is he also such a controversial figure…? Join Tom and Dominic as they sail into the remarkable life and adventures of Sir Francis Drake. From his controversial piracy, and his explorations around the world, to his burgeoning feud with the Spanish, ultimately culminating in his clash with Armada in 1588… _______ *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest exped
Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: A Massacre in Paris (Part 2)
Jul 29, 2026 · 1h 12m
What inspired the deadliest bloodbath of the Tudor age: the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572, in which protestants were slaughtered en masse? How did it drive Elizabeth I’s spy master, Francis Walsingham, to repress all treasonous activity in her realm? And, what terrible treason was brewing in Rome…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Sir Francis Walsingham, and one of the most devilish religious conspiracies of all time… Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adv
Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Queen’s Spymaster (Part 1)
Jul 26, 2026 · 1h 12m
How did Elizabeth I rule England? Why was she constantly in mortal peril in 1569? Who was Sir William Cecil, and why was he so crucial to her reign? And, how did his network of spies keep her alive, and England uninvaded…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the secret war raging in the heart of Elizabeth I’s Tudor England, the religious unrest flaming throughout Europe, and Elizabeth’s master of Spies: Sir William Cecil. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in his
A Murderous Affair: Death at Mayerling (Part 2)
Jul 22, 2026 · 1h 19m
What really happened at the Habsburgian hunting lodge, Mayerling? Did Crown Prince Rudolf and his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera, really commit a romantic murder suicide, or did the heir cold-heartedly murder the 17 year old girl? And, why did the Austrian royal family try to erase all traces of this tragic incident? Join Dominic and Tom as they solve the mysterious tale of the Mayerling Incident. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been
A Murderous Affair: The Habsburgs’ Greatest Scandal (Part 1)
Jul 19, 2026 · 1h 13m
What was Vienna like in the 1880s? Why was Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria seen as the outcast of the prestigious Habsburg dynasty? And, how would meeting 17 year-old Baroness Mary Vetsera on his 30th birthday change both of their lives, and the trajectory of Europe, forever? Join Dominic and Tom as they unravel the mysterious tale that is the Mayerling Incident. *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers s
The Odyssey: Return of the King (Part 2)
Jul 15, 2026 · 1h 6m
How did the second half of Odysseus’ long journey home to Ithaca play out? What does the epic’s account of the Olympian gods indicate about Ancient Greek religion? And, how did Odysseus finally make it home to Penelope and her suitors? Join Tom and Dominic as they reach the dramatic conclusion of Homer’s Odyssey, and the story of Odysseus’ dreadful return… *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the Southbank as they tell the bonkers stor
The Odyssey: Hero of the Trojan Horse (Part 1)
Jul 12, 2026 · 1h 12m
How does The Odyssey, one of the greatest stories of all time, unfold? What historical events may it be based on? And, where might Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s epic, have faced his various trials in real life? Join Tom and Dominic as they unravel the legendary story of Homer’s Odyssey, and its historical precedents. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. _______ *The Rest Is History LIVE: The Ultimate Victorian Adventure* The maddest expedition in history and it’s NEVER been heard before on the show: join Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook LIVE at the
Jefferson: The Betrayal of Liberty (Part 4)
Jul 8, 2026 · 1h 22m
What part did Thomas Jefferson play in writing the American Declaration of Independence? Where did he come from, and how did it shape his attitude to the future of the U.S.A? And, why was he such a contentious figure? Join Tom and Dominic as they reach the epic conclusion of their series delving into the lives of the men who made America, and end with the most controversial figure of them all: Thomas Jefferson. _______Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-f
Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3)
Jul 5, 2026 · 1h 16m
How did Alexander Hamilton go from impoverished orphan to one of the most important figures in the creation of the American constitution? Why was his relationship with Thomas Jefferson so strained? And, what happened in the famous duel that would ultimately claim his life…? Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss one of America’s most fiery founding fathers: Alexander Hamilton, and his duel with Aaron Burr. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-on
Franklin: Revenge of the American Genius (Part 2)
Jul 1, 2026 · 1h 13m
Was Benjamin Franklin really an American? What was his childhood like? How was he finally converted to the American Revolutionary cause? And, what role did he play in setting the struggle in motion? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the life of the most unique of the American founding fathers: Benjamin Franklin. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom.
Washington: Hero of the Revolution (Part 1)
Jun 28, 2026 · 1h 16m
Where did George Washington come from, and what was he like? How did he come to take on such a pivotal role in the American Revolution? And, was he really central to America’s triumphant struggle for independence? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into the extraordinary life and origins of George Washington. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sig
South Africa: Mandela and the Death of Apartheid (Part 6)
Jun 24, 2026 · 1h 11m
How did the rugby World Cup final of 1995 inspire South Africa’s totemic national anthem? Why does the story shed a light on the history of Apartheid in South Africa? And, after becoming president, following years of imprisonment, how did Mandela use rugby and the national anthem to forge a new South Africa? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the inspiring story behind South Africa’s national anthem, the collapse of Apartheid, and Nelson Mandela’s presidency. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full e
Brazil: The Emperor’s Anthem (Part 5)
Jun 21, 2026 · 1h 10m
What does the Brazilian national anthem reveal about its history of slavery and revolt? Why did the king of Portugal rule his country all the way from Rio in the 19th century? Who was the first emperor of Brazil? And, why was the second anthem a symbol of liberty? Join Tom and Dominic as they delve into the chaotic episode of Brazilian history that resulted in its first and second national anthems. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free li
The Netherlands: The Revolt that Made The Modern World (Part 4)
Jun 17, 2026 · 1h 13m
How is the Dutch national anthem, that has its origins during a 1568 siege of a French city, connected to the Dutch Revolt? What is the revolt’s role in the birth of modernity? And, why does it say ‘to the King of Spain I’ve granted a lifelong loyalty’? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the national anthem with the deepest history, the Wilhelmus. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and acces
The Fascist World Cup: Mussolini's Football Dictatorship | History of the World Cup
Jun 16, 2026 · 1h 1m
How did Benito Mussolini’s regime in the 1930s use sport to spread his ideology and prepare Italy for war? What infrastructure and propaganda strategies did he use to make the 1934 World Cup a showcase for fascism? And, did this form of propaganda actually work? In this brand new The Rest Is History Club mini series, Dominic is joined by Paul Rouse to talk about dictatorships’ connections to football World Cups. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a
Germany: The Song Hitler Stole (Part 3)
Jun 14, 2026 · 1h 13m
Why is the German national anthem the most controversial of all? Is it true that it is Austrian in origin? And, what happened when Germany split after the Second World War? Did it perhaps lead to an absolute banger in the form of East Germany’s new anthem..? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the history of Germany and its various different anthems. _______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show,
Britain: God Save the King (Part 2)
Jun 10, 2026 · 1h 11m
How did the Napoleonic Wars contribute to the enshrinement of the British national anthem? What are the Jacobite origins of this legendary melody? And, which British monarch was it written for? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the creation of Britain’s legendary national anthem, God Save the King, and its mysterious composer. _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. _______ Father’s Day discounted gift memberships available here. Treat your dad to ad-free listening, early access to full series, bonus episodes, and much more. _______ Join
USA: The Star-Spangled Banner (Part 1)
Jun 7, 2026 · 1h 11m
How did the War of 1812 result in America’s national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner? Who came up with it? And, why does this origin story make the anthem so controversial? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into the first episode of their Football World Cup special, with the story behind America’s national anthem, and its secret story. _______ *Father’s Day discounted gift memberships available here. Treat your dad to ad-free listening, early access to full series, bonus episodes, and much more.* Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclus
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A Murderous Affair: The Habsburgs’ Greatest Scandal (Part 1)