Single Malt History with Gareth Russell

Known to legend as Grace O'Malley, Gráinne Ní Mháille, the "pirate queen of Tudor Ireland," led a life that was adventurous on land and by sea. 

In 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots faced execution. Had her own son helped bring her to this terrible fate? One of the great mysteries of James VI's life are his feelings towards his exiled, Catholic mother. In this episode, I explore surprising evidence from the heart of James's court that shows the role he played in his mother's final tragedy.

Skullduggery, espionage, royal narcissism, and plots a-plenty were the order of the day in the dying days of the Tudor dynasty - and to uncover it, we're joined on Single Malt History by Dr. Tracy Borman, Sunday Times bestselling author of the new hit book "The Stolen Crown".

Matilda of Boulogne was a powerhouse in medieval politics, almost universally admired in a time of treachery, anarchy, and civil war.

In the sixteenth century, a Scottish king called James braved sea and storm to bring home Scotland's new queen.