On her deathbed, the unmarried "Virgin Queen" Elizabeth I declared that her successor would be King James VI of Scotland. Or at least, that's the story that we've been told. In her new book THE STOLEN CROWN, historian Tracy Borman, Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, discusses the bombshell new discoveries that reveal that the Stuart Dynasty was built on a lie. (For more, here's Tracy for History Extra's Life Lessons from History) Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts...
Oct 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 256
Æthelflæd's father was Alfred the Great, King of the Anglo-Saxons, and he married her to the leader of Mercia to seal an alliance. But Æthelflæd's husband would become sickly, and she would become a formidable leader in her own right. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 21, 2025•27 min•Ep. 255
Why does William the Conqueror get all of the credit when Æthelstan was king of a united England in 927? David Woodman (Professor of History at Cambridge University) joins us to talk about his new book The First King of England. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 254
Hi Noble Blood listeners! We're excited to share with you a sneak peek at iHeartPodcasts’ newest season of SNAFU with Ed Helms. SNAFU with Ed Helms: Your favorite history podcast is back with even more SNAFUs -- one per episode, to be precise. With guests like Nick Kroll, Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey, Paul Scheer, Jordan Klepper, Mike Schur, and more, it's part history lesson, part hangout pod, and part group therapy for humanity. Listen to season 4 of SNAFU with Ed Helms on the iHeartRadio Ap...
Oct 08, 2025•2 min
When Peter the Great's son and heir was on trial for treason, the emperor instructed the jury to treat him as they would any other man. If he were to be convicted, the sentence would be death. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 253
Clara Ward was a "dollar princess" from Michigan who married a Belgian prince. But her adventurous spirit soon had her eloping with a Hungarian musician and she lives a life that scandalized and captivated Europe in equal measure. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 252
The bloody murder of an adultrous brother and wife was just the beginning for the Malatesta family, whose family tree would be dotted with murders and betrayals for decades. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 251
In Dante's Inferno, Dante meets two lovers, Paolo and Francesca. Francesca was married to Paolo's brother, but the two had a secret affair, until they were discovered and things took a deadly turn. But theirs is just one of the many murders and betrayals in the Malatesta family tree... Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 250
Frederick II was celebrated as a "renaissance man" who championed education and the arts. But his conflicts with the Pope would lead to multiple excommunications. Actor and historian Peter Weller (RoboCop, author of Leon Battista Alberti in Exile) joins the show to discuss his complicated legacy. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
Sep 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 249
When Martha Ray was 18, she met the Earl of Sandwich. The married Earl took Martha as his mistress, and they spent years living together as husband and wife. But their arrangement wasn't without friction, and in the end, their story would be a tragedy neither could have imagined. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 248
When Baron von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge, he was met with a dismal sight. The soldiers were starving, undisciplined, and freezing. The Baron had a daunting task ahead of him: give them a fighting chance against the British. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 26, 2025•39 min•Ep. 247
Virginia Woolf compared her to a giant cucumber plant. Had she read that, Margaret Cavendish might have thought it a compliment. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 246
In 'A Room of One's Own,' Virginia Woolf writes of Margaret Cavendish's reputation: "Evidentally the crazy Duchess became a bogey to frighten clever girls with." Dismisses as mad in her own time, and untalented later, Cavendish remains something of an enigma, a strange proto-feminist, proto-science fiction writer who remained entirely untamed. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Lov...
Aug 12, 2025•40 min•Ep. 745
King Arthur is arguably the most famous monarch in British history, the subject of countless films and books of both non-fiction and fantasy. But there's one tiny, but important question worth asking: did he even exist? Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 244
King Juan Carlos I had an astonishingly eventful life and ruled as King of Spain for nearly four decades. But a tragic event when he was a teenager maybe have been the defining incident of his life. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 29, 2025•22 min•Ep. 243
Beethoven wrote an effusive, romantic letter, to a woman identified only as his "Immortal Beloved." Her (or his!) identity remains a matter of debate, but it turns out Beethoven had some other "beloveds" as well... Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 242
After Beethoven died, his secretary published an effusively romantic letter the composer had written to someone identified only as his "Immortal Beloved." Beethoven had a type -- namely: noble, and unavailable. But the true identity of the letter's intended recepient has mystified music historians. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Jul 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 241
Continuing the theme of exploring Papal history, we discuss Gerbert of Aurillac, AKA Pope Sylvester II, who's scientific and mathmatical mind lead him to the highest seat of Catholic power. But after his death, detractors and enemies would spin his story into one of dark arts and deals with the devil. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for p...
Jul 08, 2025•32 min•Ep. 240
Continuing the theme of exploring Papal history, we discuss Gerbert of Aurillac, AKA Pope Sylvester II, who's scientific and mathmatical mind lead him to the highest seat of Catholic power. But after his death, detractors and enemies would spin his story into one of dark arts and deals with the devil. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for p...
Jul 01, 2025•26 min•Ep. 239
In 1921, Katherine Mansfield wrote a letter to Princess Bibesco which began, "I am afraid you must stop writing these little love letters to my husband while he and I still live together." Scandalous as that is, it only scratches the surface of the glamorous and adventerous life of the daughter of a Prime Minister who became royalty. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' ...
Jun 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 238
Queen Min was the de facto power behind the throne in Korea, and so she had plenty of enemies. Eventually, a coup would come to the palace. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 237
Through sheer force of will, Polish nobleman Casimir Pulaski came to America and forced the Continental forces to allow him to create a cavalry unit. His bold, impulsive, and sometimes reckless manuevers reinvented the way the war was fought. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 236
Petrus Gonsalvus was born with a rare genetic condition that meant he was entirely covered in hair. His life took him to French court, where he lived as an oddity, but also, as a nobleman, husband, and father. [NOTE: Listen to Courtney's podcast The Craft Lab on Apple or Substack !] Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Jun 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 235
Queen Victoria's son, Albert Edward, was gambling with his friends at a country estate when the host's son noticed one of the guests cheating. Eventually, that evening playing baccarat spirled into a scandal that forced the Prince of Wales to take the stand in court. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 234
In 1688, a royal ship was embarking from Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage. The Vasa was incredibly grand and intricate; it was also incredibly top-heavy. A few minutes after it began sailing, the ship toppeled over and sank into the sea. But its story was only just beginning. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
May 20, 2025•32 min•Ep. 233
The Earl and Countess of Rutland were dealing with unimaginable tragedy - their eldest son had died and their second son began suffering from the same mysterious illness that killed the first. But servants were whispering.... a servant had recently been dismissed, and her family was known outsiders. Was it possible the women of the Flowers family had been practicing evil witchcraft? Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, '...
May 13, 2025•36 min•Ep. 232
Nostradamus's names and predictions are famous, centuries after his death. But the man behind the predictions is still largely unknown. Was he a true believer, or a savvy opportunist? Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 231
Eleanor of Aquitaine's younger sister Petronilla was attractive and wealthy, but she remained unmarried until she was 19 and met the charming Ralph of Vermandois. There was one big problem with the match though, and it would have bloody consequences. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 29, 2025•19 min•Ep. 230
King Sejong the Great is considered, well, the greatest king in Korean history. And his greatest contribution of all might have been twenty-four letters. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 22, 2025•31 min•Ep. 229
The 6th-century feud between Brunhild and Fredegund would last the rest of their lives, defining their kingdoms for generations as the women went from queens to rival regents. A source that was particularly helpful in making this episode was The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World” by Shelley Puhak (Bloomsbury, 2022). Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel '...
Apr 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 228
