AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

10 Episodes
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By: Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan)

The Victorians were the first truly world wide, high speed, high tech civilisation, but they are often misunderstood. Your host, Chris Fernandez-Packham, will bust popular myths, cover events around the world, and focus on a people centric history. You will see how the Victorians shaped the world, changing it from the age of horse, musket, cannon and sail to the age of steam, rifle and iron in this monthly podcast with regular special episodes and bonus content. You will learn about Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Volcanoes, Famines, great art, geography and so much more. You will discover how the Victorians...

EP055 INDIA SERIES 02 THE ORIGINAL CORPORATE RAIDERS
02/26/2024

In today’s episode, I’m taking you on a journey back in time to explore the Honourable East India Company (EIC), focusing on its monumental role during the Victorian era. We’ll dive deep into its interactions with the Mughal Empire, its profound influence on art, the Maratha Wars, and the governance under Governor Hastings. Join me as we uncover the legacy of what was once the world’s most powerful corporation and its foundational impact on the British Empire in India.

Introduction

I start with a brief overview of the EIC’s origins and its meteor...


CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2023 “The phantom rickshaw”
12/23/2023

In this year’s festive episode, dive into the enchanting world of Victorian curiosities and captivating storytelling.

First, join me for a mesmerising 10-minute journey through intriguing Victorian trivia, unraveling captivating tales from an era of innovation and eccentricity. From lesser-known facts to enthralling historical anecdotes, this brief exploration sheds light on the unique essence of the Victorian age. Discover the astonishing details behind events like the Sonning cutting railway disaster, providing a glimpse into the quirks and tragedies of the time.

Following this insightful introduction, the episode unfolds into a spellbinding narrative as I ta...


EP054 INDIA SERIES 01 THE BASICS
11/30/2023

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Join me as I embark on a captivating journey through India’s vibrant history and cultural intricacies during the Victorian era. Join me as I start uncover the complexities of the Victorian’s in India.

Delve into some fascinating transformations of place names that shaped India’s identity during this era. Explore the reasons behind these changes and their enduring impact on the country’s cultural fabric.

I provide a succinct yet comprehensive overview of India’s history up to the Victorian era from cave paintings...


EP053 ALBERT THE ROYAL MAKEOVER EDITION
09/30/2023

In this episode I’ll delve into the fascinating world of Prince Albert, the consort to Queen Victoria. I’ll explore his significant role in transforming Buckingham Palace, his artistic endeavors, his influential involvement in redecorating the Houses of Parliament, and the controversial dismissal of Baroness Lehzen.


In the early 19th century, Buckingham Palace was in a state of disrepair. Prince Albert, however, had a grand vision for the royal residence. He saw it not only as a home for the monarchy but as a symbol of British culture and innovation.


Prince Albert’s refo...


EP052 “A PRETTY LITTLE PRINCESS”
07/29/2023

I’m excited to take you on a journey through time today as we cover Queen Victoria’s first pregnancy & child. Together, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of historical events, focusing on the remarkable early reign of Queen Victoria and the dramatic affairs that unfolded during this era.

Recap 

Starting with a recap of the most significant events that the podcast has covered between 1817 and 1840. From technological advancements to political revolutions and cultural milestones, this retrospective will bring our threads together.

Queen Victoria’s First Pregnancy

Then it’s time to foc...


ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 2023 “THERE SIMPLY MUST BE A CORPSE”
05/16/2023

Celebrating 6 years of the podcast. I delve into the world of detectives in England during the 1840s. It’s time to explore the fascinating development of Victorian detective work, and how it was used to solve some of the most notorious crimes of the era, including the Bermondsey Horror.

I begin by looking at the emergence of detectives in England during the early 19th century. Learn how detective work evolved from the work of primitive thief-takers and the Bow Street Runners, and how the creation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 helped to professionalize the field of criminal in...


EP051 DARWIN DOWN UNDER
04/19/2023

This is the final episode in the series on Charles Darwin’s five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle. I delve into Darwin’s impressions of Australia and the European contact history during his visit in 1835.

Episode Highlights:

Arrival in Australia: After months of sailing, HMS Beagle arrived in Sydney, Australia, in January 1836. Darwin was fascinated by the diversity of flora and fauna that he encountered upon his arrival. He marveled at the unique wildlife, including kangaroos, platypus, and various species of parrots, which were vastly different from what he had seen in other parts of the worl...


EP050 DARWIN IN PARADISE
03/31/2023

This is episode four of series on Charles Darwin’s five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin arrived in Tahiti in November 1835 and spent a month there. He was struck by the beauty of the island and its people, whom he described as “the finest race of savages in the world.” He was particularly impressed by their hospitality, noting that they were “good-tempered and cheerful, honest and obliging.” Darwin also observed the Tahitians’ social customs, such as their elaborate tattoos and their practice of polygamy.

Learn about his time on the island, the start of European colonisation, and the comi...


EP049 DARWIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD
02/18/2023

The world can be a dangerous place. For explorers like Darwin to see the treasures of nature, they had to go boldly to the ends of the world. Join me as Darwin sails into savage and stormy seas, and find breathtaking beauty.

Intro.  The lonely lands of Tierra Del Fuego. Isolation. A fragile speak on a vast stormy sea. The Beagle Channel Into the Pacific Chile & the great quake Exploring the Andes More evidence – the scientific data mounts up Onwards to the Tortoises Of tortoises and more interesting animals.

If you want to get in touch, I’d lov...


MINI021 VICTORIAN MONEY – COINING IT IN
01/21/2023

January is here, and we are all feeling poor after Christmas. Time to talk about money. This is the first in a series of minisodes on Victorian money. To get things started we are looking at Victorian Coins. The age of gold, silver, sound money, and not having two farthings to rub together

Intro, thank you’s and reviews.  Choosing a topic Its pre-decimal so I’m going slightly mad Remember this long list of coins This is not a very difficult question – time for some maths Some problems with the coins A matter of design; florins, shillings, and sil...