Scandalous History
@scandaloushistory.bsky.social
Who says #history is boring? Discover the scandals, the gossip, the rebels, and the rule breakers. Historian & archaeologist. 🏴 https://scandaloushistory.substack.com/
YouTube: @TheRealScandalousHistory
YouTube: @TheRealScandalousHistory
Two queens. One family. Endless chaos. Aelfthryth was the first woman crowned queen of England. Her daughter-in-law Emma of Normandy married two kings, outlived them both, and shaped England’s future. Both women played the game of thrones - but did they win? #history
The dangerous women of early England: Aelfthryth and Emma of Normandy
The intertwined stories of Aelfthryth and Emma of Normandy span decades of royal intrigue, betrayal, and bloodshed. They played the game of thrones - but did they win?
open.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Two queens. One family. Endless chaos. Aelfthryth was the first woman crowned queen of England. Her daughter-in-law Emma of Normandy married two kings, outlived them both, and shaped England’s future. Both women played the game of thrones - but did they win? #history
The world’s most successful pirate wasn’t Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. It was a Chinese woman called Zheng Yi Sao, who went from working at a brothel to commanding a fleet of 80,000 pirates. Even the way her swashbuckling career ended was unlike all those other pirate captains… #history
Zheng Yi Sao: the pirate queen who defied an empire
Zheng Yi Sao, history’s most formidable pirate, rose from a Cantonese brothel to lead 80,000 outlaws, outwit empires, and build a maritime empire. Her story challenges everything we think we know abou...
open.substack.com
June 27, 2025 at 7:37 PM
The world’s most successful pirate wasn’t Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. It was a Chinese woman called Zheng Yi Sao, who went from working at a brothel to commanding a fleet of 80,000 pirates. Even the way her swashbuckling career ended was unlike all those other pirate captains… #history
He was the forgotten Windsor - handsome, charming, and always in trouble. While his brothers went on to rule, Prince George chased women, men, and the high. His untimely death in a mysterious plane crash raised questions that remain unanswered to this day #history
Sex, drugs and jazz: the secret life of Prince George, Duke of Kent
Long overshadowed by his brother Edward VIII, Prince George, Duke of Kent, led one of the most scandalous and mysterious lives in royal history. From wild affairs with both men and women to a dangerou...
open.substack.com
June 15, 2025 at 6:05 PM
He was the forgotten Windsor - handsome, charming, and always in trouble. While his brothers went on to rule, Prince George chased women, men, and the high. His untimely death in a mysterious plane crash raised questions that remain unanswered to this day #history
Reposted by Scandalous History
The "White Night Riots" in 1979, most violent protest in LGBTQ+ history, in response to the 'voluntary manslaughter' charge handed down to Dan White, murderer of San Francisco mayor George Moscone and beloved activist and city supervisor Harvey Milk. #LGBTQhistory
Teach the kids.
Teach the kids.
May 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
The "White Night Riots" in 1979, most violent protest in LGBTQ+ history, in response to the 'voluntary manslaughter' charge handed down to Dan White, murderer of San Francisco mayor George Moscone and beloved activist and city supervisor Harvey Milk. #LGBTQhistory
Teach the kids.
Teach the kids.
Reposted by Scandalous History
New spicy #history video from History After Dark today! The most successful Royal mistress in British History, Jane Shore www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzm2... @katrina-marchant.bsky.social @britishhistory.bsky.social @historysquirrels.bsky.social
The most successful Royal mistress in British History, Jane Shore | People we should know about
YouTube video by History After Dark
www.youtube.com
May 21, 2025 at 7:51 PM
New spicy #history video from History After Dark today! The most successful Royal mistress in British History, Jane Shore www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzm2... @katrina-marchant.bsky.social @britishhistory.bsky.social @historysquirrels.bsky.social
Anne Bonny and Mary Read rejected a life of domesticity for a brutal existence on board a pirate ship. Armed with pistols, cutlasses, and mouths like…well…sailors, they tore through the Caribbean - until a famed pirate hunter set his sights on them. #history
Women of the Black Flag: Anne Bonny and Mary Read
Anne Bonny and Mary Read shattered every expectation placed on women in the 18th century, choosing guns and cutlasses over marriage and motherhood. From ruthless pirate raids to a sensational trial, t...
open.substack.com
May 21, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Anne Bonny and Mary Read rejected a life of domesticity for a brutal existence on board a pirate ship. Armed with pistols, cutlasses, and mouths like…well…sailors, they tore through the Caribbean - until a famed pirate hunter set his sights on them. #history
Charles VI of France inherited a powerful kingdom but his reign collapsed into madness, factional warfare, and national crisis. He thought he was made of glass. His brother was accused of sorcery. His court literally caught fire. It’s one of the wildest chapters in European #history…
The glass king: how Charles VI of France lost his mind
Charles VI of France's reign began with promise but descended into chaos. Plagued by mental illness, political infighting, and national crisis, his story is one of the most turbulent chapters in Frenc...
open.substack.com
May 1, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Charles VI of France inherited a powerful kingdom but his reign collapsed into madness, factional warfare, and national crisis. He thought he was made of glass. His brother was accused of sorcery. His court literally caught fire. It’s one of the wildest chapters in European #history…
#OTD in 1776, Elizabeth Chudleigh stood trial for bigamy. Already secretly married to Augustus Hervey, she wed another - richer - man and became Duchess of Kingston. The trial lasted 5 days and ended with her being found guilty. However, thanks to a technicality, she escaped punishment. #history
April 15, 2025 at 7:45 PM
One of my historic faves died #OTD in 1204 - Eleanor of Aquitaine. She led a crusade, booted her boring first husband to marry a toy boy, allegedly slept with her uncle, and encouraged her sons to rebel against their father, Henry II. She lived to be 82 and showed that age is no barrier #history
April 1, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Alice of Antioch wasn’t just a princess - she was a three-time rebel who defied kings, struck deals with enemies, and fought for power in a world that expected women to stay silent. Discover the story of the Crusader princess who refused to play by the rules… #history
Alice of Antioch: the rebellious Crusader princess
Alice of Antioch was a three-time rebel who defied kings, struck deals with enemies, and fought for power in a world that expected women to stay silent. Discover the untold tale of the Crusader prince...
open.substack.com
April 1, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Alice of Antioch wasn’t just a princess - she was a three-time rebel who defied kings, struck deals with enemies, and fought for power in a world that expected women to stay silent. Discover the story of the Crusader princess who refused to play by the rules… #history
Reposted by Scandalous History
Visualising the lifetimes (and deaths) of major Roman Emperors
(by Reddit user: u/Western-Flatworm-537)
(by Reddit user: u/Western-Flatworm-537)
March 18, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Visualising the lifetimes (and deaths) of major Roman Emperors
(by Reddit user: u/Western-Flatworm-537)
(by Reddit user: u/Western-Flatworm-537)
In the twilight years of the Russian Empire, as the Romanov dynasty teetered on the brink of collapse, two princesses from Montenegro - Milica and Anastasia - wove a web of intrigue, mysticism, and influence that ensnared the highest echelons of Russian society… #history
The Black Peril: Milica and Anastasia of Montenegro
Princesses Milica and Anastasia of Montenegro brought the occult to the heart of the Russian Empire. From introducing the Empress to Rasputin to their role in shaping the fate of the Romanovs, their i...
open.substack.com
March 19, 2025 at 11:38 AM
In the twilight years of the Russian Empire, as the Romanov dynasty teetered on the brink of collapse, two princesses from Montenegro - Milica and Anastasia - wove a web of intrigue, mysticism, and influence that ensnared the highest echelons of Russian society… #history
Reposted by Scandalous History
👑🎨
Sole portrait of #England ’s ‘nine-day queen’ thought to have been identified by researchers
‘Compelling evidence’ suggests figure is #LadyJaneGrey, making it only known depiction made before 1554 execution
#Art #ArtHistory #History #Painting #Heritage
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Sole portrait of #England ’s ‘nine-day queen’ thought to have been identified by researchers
‘Compelling evidence’ suggests figure is #LadyJaneGrey, making it only known depiction made before 1554 execution
#Art #ArtHistory #History #Painting #Heritage
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
March 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
👑🎨
Sole portrait of #England ’s ‘nine-day queen’ thought to have been identified by researchers
‘Compelling evidence’ suggests figure is #LadyJaneGrey, making it only known depiction made before 1554 execution
#Art #ArtHistory #History #Painting #Heritage
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Sole portrait of #England ’s ‘nine-day queen’ thought to have been identified by researchers
‘Compelling evidence’ suggests figure is #LadyJaneGrey, making it only known depiction made before 1554 execution
#Art #ArtHistory #History #Painting #Heritage
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
From marrying a Vestal Virgin and prostituting himself in his own palace to throwing parties that literally killed people, this teenage emperor took chaos to a new level… #history
Rome's most "disgusting" emperor
YouTube video by Scandalous History
youtu.be
March 6, 2025 at 9:22 PM
From marrying a Vestal Virgin and prostituting himself in his own palace to throwing parties that literally killed people, this teenage emperor took chaos to a new level… #history
Reposted by Scandalous History
🕯New Episode 🕯
We are very excited to share our latest episode which features none other than Professor Ronald Hutton. Hutton discusses ghosts, the modern fascination with witchcraft and much more. We hope you enjoy it!
media.rss.com/the-shropshi...
#Witchcraft #Shropshire #Folklore #Podcast
We are very excited to share our latest episode which features none other than Professor Ronald Hutton. Hutton discusses ghosts, the modern fascination with witchcraft and much more. We hope you enjoy it!
media.rss.com/the-shropshi...
#Witchcraft #Shropshire #Folklore #Podcast
February 28, 2025 at 7:38 AM
🕯New Episode 🕯
We are very excited to share our latest episode which features none other than Professor Ronald Hutton. Hutton discusses ghosts, the modern fascination with witchcraft and much more. We hope you enjoy it!
media.rss.com/the-shropshi...
#Witchcraft #Shropshire #Folklore #Podcast
We are very excited to share our latest episode which features none other than Professor Ronald Hutton. Hutton discusses ghosts, the modern fascination with witchcraft and much more. We hope you enjoy it!
media.rss.com/the-shropshi...
#Witchcraft #Shropshire #Folklore #Podcast
Reposted by Scandalous History
It's #PancakeDay! 🥞
In some parts of Wales, it was believed that if pancakes were not made and tossed on this day, there would be little prosperity during the ensuing year.
#ShroveTuesday #Wales #History
In some parts of Wales, it was believed that if pancakes were not made and tossed on this day, there would be little prosperity during the ensuing year.
#ShroveTuesday #Wales #History
March 4, 2025 at 8:46 AM
It's #PancakeDay! 🥞
In some parts of Wales, it was believed that if pancakes were not made and tossed on this day, there would be little prosperity during the ensuing year.
#ShroveTuesday #Wales #History
In some parts of Wales, it was believed that if pancakes were not made and tossed on this day, there would be little prosperity during the ensuing year.
#ShroveTuesday #Wales #History
Reposted by Scandalous History
IRA requirements for intelligence officers circa 1920 - must be 'earnest, zealous and attentive'. Worryingly, not much in here about being discreet.
#history #research #historicalresearch #writing #nonfiction #ireland #intelligence
#history #research #historicalresearch #writing #nonfiction #ireland #intelligence
March 3, 2025 at 8:21 AM
IRA requirements for intelligence officers circa 1920 - must be 'earnest, zealous and attentive'. Worryingly, not much in here about being discreet.
#history #research #historicalresearch #writing #nonfiction #ireland #intelligence
#history #research #historicalresearch #writing #nonfiction #ireland #intelligence
Reposted by Scandalous History
Pausing to remember all those who perished and were wrongfully accused during the #SalemWitchcraftTrials which began 333 years ago today - March 1, 1692. Which ancestor did you have connected on any angle of the trials? #RT and remember them
March 2, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Pausing to remember all those who perished and were wrongfully accused during the #SalemWitchcraftTrials which began 333 years ago today - March 1, 1692. Which ancestor did you have connected on any angle of the trials? #RT and remember them
The first openly gay politician wasn’t a progressive hero - he was a high-ranking Nazi. Perhaps not what you’d expect, right? Ernst Röhm, leader of Hitler’s SA, was a powerful figure until his dramatic betrayal and downfall #history
Sex and the Sturmabteilung: Ernst Röhm, the first openly gay politician
The first openly gay politician wasn’t a progressive hero - he was a high-ranking Nazi. Ernst Röhm, leader of Hitler’s SA, was a powerful figure until his downfall in a brutal purge.
open.substack.com
February 28, 2025 at 8:17 PM
The first openly gay politician wasn’t a progressive hero - he was a high-ranking Nazi. Perhaps not what you’d expect, right? Ernst Röhm, leader of Hitler’s SA, was a powerful figure until his dramatic betrayal and downfall #history
From marrying a Vestal Virgin and prostituting himself in his own palace to throwing parties that literally killed people, this teenage emperor took chaos to a new level… #history
Rome's most "disgusting" emperor
YouTube video by Scandalous History
youtu.be
February 27, 2025 at 8:39 PM
From marrying a Vestal Virgin and prostituting himself in his own palace to throwing parties that literally killed people, this teenage emperor took chaos to a new level… #history
Reposted by Scandalous History
Join us for the @ihr.bsky.social Derek Keene #London Lecture 2025, from Prof Matthew Worley, University of Reading: “I think #punk is an overused word, as a matter of fact”: London, England, 1975–76. Free & open to all - new visitors to the IHR especially welcome. Book: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
February 25, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Join us for the @ihr.bsky.social Derek Keene #London Lecture 2025, from Prof Matthew Worley, University of Reading: “I think #punk is an overused word, as a matter of fact”: London, England, 1975–76. Free & open to all - new visitors to the IHR especially welcome. Book: www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
Diane de Poitiers wasn’t just a royal mistress - she was the woman who ruled France from behind the throne. From seducing a king to outwitting a queen, her story is one of ambition, scandal, and a dangerous beauty secret… #history
The original cougar: how Diane de Poitiers seduced a king and ruled France
Diane de Poitiers wasn’t just a royal mistress - she was the woman who ruled France from behind the throne. From seducing a king to outwitting a queen, her story is one of ambition, scandal, and a dan...
open.substack.com
February 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Diane de Poitiers wasn’t just a royal mistress - she was the woman who ruled France from behind the throne. From seducing a king to outwitting a queen, her story is one of ambition, scandal, and a dangerous beauty secret… #history
#MosaicMonday is a good excuse to talk about one of my faves - the Byzantine Empress Theodora. She began life as a prostitute and actress but married Emperor Justinian in a tale of rags to riches. She was smart, politically astute, and an early advocate for women’s rights (with great bling) #history
February 24, 2025 at 12:48 PM
#MosaicMonday is a good excuse to talk about one of my faves - the Byzantine Empress Theodora. She began life as a prostitute and actress but married Emperor Justinian in a tale of rags to riches. She was smart, politically astute, and an early advocate for women’s rights (with great bling) #history
Reposted by Scandalous History
Stormé DeLarverie, a Black lesbian & drag king, helped spark the Stonewall Riots, igniting the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, let’s honor her legacy & stand against the forces of fascism threatening our communities. #LGBTQHistory #Resistance #Equality #FascismFighters
February 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Stormé DeLarverie, a Black lesbian & drag king, helped spark the Stonewall Riots, igniting the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, let’s honor her legacy & stand against the forces of fascism threatening our communities. #LGBTQHistory #Resistance #Equality #FascismFighters