Welcome to another episode of Past Loves - the history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by author and artist, Lauren Redniss, to discuss the love story between Marie and Pierre Curie.

From Marie's early commitment to pursing education to the infamous story around the couple's Nobel Prize win, we delve into the personal and professional lives of Marie and Pierre. Theirs was a great love story and  intellectual partnership which resulted in scientific discoveries that changed our understanding of the world, though Marie once said: “There is no connection between my scientific work and the facts of private life."

Their romance is was, however, the epitome of close professional collaboration. They were creative, passionate and driven to develop scientific knowledge. Their commitment to endless back-breaking work with pitchblende in a draughty shed to extract radium salts was quite remarkable. And yet, as a couple, their work changed the world in ways that continue to have palpable ramifications today. Here is the story of Nobel Prize winners Marie and Pierre Curie.

Where To Find Us

Buy Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Lauren-Redniss/Radioactive--Marie--Pierre-Curie-A-Tale-of-Love-and-Fallout/17248977

Find out more about Lauren: http://laurenredniss.com/

Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenredniss/

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of Past Loves - the history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by author and Associate Professor in English Literature and Life Writing at the University of Exeter, Daisy Hay, to discuss the love story between Benjamin and Mary Anne Disraeli.

Daisy's research into the lives and love of Benjamin and Mary Anne is rooted in extensive archival work in the Reading Room at the Bodleian Library where Mary Anne's remarkable collection of letters is held. Benjamin and Mary Anne wrote their love story into being, weaving romantic ideals into their correspondence. As Mary Anne most famously said: “Dizzy married me for my money. But if he had the chance again he would marry me for love.” 

Benjamin's political career is also woven into the very fabric of their relationship. Their love story existed within the political sphere as Mary Anne helped Benjamin with his campaigns. On the night of the passing of the 1867 Reform Act, rather than celebrating with supporters at the Carlton Club, Benjamin would return home to Mary Anne who was waiting for him with a bottle of champagne and a raised pie from Fortnum and Mason. Together, they would cultivate their romance over the years which resulted in a relationship based in deep respect, admiration and love. It was a true union.

Where To Find Us

Read Mr and Mrs Disraeli: A Strange Romance: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Daisy-Hay/Mr-and-Mrs-Disraeli--A-Strange-Romance/18083513

Follow Daisy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy.hay/

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of Past Loves - the history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by University of York doctoral student Isobel Staton to discuss the love story between Selina and Lawrence Kay-Shuttleworth.

Love letters provide us with the perfect way into the relationships of couples in the past. But it takes endless hours of archival research to piece together these stories. In this episode, we're given incredible access to the recent research Isobel has undertaken in the archive of Gawthorpe Hall into Selina Bridgeman and, therefore, her husband Lawrence Kay-Shuttleworth, Gawthorpe's heir. Selina and Lawrence reflect each other's personalities in many ways - both passionate, eloquent and driven. They expected to be able to build a life together.

Selina's archive of letters offers us a proximity to her love story with Lawrence - a love story that in many ways echoes the experience of many women at the beginning of the First World War as she experiences love and loss in the intensity of wartime. Selina's story in particular shows that, in the end, the desire to love and be loved is perennial.


Where To Find Us

Find out about Gawthorpe Hall: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gawthorpe-hall

Discover more about Gawthorpe Hall's exhibition 'Gawthorpe's Remarkable Women': https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/55385889-6c7d-43f0-9e5b-ef45f78b59a2/pages/details

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome to another episode of Past Loves - the history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by best-selling biographer, historian and broadcaster, Sarah Gristwood as we delve into the unique relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West.  

The relationship between Vita and Virginia is as complex and heart-breaking, as it was intensely passionate. They met one evening at a dinner party, both equally fascinated by each other, and went on to develop a relationship that ebbed and flowed between friendship and romantic affection for many years. Their love story was not complicated by their husbands. In fact, how these four people treated each other with such acceptance, kindness and understanding is one of the most interesting aspects of their relationship.

As writers, lovers and friends, Vita and Virginia crafted a love story quite unlike any other. They will be forever bound together in life and legacy.

Where To Find Us

Shop Sarah's book Vita & Virginia: The lives and love of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Sarah-Gristwood/Vita--Virginia--A-Double-Life/21449035

Discover more about Sarah: http://sarahgristwood.com/

Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahgristwood

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/ 

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome back to the next episode of Past Loves - the weekly history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by Senior House and Collection Officer of Smallhythe Place, Susannah Mayor, to discuss the fascinating relationship between Edith Craig, Christopher St. John and Tony Atwood. 

Together Edy, Chris and Tony created a space to live freely, passionately and creatively. Now an oasis which celebrates the history of theatre, and particularly that of Dame Ellen Terry, their relationship lives at the heart of Smallhythe Place. Edy and Craig made a place for themselves in the suffrage movement with the Pioneer Players, with Tony providing props and painted scenery . Her work is a testament to the beauty and use of light. They designed their own lives, alongside many theatrical performances, but it is their relationship which now deserves to take centre stage.

CW: There is a brief mention of overdose when discussing Edith's engagement from 19:53 mins to 20:07. 

Where To Find Us

Book tickets for Smallhythe Place: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

Follow Smallhythe Place on Instagram: @smallhythe_placent

Follow Smallhythe Place on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallhythePlaceNT

Follow Smallhythe Place on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallhythent

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

Listen To Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas episode with Matthew Sturgis: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oscar-wilde-lord-alfred-douglas-love-on-trial-with/id1509195421?i=1000478174906

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome back to the next episode of Past Loves - the weekly history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by author Matthew Lewis to discuss the fascinating and sprawling relationship between Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Eleanor of Aquitaine had already lived an extraordinary medieval life before she ever met Henry II when she was thrust into the role of French Queen at an early age. But when her marriage was annulled, and her future prospects precarious, there was only one man that she wanted to marry. Henry II was lively, successful and soon to claim his rights as the next King of England. He was everything her first husband Louis had failed to be. Together they would build a vast empire that stretched from Northumberland to the Mediterranean, creating a large family at the same time. But could it last?

Eleanor and Henry were the power couple of their age, and their love story is sensationally dramatic.

Where To Find Us

Shop Matt's book Henry II & Eleanor Aquitaine: Founding An Empire: https://www.amberley-books.com/henry-ii-and-eleanor-of-aquitaine.html

Find more from Matt: http://mattlewisauthor.com/

Follow Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattLewisAuthor

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/ 

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome back to a festive special of Past Loves - the history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

In this episode, in the most magical setting of Floors Castle situated in the Scottish Borders,  I explore the love story between Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe, and his beloved Duchess, Mary "May" Goelet, with Operations Manager (and wonderful storyteller) Matthew Thompson. Floors Castle has been the home of the Innes-Ker family for 300 years and, after having been remodelled by the 6th Duke of Roxburghe, now stands as a dramatic and truly romantic castle.

Henry, 8th Duke of Roxburghe, was the suitor who finally stole the heart of the highly-desirable American heiress May Goelet. With this, their relationship highlights a trend in the late 19th/early 20th Centuries for rich American heiresses to marry into aristocratic European families - Downton Abbey instantly comes to mind of course. Henry and May do, however, seem to be a little different - they were a love match. Together, they forged the future of Floors.

I hope you enjoy unwrapping their charming love story. Merry Christmas!

Where To Find Us

Floors Castle: https://www.floorscastle.com/

Follow Floors Castle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floorscastle/

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome to the one year anniversary special of Past Loves - the weekly history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

For this very special episode, celebrating the past year, I am joined by the wonderful medieval historian Gemma Hollman to discuss a relationship with repercussions through the ages. Join us as we delve into the Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV love story.

In the midst of a warring kingdom, the young new King Edward IV secretly marries Elizabeth Woodville - a widow with lineage which ensures many initially question whether she is the right match for the King of England. The legend behind their love for each other, however, emerges as the couple encounter a tumultuous reign. In death, the legitimacy of their relationship is famously undermined by Richard III  when Elizabeth is accused of witchcraft.

Their relationship, and the drama of the decades in which their love story blossomed, remain of vast interest today as evidenced by the popularity of The White Queen by Philippa Gregory and the following BBC adaptation of the same name.

With this love story, I would like to say a big thank you for all of your support over the past year - you have made this podcast happen and I will be forever grateful. I hope you enjoy!

Where To Find Us

Shop Gemma's book Royal Witches: From Joan of Navarre to Elizabeth Woodville : https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/royal-witches/9780750989404/

Discover more on Gemma's blog: https://justhistoryposts.com/

Follow Gemma on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustHistoryPosts

Listen to Past Loves archive: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/past-loves-a-history-of-the-greatest-love-stories/id1509195421

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/ 

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome back to the Christmas special of Past Loves - the weekly history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

With Covid and the closure of so many theatres this year, it only seemed apt to take the Past Loves Christmas special to the stage. So for this very special episode, I am joined by Irina Klyagin - a Russian ballet scholar who looks after Harvard University’s extensive theatre collection at the Houghton Library - to discuss the love story between Rudolf Nureyev and Erik Bruhn.

Erik was the Danish ice to Rudolf's Russian fire and the two were both titans within the ballet world, defining an era. Their art was, therefore, at the heart of their relationship and was so from the very beginning. When Rudolf defected to the West from the Soviet Union, it was his aim to meet and train with Erik. He knew that was where he was meant to be. They learnt from each other, honing their talent to become two of the most famous male ballet dancers in history.

Their love story is one of passion which I very much hope you enjoy. May your festive season be full of light and love. Merry Christmas!

Where To Find Us

More about Irina: https://library.harvard.edu/staff/irina-klyagin

Discover Julie Kavanagh's Rudolf Nureyev: https://www.waterstones.com/book/rudolf-nureyev/julie-kavanagh/9780241986905

Discover Diane Solway's Nureyev: His Life: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nureyev-His-Life-Diane-Solway/dp/0688128734/

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome back to the season finale of Past Loves - the weekly history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by an absolutely incredible guest the 11th Duchess of Rutland to discuss the relationship between the 5th Duke and Duchess, John Henry and Elizabeth.

Together they created the most magical fairy-tale castle - Belvoir Castle. When Elizabeth arrived at Belvoir as a young bride, she was not inspired by the building currently looking out across the Vale of Belvoir. Instead, this remarkable Regency power couple wanted to make a statement all of their own and with this, the romantic castle that we now see today was born. They entertained in the most fabulous way and left an indelible mark on society and the British landscape. 

Today, you may recognise Belvoir from Netflix's The Crown, The Young Victoria (2009) or Victoria & Abdul (2017). But, whilst it may be a firm favourite of Hollywood, John Henry and Elizabeth are truly the heart of the breathtaking Belvoir Castle.

Where To Find Us

Book tickets for Belvoir Castle: https://www.belvoircastle.com/castle-book-tickets/

Follow Belvoir Castle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belvoircastle/

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/

Shop Her Grace's book Belvoir Castle: A Thousand Years of Family Art and Architecture: https://www.belvoircastle.com/castle-duke-and-duchess-of-rutland-books/

Learn more about Elizabeth's parents' love story in the Castle Howard episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/997147/4052561

Listen To Victoria & Albert episode with Helen Rappaport: https://www.buzzsprout.com/997147/3782192

Watch Phil Spencer's Stately Homes: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/phil-spencers-stately-homes

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]

Welcome back to the next episode of Past Loves - the weekly history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

This week I am joined by author, editor and proofreader, specialising in Russia and the history of women, Virginia Rounding to discuss the relationship between the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia, Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra.

As the biggest fan of Russian history theirs is a story close to my heart, filled with heart-breaking moments of utter anguish alongside many years of the deepest sense of love for one another. Nicholas became tsar when his father died unexpectedly, taking on the role of the autocratic leader of a vast nation in a trying time. His solace? The fact that he had the woman whom he adored Alexandra, or Alix as she was known, to rule by his side. Together, not only did they shape the future of Russia but, they also raised a family of five children in extraordinary circumstances. After years of war, revolution and Rasputin, their story famously came to a bitter end in 1918.

Nevertheless, throughout it all, Alix and Nicky's love story is one of true devotion.

Where To Find Us

Shop Virginia's book Alix and Nicky: The Passion of the Last Tsar and Tsarina:  https://www.waterstones.com/book/alix-and-nicky/virginia-rounding/9781250022196

More about Virginia:  https://virginiarounding.org/

Follow Virginia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VRounding

Listen to Andrei & Natalia Chikhachev episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/997147/3960962

Follow Past Loves on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastlovespodcast/ 

If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at [email protected]