Vulgar HistoryNov 20, 2019
Keeping Up With Les Mazarinettes
We all know by now how iconic Hortense Mancini was. Is it any wonder that the other Mazarinettes were just as cool? This week, we tie up the Hortense saga with a look at the stories of Anna Marie Martinozzi, Laura Martinozzi, Laura Mancini, Olympe Mancini, Marie Mancini, and Marianne Mancini along with Boy Mazarinette Philippe Mancini.
Between these seven we have: one musketeer, two accused poisoners, one iconic courthouse strut, one nighttime fleeing from the law, at least one pretty cool husband, at least one escape from a convent, and more!
References:
Wikipedia
The Affair of the Poisons by Anne Somerset
Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781400033744
The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781586488895
https://partylike1660.com/marie-mancini-princesse-colonna/
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
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Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Hortense Mancini, Duchess du Mazarin: part five
This episode gets into Hortense's final years, which involve: two mother-daughter reunions, how she dealt with three rapid changes in who the monarch is, CM continuing to be the best best friend to ever friend, and of course, her scandilicious score!!
Content warning: discussion of suicide starts at 47:01. If you want to skip ahead to the scoring, that starts at 57:31.
References:
Annalisa Nicholson's page at The Queen's College, University of Oxford https://www.queens.ox.ac.uk/people/annalisa-nicholson
Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter
The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781586488895
https://www.thecambridgelanguagecollective.com/arts-and-culture/annalisa-nicholson
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part four
Bonjour and welcome to Hortense's Salon Internationale! In this week's episode, we learn more about Hortense Mancini's time as Charles II's maitresse-en-titre, her relationship with Charles's daughter Anne Lennerd, her love of swordfighting, her self-sabotaging affair with Louis I of Monaco, and her platonic life partner Charles de Marguetel de Saint-Denis, seigneur de Saint-Évremond aka CM, and overall her new era as Renaissance Influencer.
And the story doesn't end here! Next week we'll wrap up the Hortense Saga with her post-post Charles era, and finally see how she scores on the Fredegund memorial scale.
References:
Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter
The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781586488895
https://www.winemag.com/2022/02/11/hortense-mancini-runaway-duchess-champagne/
https://www.thecambridgelanguagecollective.com/arts-and-culture/annalisa-nicholson
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part three
So in 1675, Hortense Mancini fled France to hang out in London during the Restoration era. She truly took the city by storm with her superpowered beauty and scandalous ways. But in order to appreciate just what an effect she had, we need to talk for a minute about what London was like P.H. (Pre-Hortense). This week we learn about what Charles II had been up to since he unsuccessfully tried to marry teen Hortense (like being a volunteer firefighter, sexy Captain Hook impersonator, and oh yeah being the literal King) as well as info about his mistresses Moll Davis, Nell Gwyn, Barbara Villiers, and Louise de Kéroualle AND also the jewel heist saga of Thomas Blood.
References:
Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781586488895
https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/sex-scandals-and-betrayals-charles-ii-and-his-court/ article by RE Pritchard
Leading Ladies: the many mistresses of Charles II wielded real political power by Annalisa Nicholson (History Extra magazine)
Rex Factor podcast about Charles II https://play.acast.com/s/rexfactor/44.charlesii-restoration-
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part two
In the next thrilling installment of the saga of Hortense Mancini, our heroine escapes from her awful husband with the help of her brother and sister, becomes the most popular muse in Rome/Europe, has a not-so-secret sexy affair with a servant, and writes her memoirs (all before age 29). And she's just getting started! Featuring special guest narrative: what her sister Marie had been up to since being forced to consciously uncouple from Louis XIV.
References:
Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter
The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781586488895
Marie Mancini: writing for her life, by Sarah Nelson https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20563035.2021.1898863
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part one
Hortense Mancini appeared one day with Sailor Moon buns and such a fascinating Wikipedia entry I had to make room for her in this internationale season.
Her story is like if you did a Frankenstein thing of putting together all the most scandilicious bits of every story ever on Vulgar History ever before into one story, because it's all here! Wearing a pants disguise! Breaking new ground for women in publishing! Putting on plays in which she plays the main part! A terrible husband! Lovers! Outfits!
Here in part one we learn about Hortense (incl how to pronounce her name), her sisters, brother, and cousins, her terrible husband, and set the scene with some important people who will show up in later episodes.
Content warning: discussion of the details of her abusive husband and marriage begin at around 37:30. You can skip that and still listen to future bits of Hortense's story!
References:
Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter
The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781586488895
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Kristina of Sweden, part four
In the conclusion of this Kristina of Sweden four-part saga, our heroine finds that her can't-be-tamed #JustBeingMiley personality can get in the way of her plans to take over Naples, Sweden, and Poland. But she gets a new house, drinks so much orange juice, and continues living this perplexing life that truly can't be described any way but EPIC.
References:
Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley bookshop.org/a/1419/9780060736187
History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter https://historyofyesterday.com/queen-kristina-of-sweden-causing-controversies-just-for-fun-dca26cb7a44a
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Kristina of Sweden, part three
This episode finds Kristina of Sweden entering her BANGERZ era as she a) shaves her head b) is a wrecking ball all over Rome as she ponders how to live as a Freelance Queen/King. She meets some new friends (some of whom aren't grifters), is surprisingly chill about other peoples' religions, goes TITS OUT both with her collection of erotic artwork AND her neckline, and, fully just vibes out with the electric enthusiasm of a recently escaped bear that's been held captive indoors.
References:
Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley bookshop.org/a/1419/9780060736187
History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter https://historyofyesterday.com/queen-kristina-of-sweden-causing-controversies-just-for-fun-dca26cb7a44a
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Kristina of Sweden, part two
If this was an episode of Friends, it would be called THE ONE WHERE SHE YEETS THE CROWN. Picking up from part one, Kristina is Teen Queen/King of Sweden and her main focus is doing the opposite of what Axel Oxenstierna wants her to do. But the more she remains Queen/King, the more she starts to channel Belle from Beauty and the Beast, wanting adventures in the great wide somewhere. And so, as Big Freedia says in the latest Beyonce song, time for her to release her job!
References:
Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley bookshop.org/a/1419/9780060736187
History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter https://historyofyesterday.com/queen-kristina-of-sweden-causing-controversies-just-for-fun-dca26cb7a44a
Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Kristina of Sweden, part one
Kristina of Sweden, like her distant ancestress Princess Cecilia of Sweden, wasn't going to let being a Swedish Royal get in the way of her just vibing out and doing wtf she wanted. In part one, we learn about her parents, the non-typical manner in which she was brought up, and the first years of her reign. We also talk a bit about her gender identity and the longstanding rumours that she may have had intersex traits.
Learn more about intersex people at InterAct Advocates for Intersex Youth: interactadvocates.org
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness: How Can We Put The "I" In LGBTQIA+?: www.earwolf.com/episode/how-can-we-put-the-i-in-lgbtqia-with-alicia-roth-weigel/
References:
Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley bookshop.org/a/1419/9780060736187
Queer as Fact podcast https://queerasfact.podbean.com/e/christina-of-sweden/
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
La Chevalière d'Éon (with Maya Deane)
Super Special: Let Me Be Frank (with Tracy Dawson)
Learn more about Tracy and her book at tracydawson.net/
Buy a copy of Let Me Be Frank wherever you get books (or borrow a copy from the public library!), but also if you buy it using this Bookshop link a bit of money will go towards Vulgar History: bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063061064
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Anne of Denmark
Anne of Denmark (1574-1619) was the second daughter of a loving family in Denmark, who had the misfortune to be married off to King James VI of Scotland AKA the second-worst man in British history (see: witch burnings, colonizing, translating the Bible to be more misogynistic, overall messiness).
Her life story includes: SO much drama, a super secret sexy religious conversion, NUMEROUS fabulous jewellery and fashion moments, and one majorly impressive grand entrance.
References:
This is the article I reference about if Anne was the super secret sexy Catholic patron of the Gunpowder Plot: https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/anne-of-denmark-queen-james-vi-i-wife-life/
And this is the article I wrote for Bitch magazine about how James I/VI was literally the worst: https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/what-17th-century-witch-burnings-teach-us-about-evangelical-extremism
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Super Special: Tits Out Brigade Qs and As, part two
More Qs are A'd this week, including: my fav things to eat and drink, which VH heroines I'd like most to do various social things with, and tits out heroines from Canadian history!
Here's further info about each of the Canadian heroines:
Filles du Roi thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/filles-du-roi
Thanadelthur thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/thanadelthur
Marie-Joseph Angélique thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/marie-joseph-angelique
Marie Marguerite Rose en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Marguerite_Rose
Emily Carr thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/emily-carr
Viola Desmond thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/viola-desmond
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Learn more about the National Network of Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.org
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Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Super Special: Tits Out Brigade Qs and As, part one
Because all the Internationále research is taking so much time, there isn't a new Vulgar History episode ready this week. But! I did have time to answer Qs from you, the Tits Out Brigade! You submitted questions via Patreon and social media, and I’m here with answers!
Click here for a list of all the books recommended in this episode: bookshop.org/lists/recommended-historical-fiction-78fdf7d3-a7e9-477c-8946-4d0416514506
Learn more about the National Network of Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.org
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Doña Catalina de Erauso: Part Three (with Allison Epstein)
Special guest Allison Epstein (A Tip for the Hangman) joins us for this action-packed conclusion of this three-part saga of the Lieutenant Nun. This time featuring: a return to Spain, a meeting with The Pope (!!!) and, crucially, how will Catalina fare on the Scandilicious Scale??
Subscribe to Allison's newsletter Dirtbags Through the Ages at rapscallison.substack.com and follow Allison on Instagram @rapscallison and Twitter @rapscallison
References:
Lesbian historic motif podcast
Stuff you missed in history class podcast
https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/books/cross-dressing-for-success.html
The Life of Catalina de Erauso, the Lieutenant Nun: An Early Modern Biography by Sonia Perez-Villanueva
The Lieutenant Nun by Sherry Valasco
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Doña Catalina de Erauso: Part Two (with Allison Epstein)
Special guest Allison Epstein (A Tip for the Hangman) joins us to discuss Doña Catalina de Erauso. Catalina was a 17th-century Spanish woman who became known as the Lieutenant Nun because she was a) raised in a convent and b) cross-dressed for success as a man in the Spanish army. She was also c) a dirtbag, d) potentially a serial killer, and e) wildly interesting to talk about. This episode also includes SO MANY LLAMAS so, heads up.
Subscribe to Allison's newsletter Dirtbags Through the Ages at rapscallison.substack.com and follow Allison on Instagram @rapscallison and Twitter @rapscallison
Lesbian historic motif podcast
Stuff you missed in history class podcast
https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/books/cross-dressing-for-success.html
The Life of Catalina de Erauso, the Lieutenant Nun: An Early Modern Biography by Sonia Perez-Villanueva
The Lieutenant Nun by Sherry Valasco
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Doña Catalina de Erauso: Part One (with Allison Epstein)
Special guest Allison Epstein (A Tip For The Hangman) joins us to discuss Doña Catalina de Erauso. Catalina was a 17th-century Spanish woman who became known as the Lieutenant Nun because she was a) raised in a convent and b) cross-dressed for success as a man in the Spanish army. She was also c) a dirtbag, d) potentially a serial killer, and e) wildly interesting to talk about. That's why this is part one of a two-part super special!!!
Subscribe to Allison's newsletter Dirtbags Through the Ages at rapscallison.substack.com and follow Allison on Instagram @rapscallison and Twitter @rapscallison
References:
Lesbian historic motif podcast
Stuff you missed in history class podcast
https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/books/cross-dressing-for-success.html
The Life of Catalina de Erauso, the Lieutenant Nun: An Early Modern Biography by Sonia Perez-Villanueva
The Lieutenant Nun by Sherry Valasco
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba: Part Two
References:
Njinga of Angola: Africa's Warrior Queen by Linda Heywood
Queer as Fact podcast queerasfact.com
It's A Continent podcast itsacontinent.com
Excuse My African podcast excusemyafrican.com
The Humanity Archive podcast thehumanityarchive.com
longreads.com/2019/10/03/queens-of-infamy-njinga/
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba: Part One
This week is the first half of her saga; next week we'll get into the second half, including how she will score on the scandilicious scale!!
References:
Njinga of Angola: Africa's Warrior Queen by Linda Heywood
It's A Continent podcast itsacontinent.com
Excuse My African podcast excusemyafrican.com
The Humanity Archive podcast thehumanityarchive.com
longreads.com/2019/10/03/queens-of-infamy-njinga/
Hürrem Sultan (aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana): Part Two
This is the second part of a two-part episode about Hürrem Sultan. It will make most sense if you listen to part one first! Hürrem Sultan, aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana, was born around 1502 and was captured and sold into slavery as a young girl. She caught the attention of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and wound up shattering all kinds of glass ceilings for women, the enslaved, and concubines as she ascended to become his Queen.
As noted in the episode, this is a video from Bery Istantul Tips that includes Hürrem Sultan's tomb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQcHyHoZ9Ys&t=6s
References:
The Islamic History Podcast islamichistorypodcast.com/
The Ottoman History podcast ottomanhistorypodcast.com
Ottoman Lives podcast historyonthenet.com/ottoman-lives
Empress of the East: How A European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire by Leslie Peirce
https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2015/01/09/hurrem-sultan-a-beloved-wife-or-master-manipulator
https://listverse.com/2018/06/06/10-little-known-facts-from-the-crimean-slave-trade/
https://magnificentcentury.fandom.com/wiki/Hurrem_Sultan
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Hürrem Sultan (aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana): Part One
Hürrem Sultan, aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana, was born around 1502 and was captured and sold into slavery as a young girl. She caught the attention of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and wound up shattering all kinds of glass ceilings for women, the enslaved, and concubines as she ascended to become his Queen.
References:
The Ottoman History podcast ottomanhistorypodcast.com
Ottoman Lives podcast historyonthenet.com/ottoman-lives
Empress of the East: How A European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire by Leslie Peirce
https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2015/01/09/hurrem-sultan-a-beloved-wife-or-master-manipulator
https://listverse.com/2018/06/06/10-little-known-facts-from-the-crimean-slave-trade/
https://magnificentcentury.fandom.com/wiki/Hurrem_Sultan
https://www.youtube.com/c/BeryIstanbulTips/about
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Malintzin (aka Doña Marina, aka La Malinche)
Malintzin (aka Doña Marina, aka La Malinche) was born in Mexico around 1500. Twice sold into slavery, she found a way to use her multilingualism and skill at diplomacy to make her indispensable to newly-arrived Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. In the aftermath of the Spanish conquest, Malintzin has been viewed alternately as victim, villain, seductress, folk legend, and myth. But who was the real person?
References:
Monstras podcast http://monstraspodcast.com/podcast/episode/4abc6788/la-malinche
Fifth Sun: A new history of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend
Malintzin's Choices: An Indian Woman in the Conquest of Mexico by Camilla Townsend
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at http://patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Buy Vulgar History Merch at http://vulgarhistory.store and use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Sayyida al-Hurra ibn Banu Rashid
This week's internationàle destination is North Africa, by way of the Iberian Peninsula. Sayyida al-Hurra, who is known by that name even though it's not actually her name (it's all explained in the episode don't worry), was a refugee from Granada who helped makeover a ruined city, then was named its governor, and also hung out with a very famous (alleged) pirate!!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayyida_al_Hurra
https://www.aramcoworld.com/Articles/January-2017/Malika-VI-Sayyida-Al-Hurra https://insidearabia.com/sayyida-al-hurra-governor-pirate-queen-and-trailblazer/
A History of Islam in 21 Women by Hossein Kamaly
The Forgotten Queens of Islam by Fatima Mernissi
The Making of the Modern Mediterranean: Views from the South edited by Judith E. Tucker
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at http://patreon.com/annfosterwriter
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Inês de Castro
Make sure to take a look at instagram.com/vulgarhistorypod for pictures of the truly spectacular tombs mentioned in the episode!!
References:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In%C3%AAs_de_Castro
www.theroyalarticles.com/articles/71/1/Ines-de-Castro-The-Queen-Who-Was-Crowned-After-Death/Page1.html
www.dailyartmagazine.com/king-pedro-and-ines-de-castro/
www.iheart.com/podcast/stuff-you-missed-in-history-cl-21124503/episode/symhc-classics-ines-de-castro-and-89220558/
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Rani Didda of Kashmir
Welcome to season 5 of Vulgar History, where things are taking an internationàle flair, starting with this story from 10th century Kashmir! The saga of Rani Didda contains THREE coin minting moments, NUMEROUS mysterious deaths, and a new inductee to the Lady Jane Grey Memorial Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance.
Donate to Doctors Without Borders
References:
https://feminisminindia.com/2019/05/13/queen-didda-kashmir/
https://swarajyamag.com/magazine/didda-controversial-queen-of-kashmir
https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/people/kashmirs-ruthless-queen-didda
https://kashmirblogs.wordpress.com/tag/diddakshema/
https://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Kshatriya.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDKC3rFrFhQ
The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger
Early India from the Origins to AD 1300 by Romila Thapar
The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization by A.S. Altekar
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Super Special: Interview with Shelley Puhak, author of The Dark Queens
Learn more about Shelley, her books, and upcoming events at shelleypuhak.com
And if you, too want to own a "That's So Fredegund" tote bag, you can peruse that and other Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.store
Vulgar History presents: Vulgarpiece Theatre: Shakespeare In Love (1998)
Enjoy this preview of a new spinoff podcast, Vulgarpiece Theatre!
Every month or so, Ann Foster, Allison Epstein, and Lana Wood Johnson will rant our way through scandilicious costume dramas. First up: 1998's Shakespeare In Love aka Pantaloons All Akimbo aka the Daisy Dukes of Pantaloons.
You can listen to new episodes of Vulgarpiece Theatre by joining the Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter at the Glorianas level ($5 per month).
Princess Cecilia of Sweden (Tits Out Festive Holiday Super Spectacular)
Sweden's Princess Cecilia was: a teenage party girl, short-lived BFF to Elizabeth I, leader of a pirate fleet, successful diplomat, a petty queen who lived for drama, and our newest tits out icon!!
References:
Allison Epstein's Dirtbags Through The Ages newsletter
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
Support Vulgar History on Patreon
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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Super Special: Interview: Lucy Jago, author of A Net For Small Fishes
Author Lucy Jago joins us to discuss her new book, A Net For Small Fishes. This historical fiction novel explores the real-life story of Frances Howard and her companion Anne Turner, both of whom were found guilty of involvement in the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. But real talk, if you've ever listened to this podcast you know who Frances Howard is. This is a book about her, our queen and icon!!
You can order A Net for Small Fishes wherever you like to buy books, including at Bookshop.org (for the book or eBook) and Libro.fm (for the audiobook). Learn more about Lucy Jago at http://lucyjago.com
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Halloween Super Special: Catherine Monvoisin aka La Voisin
Catherine Monvoisin, aka La Voisin was a thriving entrepreneur/sorceress in 17th century France. She provided cosmetics, potions, charms, demonic rituals, and midwifery services to people of all classes. But one of her clients was the King’s mistress and they both got caught up in a witch hunt scenario called The Affair Of The Poisons.
References:
The Affair of the Poisons: Murder, Infanticide & Satanism at the court of Louis XIV by Anne Somerset
Strange Revelations: Magic, poison and sacrilege in Louis XIV’s France by Lynn Wood Mollenauer
https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/la-voisin-frances-murderous-fortune-teller
https://historyofyesterday.com/the-affair-of-the-poisons-cf31804b3e0
Recommended books on Bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory
Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order at vulgarhistory.store
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Halloween Super Special: Mary Shelley: Goth Queen Mom Friend
Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was the calm in the eye of the storm that was literally everyone in her life: her parents, her stepmother, her stepsister, her husband, her husband's BFF, literally EVERYONE was the most chaotic and she somehow stands out for just keeping it together all these years. She was the ultimate Goth Queen Mom Friend, casually invented a whole new genre of fiction/revolutionized English language literature while on the world's worst couples getaway and while dealing with perpetual pregnancy and grief. To say we stan is an understatement.
References:
In Search of Mary Shelley by Fiona Sampson
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
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Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Halloween Super Special: Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of England
Elizabeth Woodville was the first commoner AND the first English woman to marry an English King (in the most super secret sexy wedding ever??), but more importantly for Halloween reasons, was maybe descended from a mythical Luxembourgese mermaid-witch-goddess.
References:
Royal Witches: Witchcraft and the Nobility in Fifteenth-Century England by Gemma Hollman
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
Support Vulgar History on Patreon
Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
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Super Special: Fredegund, Queen of Neustria: Part Three
All good things must come to an end, and so it is with this three-part exploration of the legend that was FREDEGUND! Her story concludes with yet more innovative military victories, unrelenting badassery, and some info about how she lived during an Ice Age (???). Then comes the moment we're all waiting for: how will this one of a kind Queen score on the scandilicious scale?
References:
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World by Shelley Puhak
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
Support Vulgar History on Patreon
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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Super Special: Fredegund, Queen of Neustria: Part Two
In part two of this Super Special, we delve into Fredegund's Warrior Queen Era as well as learning more about her Wile E. Coyote-like relationship to Brunhilda. Also: absinthe! And: Breton stripes!
References:
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World by Shelley Puhak
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
Support Vulgar History on Patreon
Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Super Special: Fredegund, Queen of Neustria: Part One
Fredegund, Queen of Neustria was a 6th century enslaved girl turned Queen turned regent turned maybe my fav historical person. This is part one of a two part super special episode, because there's too much info to put into one hour. In this part, we learn about who tf were the Merovingian Frankish dynasty, why was Fredegund's sister-in-law Brunhilda so intent on murdering her, and more!! Check back next week when we get into the real meat of this story of QUEEN VS QUEEN as Fredegund arranges more assassinations, becomes a military genius, and a lot more people die of dysentery.
References:
The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World by Shelley Puhak
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
Support Vulgar History on Patreon
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Doña Ana de Mendoza de la Cerda y de Silva Cifuentes, Princess of Eboli, Duchess of Pastrana
Doña Ana de Mendoza was a 16th century Spanish princess who wore a goddamn eyepatch for no reason anyone could figure out, and if that isn't enough to interest you, I don't know what else to say to convince you.
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
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Sophia Dorothea of Celle
Sophia Dorothea of Celle (1666-1726), or as we call her in this episode, S.D., is known as England's Uncrowned Queen. She was raised by loving parents who also loved her, but then got married off to her truly odious cousin and things did not go well.
References: The Imprisoned Princess: The Scandalous Life of Sophia Dorothea of Celle by Catherine Curzon
Recommended history reading: African Europeans: An Untold History by Olivette Otele
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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Lady Arbella Stuart
Lady Arbella Stuart (1575-1615) is one of the lesser-known figures from Tudor and Stuart history. She was Mary Queen of Scots's niece and granddaughter to both Margaret Douglas and Bess of Hardwick. This genealogy meant she was both a threat to Queen Elizabeth and James I/VI (her cousin), but also that she was used as a figurehead by people who wanted to promote their own interests. Her life was like Grey Gardens meets Rapunzel, and all our girl wanted to do was run off and get secret sexy married like her ancestor/role model Katherine Grey had done. And when she finally took her fate into her own hands, it all got WILDLY scandilicious.
Recommend history podcast: Telling Our Twisted Histories
Recommended history reading: Arbella: England's Lost Queen by Sarah Gristwood
Recommended books on Bookshop.org
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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Marguerite de Valois, Queen of Navarre (aka Queen Margot)
Marguerite de Valois (1553 – 1615) was a French princess whose life was truly non-stop scandiliciousness. Poison gloves! Two assassinations! Scandalous memoirs! A fanatic monk! Carrying around the decapitated head of ones lover! A man named Bussy d'Amboise!
Recommend history viewing: La Reine Margot / Queen Margot (1994)
Recommended history reading: The Rival Queens: Catherine de'Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal that Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone
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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox
Lady Margaret Douglas was the only daughter of Margaret Tudor, making her a niece of Henry VIII on the Scottish-disinherited-side. Her parents had an acrimonious divorce which led to Margaret herself growing up mostly in England with various guardians. She was imprisoned five times, mostly in the Tower of London, but her ruthless scheming and family connections freed her every time. She wanted to be Queen, then amended her goal to see her son as King, then finally wound up being OK with her grandkids being Kind and/or Queen.
Recommend history reading: Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee / The Six (documentary)
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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Isabel of Portugal, Queen of Castile and León
Isabel of Portugal, Queen of Castile and León, is still often referred to as "The Mad Queen." But as Taylor Swift would say, "no one likes a mad woman/ you made her like that." And in Isabel's case, the people who made her like that included her husband, her husband's EVIL advisor, and her stepson. Like, if you lock a woman in psychological distress in a ghost tower for literal years and then call her "mad" that's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, right?
Recommend history resource: instagram.com/emalineandthem
Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends
Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury
This second episode in this series about Women In Towers And the Assholes Who Sent Them There is the season's second Margaret. Margaret Pole was just about as royal as you could be back then without being an actual royal. She worked hard to restore her family's name, but it didn't help literally every male relative was constantly doing treason around her.
Recommended History Reading: The Five by Hallie Rubenhold
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Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England and France
We're back! This season is themed: Women In Towers And the Assholes Who Sent Them There. And where else to begin than with the long, weird saga of Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482)! Her story has les twists and les turns enough to make you say oh mon dieu!
Recommended History Reading: Alok Vaid-Menon's Instagram
Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends
Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Super Special: Christopher Marlowe (with Allison Epstein)
It's a super special!
Author Allison Epstein (A Tip For The Hangman) joins us to share the wildly interesting saga of Christopher Marlowe, the 16th century playwright/SPY. What was his deal, what's his connection to FRANCES HOWARD, and how will our first-ever male subject (!!) score on the scandilicious scale??
You can pre-order Allison's book at Bookshop.org (for the book or eBook) and Libro.fm (for the audiobook with British narrator!!) and learn more about her at her website allisonepstein.com and follow her on socials @rapscallison
Also, click here to read the scandilicious Baines Note written about Marlowe
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Lettice Knollys, Countess of Essex and Countess of Leicester (Tits Out Festive Holiday Spactacular Super Special)
Lettice Knollys (8 November 1543 – 25 December 1634) was the first cousin once-removed of Queen Elizabeth I (on the Boleyn side). Lettice was also basically the Queen's younger, prettier lookalike which you know Elizabeth didn't like. And THEN Lettice secret sexy married to the Queen's boyfriend, dirtbag Robert Dudley, and that's just the BEGINNING of this remarkable woman's tits out life. How many people named "Robert" are in this story? A LOT. And how will Lettice score on the scandilicious scale???
References:
Other stuff:
Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends
Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Anne Stanley, Countess of Castlehaven
Anne Stanley (May 1580 – c. 8 October 1647) was a descendant of Mary Tudor through Eleanor Brandon. Following the death of the three Grey sisters, she became a potential heir to the English throne. She testified against her second husband, the Earl of Castlehaven, in a rape trial, setting the precedent that a wife could give evidence against her husband. The scandal of the trial ruined her reputation, ensuring she would never inherit the throne from her relative Elizabeth I.
References:
A House in Gross Disorder: Sex, Law, and the 2nd Earl of Castlehaven by Cynthia B. Herrup
“Such Daughters and Such a Mother”: The Countess of Derby and her Three Daughters, 1560-1647 by V.J. Wilkie
Other stuff:
Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends
Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Lady Mary Grey
Lady Mary Grey (c. 1545 – 20 April 1578) was the youngest sister of Lady Jane Grey. Through her grandmother, Mary Tudor, she had a claim on the crown of England. Mary did her best to stay out of trouble, but her secret marriage to a non-royal landed her in a world of trouble.
References:
The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle
Other stuff:
Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends
Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Lady Katherine Grey, Countess of Hertford
Katherine Seymour, Countess of Hertford (25 August 1540 – 26 January 1568), born Lady Katherine Grey, was the younger sister of Lady Jane "Nine Days Queen" Grey. Following the execution of her older sister, Katherine was seen as a potential new heir to the throne/a royal rival to both Queen Mary I and Elizabeth I. But Katherine didn't care about all of that, she was all about her secret sexy marriage to Ned Seymour, which would prove her undoing. Also, she had a pet monkey.
References:
Elizabeth’s Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman
Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis
Devices and Desires: Bess of Hardwick and the Building of Elizabethan England by Kate Hubbard
The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams
The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle
https://www.britain-magazine.com/carousel/tudor-of-the-month-katherine-grey/
https://tudortimes.co.uk/guest-articles/love-and-loss-lady-katherine-grey
https://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/2012/03/born-in-tower-crimes-of-lady-katherine.html
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Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.
Lady Jane Grey, or, How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days
Lady Jane Grey (c. 1537 – 12 February 1554) was kinda the first-ever woman to rule England, except she was technically a girl and technically sort of didn't actually rule? Hence this whole season-long discussion. Anyway, this week is LJG's time to shine!! Learn about how and why she sort of reigned for nine days, how and why she was executed, and most importantly: how will she score on our scandilicous scale??
References:
Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis
The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle
Lady Jane (the movie, starring baby Helena Bonham Carter and baby Cary Elwes!!)
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Patreon: patreon.com/annfosterwriter
Merch: teespring.com/stores/vulgarhistory
Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.