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Bad Manors

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UK comedian The Honourable Tom Houghton takes us inside Britain’s stately homes, castles and country estates to hear about their local histories, the scandals, the mysteries and occasionally the odd ghost that makes up the fabric of what they are. These are the tales you won’t hear in the guidebook.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 27 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E43
    Apr 29, 2024 · 26 min

    Tower of London (Part 02)

    On this episode, we're revisiting Tom's old gaff... The Tower of London. Tom lived there for six years and it was pretty marvelous actually. We've all been feeling pretty homesick and that's why we're bringing you part two of his chat with (at the time of recording) the current resident, Meghan Clawson. As well as being Queen of the Castle, Meghan is also a novelist and TikTok star, and she owns a very cute dog called Ethel. Open the gates! We're coming home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E42
    Apr 22, 2024 · 32 min

    Hever Castle: The Ghost of Anne Boleyn

    Today we are going to explore the rich and whimsical history of heaver Castle in Kent, Engand. Hever Castle has a rich and varied history, from its origins as a country house in the thirteenth century to its transformation into a grand mansion in the twentieth century. Amongst its notable residents was the Boleyn family, who lived at Hever Castle in the Sixteenth Century and whose daughter Anne became the second wife of King Henry VIII. (She'll be playing a big part in this story.) Joining us as our expert is Dr Amy Boyington, as we delve into the castle's past and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked there, the events that shaped its history, and the unique features that make heaver Castle one of England's most beloved historic parks... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E40
    Apr 8, 2024 · 23 min

    The Commandary: Oliver Cromwell's Deal with the Devil

    “Beware of making deals with the devil, for he will always find a way to collect his debts.” Someone should have told that to Oliver Cromwell because this week we're back at The Commandary with Megan and Alice to hear about the seven years of prosperity he was granted in return for his soul... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E39
    Apr 1, 2024 · 25 min

    Ripley Castle: Trooper Jane

    We're back at Ripley Castle, home to the Ingilby family for the last seven hundred years. Last time we heard about a whole host of Ingilby's. There was William, Jarl and Henry, Sir, William Francis and his brother David, Sir Thomas... the list goes on. And speaking of Sir Thomas, we are in the very privileged position of actually being able to talk to a live, living Ingilby! Sir Thomas Ingilby, the sixth Baronet, joining us on the podcast today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E38
    Mar 26, 2024 · 31 min

    Holkham Hall Returns

    Holkham Hall returns this week to discuss some of the notable women that have called Holkham home over the years. Our two experts this week are collections coordinator Katherine Hardwick & Holkham Archivist Lucy Purvis. Enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E37
    Mar 19, 2024 · 29 min

    Harvington Hall: The Elusive Illusionist

    Welcome back to the Midlands where we're returning to Harvington Hall, famous for having the most priest holes in England and filling us in on those holes, is a man who spent a lot of time in them programs, Manager Pill Downing. Last time we heard about evil priest hunter and priest torturer Richard Topcliffe, but there's one very important person we yet to talk about: Nicholas Owen aka The Elusvie Illusionist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E36
    Mar 12, 2024 · 23 min

    Versailles: Marie Antoinette

    Today we're back at Versailles which means one thing: "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche!" and with that delicious cake we'll be taking a look at one of Bad Manors most controversial figures Marie Antoinette. Joining us again is the wonderful Birgit Marie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E35
    Mar 5, 2024 · 31 min

    Colchester Castle: Matthew Hopkins and the Witches of Essex

    On this episode, we're back in Essex at England's oldest town, Colchester, and once again Tom has been imprisoned at Colchester Castle with two familiars, Ben and Bianca. Last time, Ben and Bianca educated us on the castle's history, architecture, why there's a tree growing on the roof, and Colchester's Roman history. But let's be honest... We want to talk about witches! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E34
    Feb 27, 2024 · 27 min

    Rosslyn Chapel

    What do the Holy Grail, The Knights Templar and aliens all have in common? Answer? They all may be connected with Rosslyn Chapel, a fifteenth century chapel just down the road from Edinburgh. Among other things, it's famous for appearing in the best selling book The Da Vinci Code. Here to help me unpick the mysteries is Chapel Director Ian Gardner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E33
    Feb 20, 2024 · 32 min

    Bad Manors: Mini Stories Special

    The Oscar winning film editor Thelma shoe Maker once said: "Editing is really like plumbing. A good deal of the time, you put two things together and the current runs through it." It's a lovely quote that captures the magic and the craft of editing... Compare that to my producer Chris who once said editing's are pain in the ass. You can tell he hasn't won any Oscars (yet) but this collection of some our of favourite Bad Manors mini stories might change all that! Enjoy... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E32
    Feb 13, 2024 · 28 min

    Golden Grove Estate: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know

    On today's episode, we're at Golden Grove estate in Wales. Yes, that's Wales, so naturally there's going to be a lot of discussion about drinking. Joining us is Terry Norman, secretary of the Local History Society. Terry is going to be telling us about three Earls, one pirate and a lot of Jaguar E types. How does this all link to the Golden Grove Estate you ask? Listen to find out... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E31
    Feb 6, 2024 · 28 min

    Holkham Hall: Diary of a Cranky Woman

    Dear Diary. Today, I had the displeasure of visiting Holkham Hall, a rather ghastly eighteenth century country house in Norfolk. I found the place to be particularly exuberant with its Palladian architecture and its opulent interior. I mean, a room full of statues is hardly becoming and as for the staff, well for starters. I was met by a woman who described herself vastly. She said her name was Catherine, the collection's coordinator at Holkham and she was there to be our guide on this weeks episode of Bad Mannors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E30
    Jan 30, 2024 · 29 min

    Burns Night Scottish Castles Special (Part 02)

    Scotland, home of the Brave Hearts, but better yet, and certainly better than that joke. It's home to a lot of castles, so many we couldn't invade all of them in one episode, which is why this is part two of our Scottish Castle's Special. And if you were here for our Burns Night episode you'll already be familiar with Kildrummy Castle and Sterling Castle. On this episode, we're heading further south to Edinburgh Castle and further still to the borders. Thanks to my guest, this episode also provides me with a great opportunity to brush up on my Scottish insults! So buckle up, yer wee fuck bumpers 'cos we're off to Edinburgh! Todays guest is Eleanor Morton, who's a fellow stand up comedian and also a self confessed history nerd and makes TikTok videos as Craig the unenthused tour guide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E29
    Jan 23, 2024 · 25 min

    Burns Night Scottish Castles Special (Part 01)

    Sláinte Mhath! Welcome to this Burns Night special where we're traveling to the Northern Highlands to celebrate the special day with some Scottish Castles... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E28
    Jan 16, 2024 · 32 min

    Muncaster Castle: Tom Fool

    Here's a question for you, dear listener, Do you feel lucky? Punk? Punk Wow? Sorry about the punk thing and the dodgy accent. The reason I ask is because today's episode explores luck, both good and bad, although mostly bad. Muncaster Castle in Cumbria is the home to the Pennington family and the home of Tom Foolery. Court Jesters - this episode is for you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E27
    Jan 9, 2024 · 28 min

    Alnwick Castle: The Vampire Diaries!

    We're back at Alnwick to discuss a medieval bloodsucker who terrorised Alnwick. This isn't Twilight we're talking the real deal. Plus, Tom answers some ancient riddles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • S1 · E26
    Jan 2, 2024 · 28 min

    Listener Q&A special!

    Tom & producer Chris sit down by the fire to answer some listener questions. So sit back, relax, eat a mince pie and enjoy the ride. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes