Secrets and pies
Learn some hidden truths about Edwardian Britain then settle down to fun food facts from fairytales and folklore, before dealing with interfering deities
The Brain of Britain turns his attention to the Edwardian era in the second of his history podcasts for Audible.
And like his Victorian Secrets show, these episodes are packed with great stories, intriguing characters and unexpected tidbits of information that wouldn’t be out of place on quiz show QI.
Stephen Fry is in his element divulging the details of a blackmail scheme uncovered by a fake clairvoyant in an episode about life downstairs, which also looks at servants’ part in social change, as well as their tendencies to leak gossip to the papers.
And he’s meticulous about including historical context and explaining why these stories still have relevance today.
WHERE TO START:
The episode Black Edwardians shines a light on notable black people of the period, such as composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, inset, and footballer Walter Tull, while challenging their lack of prominence in historical accounts.
FOLKLORE, FOOD & FAIRYTALES
The episode titles of this gentle podcast read like the dishes on the menu of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Horseradish Uncertainty and A Fascination of Figs are just two of the delicious-sounding names definitely worth saving your appetite for.
In each of her more than 50 episodes so far, host Rachel Mosses reads a fairytale, reveals the absorbing history of an ingredient contained within and shares one of her favourite recipes. Her bonus episodes are also to be savoured, featuring interviews with storytellers such as Taffy Thomas, who has spent 50 years orating magical tales of food.
Best enjoyed tucked under a blanket in front of a real fire, with a dish of something tasty to nibble at as you listen. WHERE TO START: In The Sprig of Rosemary and the Potato Principle, Mosses weaves the yarn of a woman who discovers her true love under a rosemary bush before losing him again.