AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

EPISODE SUMMARY It’s the 8th anniversary of The Age of Victoria Podcast! Join your host Chris Fernandez-Packham as he celebrates this milestone with a very special episode dedicated to one of the most unforgettable rogues of Victorian historical fiction—Sir Harry Flashman. In this reflective and richly detailed episode, I explore the character of Flashman, the brilliant mind of his creator George MacDonald Fraser, and how the Flashman Papers have become an unconventional yet insightful lens into the Victorian world. Expect deep dives into: * The real history behind the Flashman novels * Fraser’s impeccable historical research and cheeky literary hoaxes * The balance between historical truth and fiction * Flashman’s infamous “heroism” in key Victorian conflicts like the First Anglo-Afghan War, the Charge of the Light Brigade, and the US Civil War * A who’s-who of real Victorian figures Flashman bedded, betrayed, or bewildered Whether you’re already a fan of Flashy or new to this bawdy, cowardly antihero, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Victorian hypocrisy, heroism, and how luck and PR shaped the Empire’s image. KEY TOPICS COVERED * 📚 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4da.png] The Flashman Papers and their place in historical fiction * 🧐 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9d0.png] George MacDonald Fraser’s approach to mixing fact and satire * ⚔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2694.png] Flashman’s accidental heroism in major Victorian conflicts * 👑 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f451.png] Victorian attitudes toward Empire, honour, and race * 🎭 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3ad.png] Antiheroes in literature and why they matter * 🎨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3a8.png] Fraser’s links to his own military past and colonial nostalgia * 🎶 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3b6.png] Victorian culture, music, and the role of press in myth-making QUOTABLE MOMENTS > “If I had been the hero everyone thought I was, or even a half-decent soldier, Lee would have won the battle of Gettysburg…” > “Like them or not, the Victorians strode the stage of history in glorious technicolour.” > “Some of the most interesting people in history—and in fiction—are really awful in some ways.” FURTHER READING & MENTIONS * The Flashman Papers series by George MacDonald Fraser * Fraser’s interview with historian Saul David * Historical figures discussed: Lord Cardigan, Rani of Jhansi, Abraham Lincoln, Lola Montez, and more * British colonial history and the forgotten 14th Army of Burma * Music: “Garryowen” and its curious journey from Ireland to the US Cavalry JOIN THE CELEBRATION! Thanks to all the listeners who’ve joined the journey over the last 8 years. If you’ve found the show informative, entertaining, or just a good companion on long walks, please consider sharing it or leaving a review. The post 8TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – A FLASHY CELEBRATION [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/8th-anniversary-special-a-flashy-celebration/] appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com].

INDIA SERIES 10 In this episode of The Age of Victoria Podcast, your host Chris Fernandez-Packham takes a deep dive into the personal and social side of the British presence in early Victorian India. With the wars of the frontier temporarily behind us, we explore what it really meant to travel to India during the 1840s—not as a soldier, but as a settler, civil servant, or family member. From the monotony of months-long sea voyages to the complexities of Anglo-Indian identity, this episode is packed with insights, untold stories, and plenty of surprising realities about imperial life. Episode Highlights: 🚢 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6a2.png] The long, difficult voyage to India—rats, scurvy, seasickness, and cramped cabins. 👒 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f452.png] Life aboard ship: class differences, gender restrictions, and DIY cabin prep tips. 🏰 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3f0.png] Settling in India: Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay as key British hubs. 🤝 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f91d.png] The social fabric of Empire: Anglo-Indians, cultural fusion, and community tensions. 📚 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4da.png] Museums, mapping, and the start of Britain’s permanent cultural footprint in India. ⚓ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2693.png] The rise of steamships and the decline of the old East Indiamen sailing ships. 🧭 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f9ed.png] The paradox of empire: boredom, brutality, ambition, and adaptation. Key Takeaways: (I) Empire wasn’t just built by armies—it was built by administrators, families, and everyday people. (II) Travel to India in the 1840s was a daunting journey, often filled with discomfort and danger. (III) Anglo-Indian identity and integration were far more complex than the tidy labels of race and class suggest. (IV) British settlers and Indian society deeply influenced each other in ways that still resonate today. Next Episode Teaser: We’ll continue our look at early Victorian India, focusing on the settlers themselves—their backgrounds, motivations, and the lives they built in a land both foreign and familiar. Host’s Note: A big thank you to listener HRW13 for the kind review (and fair feedback)! Spotify access should now be fixed, and as always, your support means everything. The post EP063: Are We Nearly There Yet? [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/ep063-are-we-nearly-there-yet/] appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com].

INDIA SERIES 09 Episode Summary: The British Empire does not take humiliation lightly. In this episode, we follow the Army of Retribution as it storms back into Afghanistan to rescue prisoners, avenge the disastrous retreat from Kabul, and send a clear message to the world. But was it all just an expensive, bloody display of imperial pride? Episode Highlights: 🔥 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f525.png] General Pollock’s stunning victory at the Khyber Pass—breaking a long-standing military myth. 🔹 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f539.png] The dramatic rescue of British prisoners, including officers, women, and children. 💥 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4a5.png] The controversial destruction of Kabul’s grand bazaar—vengeance or war crime? ⚔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2694.png] General Nott’s relentless battles in Kandahar. 🌍 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f30d.png] The war’s ultimate failure—thousands dead, nothing truly gained. 🏇 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3c7.png] The rise of Sir Charles Napier and Britain’s next imperial adventure in Sind. Key Takeaways: * The Army of Retribution was about restoring military prestige, not long-term strategy. * Afghanistan remained outside British control, but the empire proved it could strike hard when provoked. * The British were already shifting their focus—India’s northwest frontier was just one piece of a larger imperial puzzle. With Afghanistan behind them, the British set their sights on Sind. Enter Sir Charles Napier, a man who would Expand the empire in his own unique style. Host’s Note: Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or consider supporting on Patreon to keep the show going. The post EP062 SHALL WE NOT REVENGE [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/ep062-shall-we-not-revenge/] appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com].

INDIA SERIES 08 Happy 2025, and welcome back! In this episode, we conclude our deep dive into the 1st Anglo-Afghan War with one of the most infamous military disasters of the Victorian era—the catastrophic retreat from Kabul in 1842. As British forces, led by the indecisive General Elphinstone, attempted to escape through the freezing Khyber Pass, they faced relentless Afghan attacks, starvation, and total collapse. Episode Highlights: 🔹 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f539.png] The disastrous leadership of General Elphinstone and Sir William MacNaughten. ❄ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2744.png] The brutal winter retreat and the suffering of British troops and civilians. ⚔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2694.png] The last stand at Gandamak—courage, chaos, and ultimate defeat. 🏇 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f3c7.png] The survival of Dr. William Brydon and the myths surrounding the retreat. 🌍 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f30d.png] How this catastrophe shaped Victorian imperial policies and perceptions of Afghanistan. Key Takeaways: * Leadership failure can turn a bad situation into a total catastrophe. * The realities of empire-building were far bloodier and more chaotic than the myths suggest. * The First Anglo-Afghan War left a lasting legacy, shaping British military thinking for years to come. Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned as we explore the British response to this defeat—because when an empire stumbles, it rarely stays down for long. Host’s Note: Thank you for your ongoing support! If you’re enjoying the series, please leave a review and consider joining our Patreon community. The post EP061 DON’T CARRY ON UP THE KHYBER [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/ep061-dont-carry-on-up-the-khyber/] appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com].

Get ready for a holly-jolly dive into Christmas history! In this special episode, I unwrap how the Victorians shaped the modern holiday, turning it into a celebration of family, charity, and festive cheer. From Prince Albert’s Christmas trees to the rise of Santa Claus, discover the origins of the traditions we know and love today. Plus, enjoy a classic Victorian ghost story to complete the holiday magic! Episode Highlights: 🎄 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f384.png] How the industrial revolution made Christmas possible. 📜 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4dc.png] The Victorian invention of “ancient traditions” (like Christmas cards). 🎅 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f385.png] The birth of Santa Claus and his merger with Father Christmas. 📚 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f4da.png] Victorian holiday pastimes: poems, ghost stories, and more. 👻 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f47b.png] A chilling Victorian ghost story to end the episode. Key Takeaways: * Christmas, as we know it, is a product of Victorian modernization and commercialization. * Cultural evolution transformed Christmas into a global phenomenon of joy, family, and charity. * Traditions like Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and holiday cards have complex and fascinating histories. Stay tuned for more historical deep dives in the new year. Thank you for a wonderful season of learning and laughter! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our listeners! Thank you for your support through a challenging year. We’re excited to bring you even more content in 2025. Cheers to the journey ahead! The post CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com/christmas-special-2024-santa-claus-is-coming/] appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST [https://ageofvictoriapodcast.com].