Rearview Mirror Chronicles

In this podcast Keith asks is Donald Trump a modern day Caesar, willing to do anything to stay in power, or is Trump the natural successor to the disgraced Richard Nixon? Keith draws parallels between the modern White House of the 1970's and ancient Rome and comes to a stunning conclusion.  

The man whom sadism was named after, a prophet of totalitarianism, the Marquis de Sade was a french aristocrat and writer, an uncompromising and unashamed libertine with the weird ability to completely corrupt those around him. Arrested by the French monarchy, the revolutionaries and then Napoleon he spent most of his life in jail, narrowly avoiding the guillotine thanks to Robespierre's disposition on the day of his execution. 

Join Keith as he discusses Le Marquis de Sade, his turbulent life, his time in prison, and more importantly, his unsettling legacy...  

The gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece have been written about for thousands of years. From their home atop Mount Olympus, they reigned over the land, the sea and the sky. The course of human history was shaped by the whims and the wishes of these deities, and the Furies were no exception. 

Join Keith as he talks about the Greek goddesses of vengeance, who they were, where they came from and how they can be used in the wold today. Was Apollo really a misogynist? And why? 

What comes to mind when you think of Pythagoras? His triangle, his theorem and a foundational principle of mathematics? Absolutely, but he was also the enigmatic founder of Pythagoreanism, a mysterious secret society that strove to create a Utopia on earth. 

Today Keith delves into this ancient social experiment, and talks about other attempts at paradise in the millennia since, and comes to a conclusion with some advise for Elon Musk.

In 1885 H. Rider Haggard's brother offered him a wager: Five shillings if he could write a better book than Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island".  

Some 6 weeks later Haggard had penned a novel that would become the foundation text of the lost world literary genre. King Solomon's Mines was one of the first English quest adventure novels set in darkest Africa, a story about treasure, bravery and romance featuring the all action hero, Alan Quartermain and his fellowship. Haggard's word inspire the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle,  H.P Lovecraft, Wilbur Smith and many more.

Join Keith as he discusses H. Rider Haggard and his literary legacy. 

Picture the Haggis, a culinary marvel and the heartbeat of Scottish feasts. It's like a poetic symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds. Imagine a savory blend of minced sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, expertly mixed with oats, onions, and spices, all encased in a sheep's stomach, ready to be transformed into a dish that's as bold as the Scottish Highlands. As it cooks, the aroma wafts through the air, promising a journey into the heart of tradition. Once sliced open, the Haggis reveals its rich, hearty core, inviting you to embrace a taste that's not just a meal but a celebration of Scotland's culinary heritage. So, grab your fork and join the adventure into the world of Haggis – where each bite is a step closer to the soul of the Scottish culinary experience.

Join Keith as he takes you to where the Haggis lives, and shares his families 400 year recipe for this furry wee creature.  

One of, if not the greatest institution in the world, the great Library of Alexandria was the embodiment of ultimate learning and a repository of everything. Or was it? Built within the same complex as the tomb of Alexander The Great, it stood as a beacon of knowledge, boasting an unparalleled collection of scrolls and manuscripts from across the world. Join Keith as he explores the extraordinary story of the library, its role in the ancient world, and who eventually destroyed it.  

Scottish clans are traditional kinship groups that have played a significant role in Scottish history and culture. Each clan is associated with a specific surname and often has its own tartan pattern, crest, and motto. These clans have their own unique histories, traditions, and ancestral lands in Scotland. 

Clans started to appear in Scotland around 1100 AD and were originally thought to be descended from Ireland. As well as kinship and a sense of identity and belonging, being part of a clan was an important part of survival.

Scotland's leading historian Professor Murray Pittock, joins Keith on this podcast to share the history of the clans from their origins all the way through to the Clearances, a dark part of Scottish history, through to the present day. 

Sir John Soane (1753-1837) stands as a magical and special luminary in the realm of architecture. His visionary creations, notably exemplified in the Sir John Soane's Museum in London, transcend conventional boundaries, weaving classical principles with an enchanting touch that transports visitors into a narrative-rich journey. Soane's mastery lies not just in his architectural prowess but also in his ingenious manipulation of light and space, employing tricks that create a dynamic and ever-changing ambiance. His legacy extends beyond tangible structures, influencing future architects and inspiring generations with his groundbreaking and imaginative approach to design. In the tapestry of architectural history, John Soane's legacy remains an enduring source of fascination and inspiration, a testament to his magical and special contributions to the world of design.

The question of whether the Elgin Marbles should be returned is a complex and contentious issue. Advocates for repatriation argue that the sculptures were removed from the Parthenon under controversial circumstances by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, and their rightful place is in Greece. Opponents, on the other hand, often point to the role of Lord Elgin in preserving the sculptures and argue that their current location in the British Museum provides a global audience with access to these historically significant artifacts.
 
Join Keith, Georgia Nakou and Nick Malkoutzis as they debate the considerations of legal ownership, historical preservation, and the broader concept of shared cultural heritage, and if it's about time that Elgin lost his marbles. 

It's 1895, and with the libel case brought against the Marquess of Queensbury having collapsed, Oscar Wilde is arrested and charged with committing acts of "gross indecency". With former lovers, hotel servants and chambermaids lining up to give evidence, and the evening papers, night after night, full of scandalous allegations, it's not looking promising at all.

In this second episode "his downfall and death" Keith explores Wilde's failings, his time in jail, and his final years.

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde's most famous play, hints that Oscar Wilde's life was a complicated one. Perhaps the most famous gay martyr in history, Wilde is often presented as the sacrificial victim destroyed by a bigoted government whose Prime Minister was in fact gay himself. But the story of how Wilde came to prominence, and eventually sued his lover's father for libel, is as surprising as it is complex.

Join Keith as he joins the dots and explores Oscar Wilde's journey from the heights of brilliant success to the muddy depths of notoriety and suffering.

He was trapped - he couldn't get up. There was blood everywhere. The faces were coming closer, the knives rose and fell. And then to his relief he saw Brutus.

The most iconic death in history, Caesars assassination is the climax to an impressive series of victories: from conquering Gaul (France) and Britain, to outlasting Pompey and Cato, gaining Imperator status and falling in love with Cleopatra, how did it all come to such a grisly end?   

Join Keith as explores Caesar, possibly the most successful leader the world has ever seen.

PS
Do yourself a massive favour and watch Gladiator as soon as you can after listening to the podcast!

Lancelot Brown, famously known as Capability Brown, stands as a legendary figure in the realm of landscape architecture, leaving an indelible mark on the English countryside during the 18th century. Born in 1716, Brown's visionary approach to garden design transformed the rigid, formal landscapes of the time into sweeping, naturalistic vistas that seamlessly blended with the surrounding environment. 

Brown's genius lay in his ability to create landscapes that appeared effortlessly harmonious and picturesque while subtly masking the intricate planning and engineering behind them. His designs often included serpentine lakes, rolling lawns, strategically placed trees, and carefully orchestrated views that showcased the beauty of the natural surroundings. Brown's influence extended beyond individual estates; he shaped the aesthetic of an entire era, emphasizing a more relaxed and immersive approach to outdoor spaces. His work laid the foundation for the romantic landscape movement and left an enduring legacy that continues to captivate admirers of both horticulture and art. Join Keith as he explores Capability Brown, visionary or vandal?

Best known for designing and building St Paul's Cathedral, Christopher Wren was the greatest architect Britain has ever known. But he was so, so much more! He was an astronomer first, he was fascinated by meteorology and he loved anatomy. He also ran the nation's biggest architectural office with all its petty jealousies and political challenges, and ran it well through six different, complex monarchs. He was also the first architect in history to actually see a cathedral through from start to completion. We also know that he found the mouse, but did he ever find "the cat"?

Join Keith as he answers this question and many more. He is joined by Professor Adrian Tinniswood, author of, "His Invention So Fertile: A Life of Christopher Wren."

There will never be another group like them.  The band's ability to evolve and experiment with diverse styles, from the early Beatlemania era to the psychedelic exploration of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, showcased their exceptional versatility. And the parallels to what they did in the 1960's and the 1520's reformation is uncanny. 

Additionally, the individual talents of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr collectively formed a musical alchemy that transcended the sum of its parts. The Beatles not only captured the spirit of their time but continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, making them an enduring and iconic force in the history of music.

The question is, will we still be talking about them 200 years from now? Join Keith as he explores the group and answers this question and throws a different light of why he thinks we will.

Whose fault was it? Does the question even make sense? Are wars, and was this war somebody's fault? Should the British have joined the war in the first place, and should they have joined the Germans instead of the French and Russians? Join Keith as he answers these questions and many more in this mind bending episode that opens the door to what might not have been. 

The Mitford Sisters were the most glamorous aristocrats on the London scene in the 1920's. At their head was Diana, the most beautiful woman in England, who would eventually marry Sir Oswald Mosley, 6th Baronet, and founder of the British Union of Fascists.

However it was her younger sister Unity who would strike up a relationship with Hitler and become part of his close inner circle. He described both Unity and Diana as, "perfect examples of aryan womanhood", and both of them were his guests at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, sitting next to Eva Braun. Was Unity Hitlers other mistress, and was she carrying his child when she returned to Britain?  Why was she so enamored with the SS and why wasn't she bothered by the violence that surrounded her? Join Keith as he answer all these questions and much much more.  

Arguably the world's greatest ever dramatist, after five and half centuries William Shakespeare remains as popular as ever. But how did he become so famous? And why has he stayed supreme above all other writers? Why was he known as an upstart crow and seen as a sexy poet? Keith Hockton asks all the big questions and gives all the answers and more on this exciting episode about our favorite bard. 

Calling all Bible enthusiasts and history buffs, get ready for a thrilling ride with Keith in our inaugural "shorteas" episode! We're about to turn a biblical epic into an engaging and entertaining adventure. In this installment, we delve deep into the riveting history of the Bible, tracing its remarkable journey through the annals of Judaism and Christianity, from the ancient echoes to the crescendo of modern biblical scholarship. Taken from "There's Always Tea", another podcast that Keith co-hosts, it's an episode worth sharing.

But that's not all, folks! Keith has a knack for weaving humor into history, and he's got some uproarious tales up his sleeve. Ever wondered what it takes to get kicked out of Religious Education classes? Keith's amusing anecdotes will leave you in stitches, especially when you hear how his insatiable curiosity got him the boot. So, don't wait a moment longer—grab your favorite cuppa, get cozy, and immerse yourself in this enlightening, side-splitting episode!