{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6467b7de03f4220011a934bd/679bc243402b5d99a631b6a5?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"185. James I's relationships with men were far from platonic with Gareth Russell","description":"<p>In this explosive episode of <em>History Rage</em>, Paul Bavill welcomes historian Gareth Russell, author of <em>Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain's First King</em>, to unpack the truth behind James I’s relationships and sexuality—beyond centuries of speculation.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>The Court of Intrigue</strong></p><p>🔥 <strong>James’s Loves</strong> – Gareth reveals the six key relationships that shaped James’s life, including his marriage to Anne of Denmark and passionate affairs with male favourites.</p><p>🔥 <strong>Scandal &amp; Perception</strong> – From whispered court gossip to pamphlets branding him an \"enthusiastic buggerer,\" we explore how his love life influenced his rule.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Historical Context</strong></p><p>⚖️ <strong>Law &amp; Sexuality</strong> – Homosexuality carried the death penalty in 17th-century Britain, yet enforcement was rare. How did James navigate this?</p><p>🗣 <strong>Public Reaction</strong> – Did people care? Gareth dissects the moral, religious, and political gymnastics used to justify—or condemn—James’s relationships.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>The Queen’s Perspective</strong></p><p>👑 <strong>Anne of Denmark</strong> – A sharp political player, Anne adapted to court dynamics and outmaneuvered favourites threatening her status.</p><p>⚔️ <strong>Power Plays</strong> – How James’s favourites shaped (and sometimes destabilized) the monarchy.</p><p><br></p><p>Gareth Russell challenges us to see James I as more than a caricature, exposing the real power, passion, and politics behind his reign.</p><p>📖 <strong>Pre-Order \"Queen James\"</strong> – Get your copy now! <a href=\"https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008660857\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008660857</a></p><p>🎧 <strong>Support History Rage</strong> – Enjoy early, ad-free episodes for just £3/month! Subscribe: <a href=\"www.patreon.com/historyrage\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">www.patreon.com/historyrage</a></p><p>🔗 <strong>Follow Us</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Twitter: <a href=\"https://twitter.com/HistoryRage\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@HistoryRage</a> | Instagram: <a href=\"https://instagram.com/historyrage\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@historyrage</a> | Facebook: <a href=\"https://facebook.com/HistoryRage\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">History Rage</a></p><p>🔥 Stay curious. Stay passionate. Keep the rage alive!</p>","author_name":"Paul Bavill"}