Raiders of the Lost Archive

The final curtain call for Diana Mitford! In this comprehensive, concluding episode, we attempt to untangle the knotted legacy of the most controversial Mitford sister—the good, the bad, and some truly ugly.We begin by examining Diana's and Oswald’s patchwork parenthood, breaking down the relationships and careers of all three sets of children—Oswald’s children with Cynthia Curzon, Diana’s with Bryan Guinness, and the two sons of Diana and Oswald Mosley, including the famous Max Mosley. We explore how their paths reflected, and only in one case rejected, the dark family politics.Then, we face the uncomfortable truth: the unrepentant legacy of the Mosleys. We dive deep into the post-war political life of Oswald and Diana and their controversial stances on immigration. We confront the unsettling question whether there was a Holocaust denial and Diana's absolute lack of remorse for her fascist past—as we attempt to pass judgment on a life lived without apology.This is the ultimate closing chapter on a life steeped in scandal, striving for power, and tied to political extremism. Perfect for fans of WWII history, aristocratic memoirs, and those who want to understand how a beautiful woman became a defining, and divisive, figure of the 20th century. Next up: Unity Mitford!Chapters: 0:00:00 Today’s episode: an attempt to a legacy0:02:20 Oswald’s Children with Cynthia Curzon0:10:16 Diana’s Children with Bryan Guinness0:15:24 The Children of Diana & Oswald0:22:09 Alexander and Max Mosley - from Diana’s Memoirs0:25:40 Oswald’s Legacy (M on immigration)0:42:21 The Politics of the Mosley’s: a gamble and no change0:52:40 Holocaust denial? - Definitely no remorse!1:01:22 A Question of War & Peace, Violence & Free Speech1:06:05 Diana: The good, the bad, and the ugly1:16:39 Wrap & Outlook on the Unity episodesYou can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com Do you want to do a Team Event with Women + Health in London?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Max Mosley, Bryan Guinness, Cynthia Curzon, Holocaust Denial, Fascism, WWII History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, House of Guinness, The Crown.

It’s Prison Time, baby! The WWII saga of Diana Mitford reaches its climax! This intense episode covers Diana and Oswald Mosley's time in prison, the outrage caused by their release, and their immediate escape to the continent, leaving wartime Britain behind.We open by stepping inside Holloway Women's Prison—the very same prison that once held the Suffragettes—to explore the harsh conditions and the political maneuvers that swirled around Winston Churchill regarding the Mosleys' fate. We paint a picture of Diana as arguably the most hated woman in England on Christmas Day, 1941.Then comes the twist: the shocking decision to allow Diana and Oswald to live together in a prison cottage, a privilege that caused national outrage! We discuss Oswald's declining health and breakdown, and the immense political pressure leading to their early release in 1943. Finally, the war ends, and the couple makes a rapid escape from Britain to their new life in Paris, finding themselves in a bizarre new social circle that includes The Abdicated King (Edward VIII) and the occasional brush with Audrey Hepburn’s parents and similar far-right / fascist sympathisers.This is the incredible story of privilege, loyalty and infidelity, and life changing decisions. Perfect for fans of WWII history, scandalous prison memoirs, and the Mitford Sisters' ability to land on their feet no matter the scandal!Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro0:00:40 Holloway Women Prison & the Suffragettes 0:04:51 Prison conditions & Winston Churchill0:15:25 Xmas 1941 - Diana, the most hated women in England0:19:04 Diana & Oswald in the prison cottage0:28:53 Their health declines - Oswald’s breakdown0:34:17 1943 - their release from prison0:40:44 Diana & Oswald escape Britain after WWII0:44:11 Move to Paris - The Abdicated King & Hitler & the Hepburns0:47:48 Move to Paris - The Abdicated King & Hitler & the Hepburns0:50:50 Wrap & Outlook on ep. 15 about Diana’s legacyYou can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com Do you want to do a Team Event with Women + Health in London?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, WWII, Holloway Prison, Winston Churchill, Paris, Edward VIII, Audrey Hepburn, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown.

The world is at war, and the stakes for Diana Mitford (now Diana Mosley) couldn't be higher! In this high-stakes times, we trace her life from 1939 into the early days of WWII, a time when Britain's fate—and Diana’s—truly hung in the balance.We set the scene with the ominous atmosphere of Wagner's opera (the Dawn of the Gods) giving way to the Second World War. While London endures the Blitz and the Second Great Fire, Diana’s political allegiance comes into brutal contrast with her sister Nancy, whose husband is fighting the Germans at Dunkirk. During these years, alternative outcomes were terrifyingly possible, and Britain's destiny was truly on the brink!Then comes the moment of reckoning: the dramatic imprisonment of both Oswald and Diana Mosley under Defence Regulation 18B, enacted to crush any potential conspirators. We delve into the genuine fear of a German invasion and the desperate measures taken by the British government. Diana gives birth to her fourth son, is arrested four weeks later, and forced to stop breastfeeding. Finally, we explore the shocking prison conditions at Brixton and Holloway, a harsh reality for one of Britain's most infamous women.This episode is a gripping dive into wartime Britain, aristocratic fascists, and the shocking reality of political dissents behind bars. Perfect for fans of WWII history, wartime drama, and the Mitford Sisters' ultimate collision with destiny!Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 19390:02:21 The Dawn of the Gods (Wagner) at the Dawn of WWII0:11:10 Start of WWII: phoney war, the Blitz, the 2nd Great Fire of London0:18:31 Dunkirk - Diana on side of the Nazis, against her sister Nancy0:23:48 Imprisonment of Oswald & Diana under Defence Reg. 18B0:32:00 The fear of a German invasion & a Fifth Column in Britain0:40:50 Diana’s fourth son is born and she’s forced to stop breastfeeding0:43:43 Conditions at Brixton & Holloway Prison 0:48:44 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 8 (more time in prison)You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com Do you want to do a Team Event with Women + Health in London?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Adolf Hitler, Nazis, BUF, Richard Wagner, the Blitz, Dunkirk, Breastfeeding, WWII History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

The 1930s are racing toward war, and Diana Mitford is right in the eye of the storm! In this monumental episode, we cover the years 1936 to 1938, revealing Diana’s role in British fascism, her relationships with Hitler and the Goebbelses, and her full commitment to Oswald Mosley.We start at the glamorous, yet chilling, Berlin Olympic Games and discuss Diana's private decisions during a tumultuous time, including her second abortion and the mounting desire to marry the BUF leader. While Oswald planned a fascist radio broadcast, we delve into the growing street confrontations in Britain, culminating in the historic Battle of Cable Street, where the BUF was decisively turned back #theyshallnotpassThen comes the bombshell: the secret wedding of Diana and Oswald in a ceremony hosted by Joseph Goebbels at his private home, and the massive fight that immediately followed! We unpack Diana’s astonishing ability to navigate the circles of both Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler and examine some surprising parallels between these two men, before looking at some of Adolf’s actions in Central Europe that will set the stage for WWII.This episode brings you high-stakes politics, Britain being on the brink of fascism, and the most dramatic marital secret in Mitford history! Perfect for fans of WWII history, secret ceremonies, and the Mitford Sisters' brazen disregard for social norms.Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 19360:02:45 The Olympic Games in Berlin0:13:08 Diana’s second abortion & the push to marry0:16:33 Oswald’s fascist radio0:20:58 The BU rallies & the Battle of Cable Street0:27:02 The secret wedding of Diana & Oswald and their huge fight0:34:25 Diana & Winston & Adolf0:38:24 Events in 1938’s Central Europe (Austria, Sudetenland)0:41:26 Their marriage is revealed & tinkering with genocide0:46:15 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 7 (WWII is brewing)You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, Secret Wedding, Adolf Hitler, Berlin Olympics, Battle of Cable Street, BUF, Winston Churchill, WWII History, Historical Drama, True Stories, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

Brace yourselves: From Diana’s memories of meeting Adolf Hitler and the huge scandal in sunny Naples to stitching up Diana’s face, we’ll bring it all to you! Today’s episode is action packed: Diana Mitford moves from being a society mistress to becoming a fascist and figure in the inner circle of the Third Reich. We cover the pivotal, turbulent years of 1933 and 1934 that saw Diana deepen her commitment to extremism.We begin with the rise of the British Union of Fascists (BUF), revisiting the infamous Olympia Rally that sparked national outrage. Then, we discuss Diana’s controversial meetings with Adolf Hitler and the tragic personal event of her abortion, a decision shrouded in secrecy.But there’s more than just politics! We dive into Diana’s surprising devotion to dogs and (maybe?) children, only to contrast it with a bad accident that almost left her disfigured. And we finish it all off with the most awkward love triangle in beautiful Naples.This episode is again packed with personal tragedy, political fervour, and the outrageous true stories that prove reality is stranger than fiction. Perfect for fans of aristocratic scandal, WWII history, and the Mitford Sisters' most jaw-dropping moments!Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 1933/340:04:05 Recap of the Parteitag 19330:09:55 The rise of fascism in the UK & the Olympia Rally0:24:00 Diana has an abortion & meets Hitler 0:32:42 Diana’s accident (1) & her love for dogs and children0:45:37 Diana’s accident (2) & looming disfigurement0:54:39 The Love Affair Scandal in Naples0:57:018 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 6 (secret wedding coming your way!)Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, British Union of Fascists, BUF, Bryan Guinness, Unity Mitford, Nuremberg Rally, Adolf Hitler, British History, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.

The plot thickens as the seeds for fascism in Britain are sown! In this critical episode, Diana Mitford trades her glittering social life first for the solitary life of a divorcée and mistress, then for the international stage of political extremism. We discuss the years 1931 to 1933, years that would define the rest of her life.We dive into the rapid political evolution of Oswald Mosley: how the star of his idealistic New Party sank as quickly as it had risen, and how he then, inspired by Benito Mussolini, founded the British Union of Fascists (BUF) and introduced the Blackshirts to Britain.But the REAL DRAMA is personal: Diana, still married, met Oswald, and they began their notorious, unashamed affair. Hear more about Diana’s most dramatic and consequential decision to leave Bryan Guinness and her life of luxury to lead the life of a social outcast. But then tragedy (or luck?) struck the Mosley family with the death of Oswald's first wife, Cynthia.Finally, we look into Diana's growing fascination with fascism and the growing bond with her sister Unity, and how it culminates in their attendance at the very first Nuremberg Rally with Adolf Hitler himself.This is the jaw-dropping story of how a society beauty became a key figure in Britain's darkest political movement. Perfect for fans of aristocratic scandal, WWII history, and historical drama!Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap up to 19310:06:04 Mosley’s New Party & Benito Mussolini0:09:13 The founding of the British Union of Fascists 0:14:30 Oswald’s implements fascism in Great Britain 0:24:00 Diana meets Oswald: the unashamed affair0:28:45 Diana leaves Bryan - the decision that changed her life!0:38:19 Diana’s divorce, bonding with Unity, and the Nuremberg Parteitag0:42:52 Cynthia, Oswald’s first wife, dies & Oswald’s love affairs0:49:15 Wrap & outlook on Diana part 5 (when things turn proper fascist)Tags: Mitford Sisters, Diana Mitford, Oswald Mosley, British Union of Fascists, BUF, Bryan Guinness, Unity Mitford, Nuremberg Rally, Adolf Hitler, British History, True Stories, Historical Figures, Women History, Period Drama, The Crown, House of Guinness.