In 1518 one woman's mysterious dance sparked an uncontrollable epidemic, leading up to 400 people to dance wildly for weeks.

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Lynneth J. Miller Renberg to explore the bizarre Dancing Plague, discussing the theories of demonic possession, divine punishment, and social protest, finding out how the city struggled to contain this strange phenomenon. The medical missteps, and cultural tensions fueled one of history's most puzzling outbreaks.

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How to Survive the Plague

https://open.spotify.com/episode/01e8GRcHkZuHjmUTvlIwRx

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

Theme music from All3Media. Other music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

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**This episode contains some descriptions of torture and executions**

If you lived in Scotland in the 1500s, it was highly likely that you, or someone you knew, would be tried as a witch. Witch hunts and executions ripped through the country for over 150 years, with at least 4,000 accused, including men. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores this dark chapter in Scottish history with campaigners Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, founders of the Witches of Scotland. Together they discuss the societal and legal conditions that allowed for accusations and executions, culminating in a formal apology in 2022 from then First Minister Nicholas Sturgeon.

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

Theme music from All3Media. Other music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.

More:

Witchfinder General

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6b1kxIw1rs903xC8CpAFvL

The Witch

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vMBNuE1iTCcHluxo0a5r2

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here:

https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Daniel Swift to delve into the formative years of William Shakespeare's career. They explore the vital role of London's first playhouse and the tumultuous world of late 16th-century theatre, discussing how James Burbage's ambitious vision and his son Richard's unparalleled acting talent profoundly influenced Shakespeare's work. The economic realities and social dynamics of Elizabethan England unveiled the collaborative and pragmatic spirit that helped shape one of history's greatest playwrights.

MORE

Shakespeare's Players: Burbage and Kempe:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vhb375ekX0eLm482VtG24

How the Elizabethan World Shaped Shakespeare:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ewBpG0vQDIRnRnD7A3N1R

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.

Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

You can take part in our listener survey here:

https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on