Ploy Radford

In one of three special episodes, I talk to royal studies specialist Dr Ellie Woodacre about a collection of books that belonged to Joan of Navarre, wife of Henry IV and stepmother to Henry V, of Battle of Agincourt fame. The books provide a fantastic starting part for a wider discussion about this little known English queen who left her children from her first marriage to move to England, had French royal blood, and was imprisoned by her stepson for witchcraft. 

Spring Special 2026: Snuffboxes and Micromosaics at the V&A – Past Matters

In this second Spring Special episode, we focus on two objects on the smaller end of the scale at the V&A. On display in the newly revamped Gilbert Collection galleries, the objects are the earliest example of a snuffbox used for international diplomacy and a beautifully detailed micromosaic perfume flask.

1. Spring Special 2026: Snuffboxes and Micromosaics at the V&A 49:36
2. Spring Special 2026: Echoes of Ash – Life in Herculaneum 39:44
3. Fulvia – interview with Dr Jane Draycott 56:57
4. Three military tombstones – Roman Britain 43:17
5. A carved limewood cravat – Chatsworth House 22:13