#42 A Poet With An Outrageous Fashion Sense & A Very Reluctant Nun (Margaret Cavendish & Antonio de Erauso)

Welcome back to Mostly Unsung your weekly comedy history podcast serving up not one but two bite-size biographies of the forgotten figures, lost heroes, and notorious troublemakers history prefers not to mention. Every week, hosts Andrea and Annie uncover overlooked lives from the past, with humour, curiosity, and a healthy dose of side-eye.This episode takes us across 17th century England and Spain, with two unforgettable characters who refused to live quietly.First, Annie dives into the chaos of the English Civil War, the brutal conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians, Cavaliers and Roundheads. taking to exile after her home is destroyed and her family gone, one extraordinary woman turns to writing. What follows is a remarkable output of poetry, plays, philosophy, scientific writing, and even some of the earliest examples of science fiction. Along the way, she designs her own outrageous outfits and scandalises the  Society largely by daring to be herself in their space. A story of intellect, rebellion, and unapologetic self-expression.Then Andrea heads to 17th century Spain, where a young novice decides convent life isn’t for her. With a change of clothes, a haircut, and a new name, Antonio is born, ready for travel, exploration, and adventure. But what begins as freedom quickly spirals into violence, chaos, and blood soaked rampages that shock even the Spanish Army. A tale of identity, rebellion, and a life that goes spectacularly off the rails.If you enjoy funny history podcasts, forgotten people in history, early science fiction, English Civil War history, and wild true stories from the past, this episode of Mostly Unsung is perfect for curious minds who like their history entertaining.In this episode Andrea used these sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_de_Erausohttps://queergoldfields.au/international-collection/f/sp-antonio-de-erauso-spains-soldier-nun?blogcategory=International+Collectionhttps://www.monstrousregimentofwomen.com/2018/03/catalina-de-erauso-lieutenant-nun.htmlIn this episode Annie used these sources:https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/margaret-cavendish/https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/collections/cavendish/Where you can find us:https://www.instagram.com/mostlyunsung/https://www.facebook.com/share/16J4vuMy1h/https://www.tiktok.com/@[email protected] you next Wednesday!