A Voice for After-Ages: The radical life of Margaret Cavendish

Step into the "blazing mind" of Margaret Cavendish, the 17th-century Duchess of Newcastle who challenged the conventions of her age. In this episode of the English Heritage Podcast, host Amy Matthews is joined by Senior Curator of History Megan Leland and PhD researcher Sophie White to explore the life of a true original. A pioneering science fiction writer, philosopher and trailblazer, Cavendish carved out her own place in a male-dominated world. From The Blazing World to becoming the first woman to attend a meeting of the Royal Society, she was always writing for "after-ages". Discover Bolsover Castle, her creative retreat and "pleasure palace", and learn how the Mind Lab project is bringing her ideas to life for a new generation. Plus, hear how participants Delilah and Henry have followed Cavendish's creative trail to build "Blazing Worlds" of their own. Margaret Cavendish's Mind Lab is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, English Heritage has been able to deliver this two-year project in partnership with Junction Arts, Writing East Midlands and the University of York. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠  Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.*    Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠     The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.     *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices