Episode 17

James VI&I, York and the Gunpowder Plot

Episode 17 of the History City podcast, hosted by Guy Morgan, titled "Episode 17" was published on October 16, 2025 and runs 32 minutes.

October 16, 2025 ·32m · History City

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Summary

History City traces the story of York - possibly the second most important place in England - from the end of the last Ice Age to the present day.Episode 17: James VI&I, York and the Gunpowder PlotIn this episode: York has learned to accommodate the stern guidance of the council of the North and endured the repression of its secret Catholics. However, England has grown tired of the ageing and ailing Queen Elizabeth, who hasn’t named her successor. That has left both members of her court – and the well to do around the country – on edge. When, in 1603, King James of Scotland journeys south to take the English throne, York is relieved and optimistic as he passes through. Even the Catholics are hopeful, but their disappointment leads a band of religious radicals to plot the destruction of the entire English elite - and the man set to light the fuse is York born Guy Fawkes.This episode contains mention of torture and execution, which some listeners may find upsetting.Thanks to our guest, Dr Joe Ellis, formerly of York University and now with the National Trust.Guy Fawkes was played Paul Richard Jackson in extracts from The Shadowman, a drama-documentary that Soundstagenorth made back in 1996.The Spirit of York is Alison Willis.This episode of History City was made with the help of the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past at the University of York, so thanks to Dr Victoria Hoyle and also to Professor Laura Stewart.Further internet rabbit holes to chase down include:BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time on the death of Elizabeth I and succession James: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n5nqrhttps://shows.acast.com/not-just-the-tudors/episodes/succession-1625-james-i-to-charles-ihttps://shows.acast.com/not-just-the-tudors/episodes/voices-of-thunder-radical-women-of-the-17th-centuryThe episode was recorded and produced by Guy Morgan of Soundstagenorth.If you enjoyed the programme, why not write a review on your podcast provider’s site?It helps spread the word.Thanks for listening to History City, and we hope you can join us next time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

History City traces the story of York - possibly the second most important place in England - from the end of the last Ice Age to the present day.

Episode 17: James VI&I, York and the Gunpowder Plot

In this episode: York has learned to accommodate the stern guidance of the council of the North and endured the repression of its secret Catholics. However, England has grown tired of the ageing and ailing Queen Elizabeth, who hasn’t named her successor. That has left both members of her court – and the well to do around the country – on edge. When, in 1603, King James of Scotland journeys south to take the English throne, York is relieved and optimistic as he passes through. Even the Catholics are hopeful, but their disappointment leads a band of religious radicals to plot the destruction of the entire English elite - and the man set to light the fuse is York born Guy Fawkes.

This episode contains mention of torture and execution, which some listeners may find upsetting.

Thanks to our guest, Dr Joe Ellis, formerly of York University and now with the National Trust.

Guy Fawkes was played Paul Richard Jackson in extracts from The Shadowman, a drama-documentary that Soundstagenorth made back in 1996.

The Spirit of York is Alison Willis.

This episode of History City was made with the help of the Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past at the University of York, so thanks to Dr Victoria Hoyle and also to Professor Laura Stewart.

Further internet rabbit holes to chase down include:

BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time on the death of Elizabeth I and succession James: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n5nqr

https://shows.acast.com/not-just-the-tudors/episodes/succession-1625-james-i-to-charles-i

https://shows.acast.com/not-just-the-tudors/episodes/voices-of-thunder-radical-women-of-the-17th-century

The episode was recorded and produced by Guy Morgan of Soundstagenorth.

If you enjoyed the programme, why not write a review on your podcast provider’s site?

It helps spread the word.

Thanks for listening to History City, and we hope you can join us next time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.