Illegitimacy in the Crown: How Bastard Children Shaped British Power

This episode examines how illegitimate offspring of monarchs, from William the Conqueror to Charles II, carved out influential roles despite being barred from succession. It considers contemporary evidence, legal exclusions like primogeniture, and political manoeuvres that turned bastards into key players in Parliament, diplomacy and warfare. The discussion shows birth outside wedlock could deny a throne but offer alternative routes to power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices