Poverty, power and punishment in Georgian Britain

What was life really like for the poor and powerless in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars? In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we're joined by Katharine Quarmby, author of the powerful new historical novel, The Low Road.Set in 1813, The Low Road is a story of hardship, struggle, and love found in the most brutal corners of English life. Based on a true story unearthed from her hometown in Norfolk, Catherine's novel follows an orphaned girl, Hannah, as she navigates the cruel institutions of the time—from the philanthropic but oppressive Refuge for the Destitute in London to the harsh reality of transportation to Australia.We delve deep into the history, discussing:The "age of austerity" and economic slump that crushed the rural poor after the Napoleonic Wars.The brutal system of transportation—the largest forced migration of British people in history—and its dual injustice to those exiled and Indigenous populations.The hidden lives of women in service, the systemic predation they faced, and the stark choices they had to make.The surprising and tender queer relationships that flourished in the all-female spaces of workhouses and convict ships, and how these bonds of love and loyalty became a form of resistance.Join us for a fascinating conversation that uncovers the resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of state violence and social injustice. The Low Road is a masterful work that brings a forgotten history vividly to life.Purchase Katharine Quarmby's The Low Road from your favourite independent bookseller, in the show notes below.Find the Explaining History Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 5, 2025

What this episode covers

What was life really like for the poor and powerless in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars? In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we're joined by Katharine Quarmby, author of the powerful new historical novel, The Low Road.Set in 1813, The Low Road is a story of hardship, struggle, and love found in the most brutal corners of English life. Based on a true story unearthed from her hometown in Norfolk, Catherine's novel follows an orphaned girl, Hannah, as she navigates the cruel institutions of the time—from the philanthropic but oppressive Refuge for the Destitute in London to the harsh reality of transportation to Australia.We delve deep into the history, discussing:The "age of austerity" and economic slump that crushed the rural poor after the Napoleonic Wars.The brutal system of transportation—the largest forced migration of British people in history—and its dual injustice to those exiled and Indigenous populations.The hidden lives of women in service, the systemic predation they faced, and the stark choices they had to make.The surprising and tender queer relationships that flourished in the all-female spaces of workhouses and convict ships, and how these bonds of love and loyalty became a form of resistance.Join us for a fascinating conversation that uncovers the resilience of the human spirit against a backdrop of state violence and social injustice. The Low Road is a masterful work that brings a forgotten history vividly to life.Purchase Katharine Quarmby's The Low Road from your favourite independent bookseller, in the show notes below.Find the Explaining History Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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