Bolsover Castle’s Philosopher Duchess

Josie Long traces the footsteps of the indomitable 17th-century duchess Margaret Cavendish: a writer, philosopher, feminist and author of one of the first ever sci-fi novels. This student of the human mind and spirit dressed against convention and made her way into the prestigious but male-dominated world of the Royal Society. But who was Margaret and how did she end up at Bolsover Castle in the Midlands? Senior Properties Historian at English Heritage Dr Megan Leyland helps Josie trace Margaret's personal journey through the English Civil War into the age of ideas. Meanwhile historian and broadcaster Emma Wilkins helps us glimpse the inner world and motivations of a captivating and brilliant mind. Dr Keith Allen,Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of York, takes Josie through the cutting-edge ideas that helped shape science and philosophy at this time. Speaking with Shadows is an English Heritage podcast. You can find out more on these stories by going to or head to the English Heritage website to find out how you can visit Bolsover Castle yourself. And if you think this story should be heard, share this podcast on your social media with the hashtag .

You can listen to Bolsover Castle’s Philosopher Duchess online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Bolsover Castle’s Philosopher Duchess is an episode from Speaking with Shadows by Neil Cowling.

This episode is 36:08 long.

This episode was published on Mar 29, 2022.

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