Marc Mierowsky: Daniel Defoe the English Spy (1706)

Most people know Daniel Defoe as one of the great writers in the history of English literature. But the author of Robinson Crusoe was much more than that. A rabble rousing pamphleteer and erratic entrepreneur, in the early years of the eighteenth century Defoe also became an undercover political operative. Defoe's career as a spy intersected with a huge moment in British history when the Act of Union between England and Scotland was being planned in 1706. Today's guest, the historian Marc Mierowsky, revisits this time in today's episode – analysing a series of events that were crucial to the genesis of Great Britain Marc Mierowsky is the author of A Spy Amongst Us. Show notes Scene One: July 1706. The Cockpit in Whitehall. The Scottish and the English commissioners finally settle on the terms of the treaty for the Act of Union. Scene Two: 23 October 1706. Edinburgh. The treaty has been sent north - it is being debated in the Scottish parliament -- and a riot breaks out. Defoe is a witness to the disorder. Scene Three: December 1706. The west of Scotland. Defoe deploys agent John Pierce to infiltrate the Hebronites. Memento: Daniel Defoe's familiar letters. People/Social Presenter: Peter Moore Guest: Marc Mierowsky Production: Maria Nolan Theme music: Firelight by Minka

You can listen to Marc Mierowsky: Daniel Defoe the English Spy (1706) online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Marc Mierowsky: Daniel Defoe the English Spy (1706) is an episode from Travels Through Time by Travels Through Time.

This episode is 58:24 long.

This episode was published on Mar 17, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Travels Through Time when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.