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Covenanting Martyrs and Unidentified Human Remains

From knights in shining armour to the launch of the QE2, plus some fiery modern archaeology, join Susan Morrison for another century-crossing expedition.

Comedian and history enthusiast Susan Morrison heads to Glasgow's Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to find out from digital heritage officer Kirsty Earley what happened when only the posh could afford pain relief in childbirth and how prime minister's wife Lucy Baldwin tried to change that.

Travelling to or from Glasgow on the M8? That little church you pass at Kirk of Shotts hides a sad story from the 17th century in its graveyard. Dr Mark Jardine tells Susan about the martyr graves of the radical Covenanters and a strange find he made as a child nearby.

What happens when you find a skeleton or a skull? Archaeologist David Connolly tells Susan about the times when archaeologists call the police and the police call archaeologists.

Our World War I at home story this week is a second chance to hear Brian Taylor's story of Arthur Woodburn, the Secretary of State for Scotland who started his political career as a conscientious objector in the grim old prison which was razed to become the site of St Andrew's House.

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 May 2020 07:00

Susan with Kirsty Earley, Digital Heritage Officer at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Susan with Kirsty Earley, Digital Heritage Officer at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Susan and Kirsty with a 1950鈥檚 Lucy Baldwin pain relief apparatus

Kirk o鈥橲hotts Kirkyard

Kirk o鈥橲hotts Kirkyard
Covenanter William Smith belonged to Muirmaillen or Moremellen. He took part in the Pentland Rising in 1666 and is buried in the Kirkyard at Kirk o' Shotts

Broadcasts

  • Tue 26 Sep 2017 13:30
  • Sun 1 Oct 2017 07:00
  • Wed 3 Jan 2018 12:30
  • Sun 17 May 2020 07:00

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