About this episode

This episode explores the hidden unrest and revolts in Victorian England, challenging the myth of a peaceful society through the story of 'Mad Tom' and his uprising.

Victorian England wasn’t calm and orderly—it was a powder keg with Ian Breckon Victorian England is often remembered as a world of polite manners, strict morality, and orderly progress. But beneath the surface lay unrest, desperation, and rebellion. In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and novelist Ian Breckon to dismantle the myth of a peaceful Victorian society. Drawing on his research for the book Mad Tom’s Rising, Ian reveals the extraordinary story of Sir William Courtenay—better known as “Mad Tom”—a charismatic imposter who led a rural uprising in Kent in 1838. What followed was violent confrontation, mass mobilisation of labourers, and what has sometimes been described as the last battle fought on English soil . Far from the tranquil image of Victorian England, this episode explores a period rife with poverty, political anxiety, religious fervour, and social upheaval. Ian explains how economic hardship, the legacy of the Poor Laws, and widespread discontent created the conditions for revolt. When “Mad Tom” emerged preaching radical ideas and promising justice for the oppressed, desperate people were ready to follow. Paul and…

People in this episode

Host: Paul Bavill

Guest: Ian Breckon

Topics covered

• Victorian England
• revolt
• social upheaval
• political anxiety
• historical myths

Keywords

• Victorian England
• Mad Tom
• revolt
• Sir William Courtenay
• social unrest
• historical myths
• political anxiety
• economic hardship

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Mad Tom’s Rising

Places: Kent

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