Lucy Hughes-Hallett: The Scapegoat

About this episode

This episode features a discussion with Lucy Hughes-Hallett about her biography of the Duke of Buckingham, exploring his complex life and the tumultuous times he lived in.

The scapegoat in question is the Duke of Buckingham: favourite and lover of James I and beloved friend of his son; husband, father, art collector, tireless statesman… The cost of his pearl-spilling outfit when he went to meet Henrietta Maria would have paid the mercenary army for four months. He was hated so fiercely by the time of his stabbing in a Portsmouth inn that his murderer was cheered en route to London. This biography of the fabulously handsome skimbleshanks is a scintillating portrait of a complex man and his tumultuous times. Interviewed by Johnny de Falbe Edited by Magnus Rena

People in this episode

Guest: Lucy Hughes-Hallett

Topics covered

• biography
• history
• Duke of Buckingham
• James I

Keywords

• scapegoat
• art collector
• statesman
• Henrietta Maria

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Portsmouth, London

More episodes of John Sandoe Books

• Catherine Ostler: The Renoir Girls · June 11, 2026 · 35 min
• Suzanne Simard: When the Forest Breathes · April 18, 2026 · 36 min
• Jane Rogoyska: Hotel Exile · February 27, 2026 · 41 min
• Juliet Nicolson: The Book of Revelations · November 3, 2025 · 41 min
• Charles Darwent: Monsieur Ozenfant's Academy · September 28, 2025 · 41 min
• Jonas Hassen Khemiri: The Sisters · September 3, 2025 · 41 min