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Did the Victorians Ruin the World?

Factual: History

Kat and Helen Arney present revisionist revelations about our Victorian forebears.

Did The Victorians Ruin The World?

Did the Victorians Ruin the World?: Series 1: Beards

Factual

Beards

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - Did the Victorians Ruin the World?, Series 1, Beards

Why was there a beard explosion under Queen Victoria? And can beards be good for health?

Helen Arney and Dr Kat Arney explore the Victorian legacy: why did beards explode under Queen Victoria? From 2017.

It's the most celebrated period of British ingenuity, but are our Victorian forebears due a rethink? 

Sci-curious sisters Kat and Helen Arney are on hand with some revisionist revelations that could turn what we think we know completely upside down.

The current fad for furry face furniture can be traced back to the Victorians. If you think we're at Peak Beard in 2018, think again! 

But the growth of facial hair isn't a straightforward story. In 1840 beards were derided and only one MP dared to sport one. Just 50 years later, before the end of the century, nearly every man in the public eye had bearded up. Why did beards explode under Queen Victoria? And is it true that beards can be good for health? Helen and Kat are hunting for the hairy truth.

Helen Arney is a presenter and comedian, and Dr Kat Arney is a writer and broadcaster who has published a book on genetics.

A Hat Trick production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017.

Did the Victorians Ruin the World?: Series 1

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Sci-curious comedian Helen Arney and her sister Dr Kat Arney present revisionist revelations about our Victorian forebears that could turn what we think we know upside down.

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Did the Victorians Ruin the World?

Series 1

Beards

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