History's Ultimate Spies

The stories of History's Ultimate Spies are woven around many notorious plots and infamous characters, and they'll feature in a series that delves into the psyche of the men and women who set up the networks - or destroyed them.

Seasons

6 Episodes • Premiered 2015

Still image for History's Ultimate Spies season 1 episode 1: Thomas Cromwell

1. Thomas Cromwell

The wily characters from history who pulled strings in the shadows. Thomas Cromwell's cloak-and-dagger work helped steer Henry VIII through his troubles with Rome and several wives.

Still image for History's Ultimate Spies season 1 episode 2: Sir Francis Walsingham

2. Sir Francis Walsingham

History's scheming spymasters in profile. The six-part series focuses on the remarkable cunning of Francis Walsingham, whose spy network foiled many plots against Queen Elizabeth I.

Still image for History's Ultimate Spies season 1 episode 3: Robert Cecil

3. Robert Cecil

Robert Cecil was a formidable political operator, whose extraordinary web of informers helped to foil the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Still image for History's Ultimate Spies season 1 episode 4: Cardinal Richelieu

4. Cardinal Richelieu

Profiles of the super snoopers who blazed a trail in espionage. As Louis XIII's diabolical chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu was feared and hated thanks to his complex spy network.

Still image for History's Ultimate Spies season 1 episode 5: Zofia Potocka and Mata Hari

5. Zofia Potocka and Mata Hari

History's most notorious covert operatives. The astonishing tale of Zofia Potocka, the beautiful lover of Grigory Potemkin who ran a successful spy network in the Russo-Turkish War.

Still image for History's Ultimate Spies season 1 episode 6: Elizabeth Van Leew

6. Elizabeth Van Leew

The early innovators of intelligence. The American Civil War was notable for its female spymasters. Elizabeth van Lew's effective network even smuggled out messages in hollow eggs.

Cast

Photo of Steve Griffin

Steve Griffin

Henry VIII

Photo of Callum Coates

Callum Coates

Thomas Cromwell

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