Given the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, we thought we'd examine an eerily familiar moment in British history. In January 1809 the Duke of York became the subject of a huge and embarrassing news story. It was a story of sex, power, money and corruption right at the heart of British politics. One of the stars of the affair was a woman of no rank, title or fortune. Her name was Mary Anne Clarke.

Show notes

Scene One: 27 January 1809. Colonel Wardle stands up in the House of Commons.

Scene Two: 1 February 1809, Mary Anne Clarke gives evidence before the House of Commons.

Scene Three: 20 March 1809, Spencer Percival announces the Duke of York's resignation as Commander in Chief to the House of Commons.

Memento: Mrs Clarke's coat.

People/Social

Presenters: Peter Moore

Production: Maria Nolan