History's Ultimate Spies

Season 1

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.

Where to Watch Season 1

6 Episodes

Thomas Cromwell
E1
Thomas CromwellThe 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.
Sir Francis Walsingham
E2
Sir Francis WalsinghamHistory'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.
Robert Cecil
E3
Robert CecilRobert Cecil was a formidable political operator, whose extraordinary web of informers helped to foil the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Cardinal Richelieu
E4
Cardinal RichelieuProfiles 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.
Zofia Potocka and Mata Hari
E5
Zofia Potocka and Mata HariHistory'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.
Elizabeth Van Leew
E6
Elizabeth Van LeewThe 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.