One thing royal families strive for is the common touch. Whilst some have struggled with it, King James IV and V in the 15th and 16th centuries excelled in it. 

It could be said, however, that they took the term ‘common touch’ too literally, as it wasn’t uncommon for them to have sexual liaisons with their subjects. 

Who were some of the women they had their many affairs with? And what does this tell us about how liberal life north of the border was back then? Today we’re joined by author Linda Porter, to find out. 

This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale, and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. 

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