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The Chevalier d'Éon: History’s First Trans Spy and Master of Disguise

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Manage episode 480841269 series 1326035
Content provided by Macabre London Podcast. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Macabre London Podcast or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the astonishing true story of the Chevalier d'Éon — a master spy, decorated soldier, and diplomat in 18th century France who became one of the first openly transgender or gender-nonconforming public figures in recorded history.

D'Éon led a double life in the shadowy world of Louis XV’s secret intelligence network, using diplomacy, disguise, and blackmail to survive the cutthroat politics of the French royal court. After years of military service and espionage, d’Éon stunned the world by publicly presenting as a woman — sparking international intrigue and political scandal.

But was this a revolutionary act of gender expression, or a carefully calculated move to protect royal secrets?

Join me as I explore D’Éon’s incredible life — from fencing duels and spy missions across Europe, to a post-mortem discovery that left Victorian London reeling. With themes of identity, survival, and political manipulation, this episode delves deep into one of history’s most fascinating and misunderstood figures.


Todays episode is sponsored by London Nootropics. Be sure to check them out at www.londonnootropics.com and use my code "MACABRE" for 20% off your order or subscription.

------------------------

🔪 If you love British true crime, unsolved mysteries, and historical murders, don’t miss this episode!

Also available wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/macabrelondon

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Heathers Leg, Lisa, Mary, Matilda, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Sarah A, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Boudicca

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Helen

Inge

Jo

JT

Kathryn

Kelly

Kylee

Lindal

Liz

Shannon

Steph

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevali%C3%A8re_d%27%C3%89on

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-incredible-chevalier-deon-who-left-france-as-a-male-spy-and-returned-as-a-christian-woman

https://royalarmouries.org/objects-and-stories/stories/the-amazing-life-of-chevaliere-deon

https://www.bbc.co.uk/reel/video/p0bzwxqy/the-chevalier-d-on-the-18th-century-transgender-spy

Get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  continue reading

201 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 480841269 series 1326035
Content provided by Macabre London Podcast. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Macabre London Podcast or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

In this episode of Macabre London, we uncover the astonishing true story of the Chevalier d'Éon — a master spy, decorated soldier, and diplomat in 18th century France who became one of the first openly transgender or gender-nonconforming public figures in recorded history.

D'Éon led a double life in the shadowy world of Louis XV’s secret intelligence network, using diplomacy, disguise, and blackmail to survive the cutthroat politics of the French royal court. After years of military service and espionage, d’Éon stunned the world by publicly presenting as a woman — sparking international intrigue and political scandal.

But was this a revolutionary act of gender expression, or a carefully calculated move to protect royal secrets?

Join me as I explore D’Éon’s incredible life — from fencing duels and spy missions across Europe, to a post-mortem discovery that left Victorian London reeling. With themes of identity, survival, and political manipulation, this episode delves deep into one of history’s most fascinating and misunderstood figures.


Todays episode is sponsored by London Nootropics. Be sure to check them out at www.londonnootropics.com and use my code "MACABRE" for 20% off your order or subscription.

------------------------

🔪 If you love British true crime, unsolved mysteries, and historical murders, don’t miss this episode!

Also available wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/macabrelondon

-------------------------

Be sure to check out my other podcast, Killers, Cults & Queens https://podfollow.com/queens

---------------------------

SUPPORT ME

————————

ONE OFF DONATIONS: Paypal - paypal.me/macabrelondon

KO-FI: ko-fi.com/macabrelondon

PATREON: www.patreon.com/macabrelondon

AMAZON WISHLIST - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...

MERCH! - https://macabrelondon-shop.fourthwall...

——————————-

Thank you to our executive producer patrons - Christina, Heathers Leg, Lisa, Mary, Matilda, Ravelle, Sally, Sam, Sarah, Sarah A, Terri & Veronica

And to all of our wonderful £5 tier patrons...

Amy

Andrea

Andrew

Boudicca

Claire R

Claire S

Creepy Paper

David R

Denise

Helen

Inge

Jo

JT

Kathryn

Kelly

Kylee

Lindal

Liz

Shannon

Steph

The Paranormal Princess

Vee

ZozoLAM

And thanks to all other patrons too!

————————

SOCIAL MEDIA

---------------------------------------------

Insta: @nikkimacabrelondon

X: @macabrelondon

TikTok: @macabrelondon

Facebook: @macabrelondon

Email: [email protected]

---------------------------------------------

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevali%C3%A8re_d%27%C3%89on

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-incredible-chevalier-deon-who-left-france-as-a-male-spy-and-returned-as-a-christian-woman

https://royalarmouries.org/objects-and-stories/stories/the-amazing-life-of-chevaliere-deon

https://www.bbc.co.uk/reel/video/p0bzwxqy/the-chevalier-d-on-the-18th-century-transgender-spy

Get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  continue reading

201 episodes

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