Mysteries at the Castle Season 2 Episode 1 Dracula, Queen and the Mistress, King Arthur

In season 2 episode 1 of Mysteries at the Castle, the audience takes a journey through the fascinating stories surrounding the lives of Dracula, Queen Victoria and her mysterious mistress, and King Arthur. The episode explores the haunting tales and legends about these famous historical figures and the castles they inhabited.

The first intriguing story explores the myth of Dracula, the vampire legend that inspired countless movies and Halloween costumes. The audience is taken through the history of Vlad the Impaler, the brutal ruler upon whom the legend is based. The episode details the connection between the bloodthirsty ruler and his impressive fortress, Bran Castle - located in the Romanian region of Transylvania - which is believed to have inspired the classical horror novel, Dracula. The castle is now a major tourist attraction and is frequently visited by tourists from all over the world. The episode investigates the dark and bloody deeds associated with this infamous castle and its former rulers.

The second story takes place in the beautiful Scottish castle built for Queen Victoria during her reign. This castle holds a secret about a scandalous love affair between the Queen and her mysterious mistress, conducted within its walls. The episode reveals how Queen Victoria doted on her Indian servant, Abdul, to the dismay of her court. They even referred to him using derogatory and racist terms like 'the brown runt.' Her confidante and relationship with him caused a stir amongst her staff and her family. The castle was witness to this love affair, but the Queen's deep affection for Abdul remained a secret until many years later. The episode explores the story of Queen Victoria's forbidden love affair and how it scandalized the monarchy, paving way for Victorian values and gender norms.

Finally, the episode delves into the Arthurian legend, retelling the famous story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur is believed to have lived in a castle at Tintagel - a small village in Cornwall, England - where much of the episode takes place. The castle ruins are still standing today, some even say the castle is haunted, and the history spooks the place with tales of King Arthur's supernatural battles. The episode explores the legend of the sword in the stone and the magician Merlin who was said to have helped King Arthur rise to power. The episode includes historians and experts of the Arthurian legend as they attempt to piece together the legend's true origins.

In conclusion, Mysteries at the Castle season 2 episode 1 takes viewers on a thrilling adventure of mystery and intrigue. From the bloody deeds of Dracula at his fortress in Romania, to Queen Victoria's forbidden love with Abdul within the safe walls of her Scottish castle, to King Arthur's famed castle in Cornwall and his legendary battles with the sword in the stone, these tales offer insight into interesting and hidden history of some of the most famous figures in history. The episode invites viewers to explore these stories, unlocking the secrets that lay concealed within the ancient walls of these castles.