Hi, I’m Tony McMahon – investigative historian, author, and journalist.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Here I am with Dr Alice Roberts in her 2026 quest for the Holy Grail, produced by 9 of Cups and broadcast by Hearst Networks/History. We were examining an alleged Templar relic in the Somerset village of Templecombe. I film in the studio and on location in the UK and globally. As a former BBC news producer and print journalist, I also muck in with the writing, research, and identifying the best locations.
Here I am in documentaries and on a live TV news show talking about the Holy Grail in more depth. The Knights Templar is one of my key topic areas along with the history of the Middle Ages and early Christianity.
In 2025, I appeared alongside Bradley Walsh as he investigated various theories about the builders of the Pyramids and other wonders of Ancient Egypt. I’m first and foremost a storyteller who can take complex ideas and involved stories and make them relatable to mass audiences in a way that is compelling and entertaining.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
In February 2026, I was once more in Toronto filming with some great Canadian producers – in this case, Blue Ant. We nailed eight episodes for an amazing new documentary series. For every shoot, I come prepared having immersed myself in the topics and coming up with additional angles.
I’m an award short-listed author who has penned biographies, political analysis, history, and true crime. Over the last two years, I’ve been writing a trilogy on the Knights Templar for the publisher, Pen & Sword.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Always enjoy speaking at book festivals, meeting the reading public and history enthusiasts. Recent highlights were the Battle of Evesham festival and the Oundle festival.
I was a reporter and producer at Sky News and the BBC in the early days of rolling news. So, I’ve always felt at home in a newsroom environment. Of late, I’ve been appearing on live TV news as an expert historian – and on occasion, having my own books reviewed.
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Discussing the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
Whether it’s the unresolved questions over how the pyramids were built or the strange religious revolution of the Pharaoh Akhenaten or the death of Tutankhamun – or the tragic story of Cleopatra … I have been interviewed or presented on TV about these amazing stories regarding the greatest and most enigmatic civilisation in history.
My book and investigation of Jack the Ripper
In May 2024, Troubador/Matador published my latest historical book: Jack the Ripper and Abraham Lincoln. It got some excellent reviews which you can read on the book website including two BBC radio interviews: https://jacktheripperandabrahamlincoln.com/
Pop science, the paranormal, and UFOs
I’ve been a regular contributor on Strange Evidence (Wag Entertainment) appearing in four seasons to discuss allegedly paranormal incidents captured on CCTV. In 2023, I was also a face in every episode of Evidence of the Unexplained (Wag Entertainment). I will soon pop up in a new series called Alien Corridors – just filmed in Canada.
In terms of popularising science, I had lots of fun in every episode of Curiosity Stream’s Oops I Changed the World (Arrow Media) and Super Channel’s Deadly Science (Go Button Media). I’ve also been a regular on Prime Suspect Earth (Bigger Bang). You may also have caught me in three seasons of The UnXplained with William Shatner (Prometheus).
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
Royal scandals from the Tudors to the Windsors
Royal scandals are something I am often asked to speak about. I’ve done all the top stories from Henry VIII to Princess Margaret and the current king on shows like Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Viacom and Coming Up Roses), Forbidden History (Like A Shot/Argonon) and Secret Lives of the Monarchs (Like A Shot/Argonon).
Whether I’m being filmed on location or in the studio, on my own or with fellow contributors and experts – my role as a former journalist as well as historian and author is to bring my investigative skills to the past. Examining with forensic precision those mysteries that have enthralled us for centuries, even millennia. No stone is left unturned as I ask the uncomfortable questions in my quest for the truth.
In my career, I have been a BBC news producer, award short-listed author, print journalist, historian, on-screen TV expert, documentaries producer, and communications consultant to government clients on terrorism and other social harms. Quite a portfolio!
Email: tonymcmahon@rostraconsulting.org
