Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Did you know the English Reformation didn't just reshape churches and doctrine… it quietly transformed Christmas itself? In today's Tudor Christmas Advent episode, I explore how Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I each left their mark on the festive season - sometimes dramatically, sometimes subtly, and sometimes in ways we might not expect. What happened to the old medieval traditions? Why did some customs disappear while others survived untouched? And how did the Tudors balance faith, festivity, and reform at the most important season of the year? This is the story of a Christmas in transition, a holiday caught between devotion, celebration, and religious revolution. Question for you: If you'd lived in Tudor England, would you have kept the old customs, reformed them gently, or stripped them back entirely? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell for more Tudor Christmas history every day this Advent! #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #Reformation #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #EdwardVI #MaryI #HistoryYouTube #AnneBoleynFiles #ChristmasHistory #EarlyModernHistory #12DaysOfChristmas

What did winter really feel like in Tudor England? Spoiler: nothing like the winter we know today. Hello, I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's Tudor Christmas Advent episode we're stepping into a world of bone-deep cold, frozen rivers, and incredible resilience, the world of Tudor winter during the Little Ice Age. Between the 14th and 19th centuries, Europe and North America endured some of the coldest winters in recorded history. And the Tudors? They lived right in the middle of it. In this episode, discover: What Tudor winters were really like — without heating, forecasts, or modern comforts The astonishing times the River Thames froze solid How Henry VIII and Elizabeth I reacted to the deep freeze The extraordinary celebrations that took place on the ice Why London's legendary frost fairs eventually disappeared At the end, I'd love to hear from you: What's the coldest winter you remember, and how did you cope? If you enjoy these festive Tudor deep dives, please like, subscribe, and click the bell so you don't miss the next episode in the Advent series. Keep warm!   #TudorHistory #LittleIceAge #FrostFairs #TudorChristmas #HistoryChannel #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles #HistoryDocumentary #OnThisDayHistory #WinterHistory #BritishHistory

Step into the winter stillness of Hever Castle with me, the beloved home of the Boleyn family, and a place that witnessed far more than festive cheer. In today's Tudor Christmas Advent episode, I'm sharing Hever as you may never have seen it: dressed in its glowing Christmas finery and wrapped in the quiet magic of midwinter. But Hever is more than beautiful… it is the backdrop to a moment Dr Owen Emmerson and I believe changed the course of Tudor history. During the Christmas season of 1526 into early 1527, something happened here, something that shifted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's future, and with it, the future of England. Anne was away from court, surrounded by family, and finally had the space to reflect on Henry's increasingly urgent pursuit. What unfolded at Hever that Christmas would set the stage for everything that came next. In this episode, I'll take you through Hever's festive rooms and frosted gardens, sharing photographs taken this December by Dr Owen Emmerson and some of my own from Christmases past… while we explore how one winter retreat became a turning point in Tudor history. If you visit Hever at Christmastime, I invite you to imagine Anne here in 1526, facing a decision that would shape not only her destiny, but the destiny of a kingdom. Let's step into Hever Castle at Christmas…  And if you'd like to know even more about Anne's family and their beloved home, do take a look at "The Boleyns of Hever Castle". #HeverCastle #AnneBoleyn #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #BoleynFamily #HeverAtChristmas #ChristmasHistory #HistoryYouTube #TudorTok #TheAnneBoleynFiles #BritishHistory #CastleHistory #LearnHistory #ChristmasAdventSeries

Today we're stepping into one of the most joyful parts of a Tudor Christmas - the music. Whether your festive soundtrack is Michael Bublé or Bing Crosby, Tudor England had its own musical traditions… and many of their carols are far older than you might expect. In this episode, we explore: - How music shaped Tudor Christmas celebrations - Which carols the Tudors actually knew - Why carols were originally dances - songs performed in circles, homes, streets, and seasonal revelshe role of the waits - Music in Tudor homes - Carols in wassailing traditions Thank you for joining me for this musical journey through Tudor Yuletide. If you enjoyed it, please like, subscribe, and click the bell, and tell me in the comments: Do you have a favourite Christmas carol? Or a Christmas soundtrack? See you tomorrow for more Tudor Christmas delights!   #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #ChristmasCarols #MedievalMusic #RenaissanceMusic #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles #HistoryYouTube #YuletideHistory #HistoricalMusic #Waits #CoventryCarol #Gaudete #EarlyMusic

Today we're stepping into one of the most colourful, energetic, and wonderfully noisy traditions of the Tudor festive season, Morris dancing. You might picture modern dancers with bells and handkerchiefs on a village green… but in Tudor England, Morris dancing was bolder, brighter, and far more theatrical. In this video, we'll explore: - What Morris dancing really looked like in the 15th and 16th centuries - bells, ribbons, masks, mock combat, clashing staves, blackened faces, and vibrant costumes How it became part of court entertainment - including Henry VII's Christmas revels and Henry VIII's masques - Its deep roots in English folk culture - from May Day to Whitsun ales, parish festivals to civic pageantry - The unforgettable stock characters - Maid Marian (played by a man!), jesters, hobby-horses, Robin Hood, even dragons! - Why it mattered at Christmas and Twelfth Night - joy, misrule, community, and celebration at the darkest time of year - And how Morris dancing survives today - a living tradition linking us directly to the Tudor world If you've ever seen Morris dancing and wondered where it came from, or if you simply love the colour, spectacle, and spirit of Tudor celebrations, this episode is for you. Thank you so much for watching! If you're enjoying this festive journey through Tudor Christmas, please like, subscribe, and click the bell - there's more Yuletide history coming your way tomorrow.   #TudorChristmas #MorrisDancing #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #ChristmasTraditions #HistoryYouTube #TwelfthNight #TudorCourt #EnglishFolkDance #YuletideHistory #TheAnneBoleynFiles #HistoryChannel #BritishHistory

Yule Logs, Twelfth Night Cakes & the Lord of Misrule. Step into a Tudor Christmas with me! I'm historian Claire Ridgway, and today's Advent episode looks at the real Yuletide customs of Tudor England, from the dramatic arrival of the Yule log to the playful misrule of Twelfth Night. Why did Tudor households bring home an enormous log on Christmas Eve? What role did a humble bean play in choosing the “king” of the festivities? And how did these rituals blend ancient midwinter beliefs with Christmas celebrations? Discover the symbolism, the revelry, and the wonderful strangeness of a Tudor Yuletide, a world of firelight, games, and meaning woven into every tradition. Join me for a journey into the customs that made Christmas magical for the Tudors. If you're enjoying this Advent series, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell — more Tudor Christmas delights are on the way! #TudorChristmas #YuleLogTraditions #TwelfthNight #TudorHistory #LordOfMisrule

The Festive Drinks That Kept Henry VIII's Court Merry   Step into a warm Tudor hall, sit beside the glowing Yule log, and discover the festive drinks that kept Henry VIII's England merry throughout the cold, dark days of winter. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and for today's instalment of my Tudor Christmas Advent series, we're exploring the wonderful world of Tudor winter warmers, from hippocras to buttered beer, from wassail bowls to honey-rich mead. Before the feasting and celebrations, everyday Tudor life ran on ale, safer than water, weak enough to drink by the pint, and brewed constantly by the women of the household. But Christmas? Christmas called for something special. In this video, discover: - Hippocras — the spiced Tudor mulled wine Henry VIII adored - Lambswool — the frothy wassail drink of roasted apples and warm ale - Mead, Metheglin & Melomel — honey wines sweetened with herbs or fruit - Christmas Ale — brewed stronger for Yuletide feasts - Posset — a creamy, curdled Tudor comfort drink - Buttered Beer — yes, the real Tudor drink (long before Harry Potter!) - Mulled wine & imported sweet wines enjoyed by the wealthy These weren't just beverages — they were hospitality, ritual, community, and the unmistakable flavour of Tudor Christmas. Which Tudor drink would YOU try first? Hippocras? Buttered beer? Lambswool? Let me know in the comments!   Links to my videos on some of these Tudor drinks: Tudor Buttered Beer - https://youtu.be/0HMxpWVzrvc Tudor Hippocras - https://youtu.be/yabiVqlV4pw Lambswool Wassail - https://youtu.be/9GDrnPesC2Y If you enjoy this cosy dive into Tudor festive life, please like, subscribe, and click the bell to follow along with the rest of my Christmas Advent series.

Dragons that spat fire. Masked dancers sweeping through palace halls. Henry VIII himself turning up in disguise… Welcome to Tudor Twelfth Night, the most spectacular, theatrical, and joyfully chaotic night of the entire Christmas season. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and for Day 8 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series, we're stepping into the dazzling world of masques, mumming, disguisings, pageantry and revelry at the Tudor court. You'll discover: - What Tudor “disguisings” really were -  How mumming evolved into masked processions of luck and mischief - Why the morris dance became a Tudor Christmas favourite - The Italian-style masque Henry VIII introduced  - How Edward VI's court staged elaborate moral allegories, mock battles, and a banquet of 120 dishes - And how Twelfth Night became the grand, magnificent finale of Christmastide From wild pageant carts to torchlit dances… from Robin Hood characters to allegorical triumphs… Twelfth Night was where Tudor magnificence reached its peak. Thank you for joining me for today's Advent instalment! If you're enjoying the series, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don't miss the next festive deep dive.   #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #TwelfthNight #Masques #Mumming #HenryVIII #TudorCourt #ChristmasHistory #AdventSeries #HistoricalRevels #MedievalChristmas #HistoryYouTube #TudorTraditions

Forget fairy lights and tinsel, Tudor Christmas decorations were deeply symbolic, richly traditional, and filled with myth and meaning. Hello, I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and welcome to Day 7 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! Today, we're stepping inside the Tudor home to discover how people really decorated for Christmas. In Tudor England, there were no Christmas trees, no early December decorating… In fact, a Tudor walking into your home right now would think you'd gone completely mad, because they only decorated on Christmas Eve. Instead of baubles and glitter, their homes were filled with: - Holly – symbol of Christ's sacrifice & protection - Ivy – representing fidelity and strength - Laurel & rosemary – symbols of eternal life - Evergreens everywhere, believed to bring luck and keep away evil You'll also discover: - The origin of the kissing bough - How mistletoe gained its romantic reputation — from Druids to Norse myth - Why decorations stayed up until Candlemas Eve… but NEVER beyond (unless you wanted goblins!) - And how London transformed into a city draped entirely in greenery Plus, we'll explore the medieval and Tudor tradition of the Christmas crib, from Pope Sixtus III to St Francis of Assisi, and how it lives on beautifully in Spain today. Tudor Christmas décor wasn't about sparkle… It was about symbolism, faith, magic, and midwinter hope. If you're enjoying this Advent journey through Tudor traditions, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell — many more festive videos are on the way!   #TudorChristmas #TudorTok #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #ChristmasHistory #HistoryYouTube #MedievalChristmas #HollyAndIvy #MistletoeTraditions #HistoryChannel #AdventSeries #BritishHistory #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #ChristmasDecor #HistoricalTraditions

Welcome to Day 6 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! Today we're diving into one of the most enchanting feast days of the Tudor calendar, St Nicholas's Day, and uncovering how this 4th-century bishop eventually became the Santa Claus we know today. We'll explore: The real St Nicholas of Myra, miracle worker and protector of children The extraordinary Boy Bishop tradition, where a child led church services from 6–28 December How Henry VII supported the custom… and why Henry VIII banned it How Hereford and Salisbury Cathedrals still keep the tradition alive today Why St Nicholas didn't bring gifts in Tudor England The medieval legends, chimneys, stockings, secret gold, that shaped later folklore How Dutch “Sinta Klaas” became Santa in America Why Father Christmas in Tudor England wasn't a gift-giver at all So no, Tudor children didn't hang stockings, but the stories surrounding St Nicholas created the foundation for Santa Claus, from night-time gift-giving to flying through the sky. Join me tomorrow for Tudor Christmas Decorations! And if you're enjoying this series, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell. #StNicholas #BoyBishop #SantaClausHistory #TudorChristmas #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTube #MedievalTraditions #ChristmasOrigins #Sinterklaas #FatherChristmas #TudorHistory

Did you know the Tudors didn't end Christmas on 25th December… they started it? I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's episode of my Tudor Christmas Advent series, we're walking through the true Twelve Days of Christmas,  a world of church services, feasts, fasting, wine, charity, misrule, and community traditions that modern Christmas barely resembles. In this video, you'll learn: Why Christmas Day was all about worship — not feasting Why no work (not even spinning!) was allowed throughout the 12 days How St Stephen's Day involved charity… AND horse-bleeding and hunting Why 27 December was the Tudor excuse for endless wine Why Childermas was the most solemn, and sometimes unsettling, day Why New Year's Day gift-giving was the most political moment of the season How Twelfth Night was celebrated Why the fun abruptly ended with Plough Monday and St Distaff's Day This is the Christmas season the Tudors actually lived — rich, ritual-filled, joyful, sometimes strange, and endlessly fascinating. If you're enjoying my Tudor Advent series, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell, there's more Tudor Christmas magic every day until 24 December! #TudorChristmas #12DaysOfChristmas #TudorHistory #ChristmasTraditions #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTube #MedievalChristmas #TwelfthNight #StStephensDay #Childermas #PloughMonday

What did Tudor families do at Christmas once the feasting slowed, the music quietened, and the Yule log glowed on the hearth? They played games, and some of them are still incredibly fun today. Welcome to Day 4 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today we're stepping into the warm, bustling world of Tudor fireside entertainment. From nobles in great halls to sailors aboard the Mary Rose, people in Tudor England filled the long winter evenings with: - Dice games like Cent, Raffles, and Passage - Card games from gentle Noddy to high-stakes Primero — Henry VIII's favourite - Board games including backgammon (“tables”), chess, Fox and Geese, and Nine Men's Morris - Shove-board and early billiards for the elite - And simple household fun like pick-up sticks These games weren't just entertainment. They were connection - a way for families and communities to share laughter, competition, mischief, and companionship throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas. If you're enjoying this festive journey through Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell - more Christmas magic is coming tomorrow!   #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #ChristmasTraditions #HistoryWithClaire #HenryVIII #MedievalGames #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #AnneBoleynFiles #ChristmasHistory

Did you know the Tudors didn't give gifts at Christmas? For them, New Year's Day was the most political, strategic, and nerve-wracking day of the entire festive season; a glittering ritual where loyalty was displayed, and favour was won (or lost). Welcome to Day 3 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today we're stepping inside the astonishing world of Tudor gift-giving. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why New Year's Day was the true “gift season” - How Henry VIII used gifts to reward, punish, and send unmistakable signals - What Anne Boleyn gave (and what Henry gave her in return!) - The lavish presents exchanged across the reigns of Mary I and Elizabeth I - Why gifts were not sentimental… but political tools From Holbein-designed silver fountains to early wristwatches, from embroidered coats to gold whistles, Tudor New Year's gifts tell us everything about power, favour, and desire at court. If you enjoy this deep dive into Tudor ritual, please like, subscribe, and let me know in the comments: Which Tudor monarch would YOU choose a gift for, and what would you give them?   #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #NewYearsDay #RoyalHistory #HistoryWithClaire #TudorCourt #OnThisDay #HistoricalFacts

Welcome to Day 2 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! Today, we're stepping into the smoky, bustling, gloriously extravagant royal kitchens of Henry VIII to uncover the unforgettable dishes served at a Tudor Christmas feast. While Advent was a month of fasting and restraint, everything changed the moment Midnight Mass ended on Christmas Day. And nobody feasted with more splendour — or spent more money — than Henry VIII. His very first Christmas as king cost the modern equivalent of £13.5 million! Join me, historian and author Claire Ridgway, as we explore: The dazzling meats on the king's table The terrifying Tudor showpiece: the “cockatrice” The ceremonial boar's head, carried in to trumpets, drums, and song Sugary marvels like marchpane sculptures, leech, gilded fruits and sugar-plate creations Tudor Christmas drinks — mulled wine, hippocras, Christmas ale, and lamb's wool The original Christmas pie, stuffed with layer upon layer of birds We'll also explore what ordinary Tudor families ate, why Christmas food symbolised power, and how feasting became a kind of royal performance. Thank you for joining me for Day 2 of our journey toward Christmas! Tomorrow, in Day 3, we'll dive into Tudor gift-giving — when presents were exchanged and what a king or queen might receive. If you're enjoying this Advent series, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you won't miss the next podcast.   Related videos: Tudor Quince Marmalade - https://youtu.be/LgVJt7yWH2I Tudor Hippocras - https://youtu.be/yabiVqlV4pw Tudor Gingerbread - https://youtu.be/nFRvDxsDAPk Lambswool Wassail - https://youtu.be/9GDrnPesC2Y #TudorChristmas #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #ChristmasHistory #MedievalChristmas #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTube #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #TudorFood #HistoricalCooking #AdventSeries

Most of us think Advent means calendars, chocolate, and switching on the Christmas playlist… But for our medieval and Tudor ancestors, Advent meant something completely different. Welcome to Day 1 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! Today we're stepping into the medieval and Tudor world to explore what Advent really meant, and how it prepared people for the true Christmas feast that didn't begin until 25 December. In this episode, I cover: - Why Advent was more like a mini-Lent — a season of fasting and restraint - Why Christmas Eve was the strictest fasting day of all - How the Church shaped December as a time of preparation, not celebration - The older midwinter traditions behind the season - Why a Tudor walking into our modern homes would think we'd started Christmas FAR too early - How Advent set the stage for the Twelve Days of Christmas, with all their feasting, revelry and topsy-turvy fun For the Tudors, Advent wasn't about treats, it was about waiting. Join me every day as we journey through Tudor Advent and Christmas, exploring St Nicholas and the Boy Bishop, Tudor food and drink, wassailing, mumming, the Lord of Misrule and much more. Do you mark Advent in any special way? Let me know in the comments! If you'd like to walk through a full Tudor Christmas with me, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for tomorrow's instalment. #TudorHistory #TudorChristmas #Advent #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #MedievalChristmas #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #HistoryNerd #BritishHistory #TudorTok #ChristmasHistory

On this day in Tudor history, 30 November 1554, England did something astonishing: Parliament itself asked to be forgiven for the kingdom's break from Rome. This was the crucial first step toward the full reconciliation I covered in my 12 November 1555 video… but today was where it truly began. In this episode, I explore: ✦ Why England couldn't simply “return” to Rome — it had to be done legally and ceremonially ✦ The role of Cardinal Reginald Pole, papal legate and later the last Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury ✦ The humble petition presented by Lords and Commons to Mary I and Philip of Spain ✦ The dramatic moment Pole, with full papal authority, absolved the realm ✦ Why the day was ordered to be commemorated annually with processions, masses, and sermons ✦ How the reconciliation was swiftly undone after Elizabeth I's accession Before the public ceremonies of 1555, before the statues and processions, England first had to bow its head, and on this day, it did. If you enjoy travelling through Tudor history with me, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily videos.   12 November 1554 video - When Mary I Turned Back the Clock - https://youtu.be/7Xs5kjM_09A #MaryI #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #EnglishReformation #ReginaldPole #MaryTudor #ReformationHistory #Tudors #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #BritishHistory #HistoryNerd #CatholicHistory

Who was Edward VI? To many, he's the pale, serious boy in a fur-trimmed coat, a footnote between Henry VIII and Mary I. But in reality, Edward's short reign reshaped England dramatically. In A Beginner's Guide to Edward VI, I explore: - His sheltered childhood and intense education - The power struggle between Edward Seymour and John Dudley - The sweeping Protestant reforms that changed England's religious identity - The rebellions that shook the kingdom - Edward's final illness, and his disastrous “Devise for the Succession” - How his decisions paved the way for the Lady Jane Grey crisis Edward VI ruled for just six years… yet his policies, beliefs, and fears set England on a path that would shape three Tudor reigns after him. If you enjoy this guide, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor history! #EdwardVI #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTube #Tudors #HenryVIII #LadyJaneGrey #EnglishReformation #HistoryNerd #BritishHistory #HistoryDocumentary

On this day in Tudor history, 28 November 1489, a princess was born at Westminster Palace whose life would be shaped by diplomacy, danger, and dynastic destiny. Her name was Margaret Tudor: daughter of Henry VII, sister of Henry VIII, Queen of Scots… and the woman whose descendants would one day unite the crowns of England and Scotland. Sent to Scotland at just thirteen, Margaret became queen consort to James IV, then a young widow after Flodden, and even regent for her infant son, the future James V. Her life, however, was anything but stable. Politics, broken alliances, unhappy marriages, exile, divided loyalties - Margaret endured all of it. But her legacy changed the course of British history. In today's video, I explore the remarkable, emotional, and often overlooked story of this Tudor princess whose bloodline still sits on the throne. Thank you for watching, and don't forget to subscribe for your regular dose of Tudor history. Links to more videos: Margaret Tudor's Flight - https://youtu.be/XOQH9WlmhOU Margaret Tudor's Secret Marriage - https://youtu.be/CEE88HDbM4M Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scotland - https://youtu.be/4MyX4SfN5IE The birth of King James V - https://youtu.be/CiXTTLBhjus   #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #MargaretTudor #HenryVII #HenryVIII #MaryQueenOfScots #Scotland #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #BritishHistory

On this day in Tudor history, 27 November 1556, Henry Parker, 10th Baron Morley, died quietly at his estate in Essex. He was a nobleman, diplomat, scholar… and the father of the famous (and infamous) Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. Morley's life spanned the rise of the Tudor dynasty, and he moved through it with skill: from a childhood in Lady Margaret Beaufort's household, to service under Henry VIII, to presenting beautifully translated books to the Tudor monarchs themselves. He mixed with the powerful, gifted Machiavelli to Cromwell, survived dangerous political tides, and watched tragedy unfold within his own family, yet his legacy today rests largely in his writings. Join me to explore the story of a man who stood close to some of the most dramatic events and figures of the age, but slipped into the shadows of history. If you enjoy discovering lesser-known Tudors with remarkable stories, do subscribe and ring the bell.   #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #JaneBoleyn #MaryI #HistoryYouTube #TudorCourt #HiddenHistory #ClaireRidgway

Not every Tudor courtier met a grisly end... Some outlived the danger, and shaped history doing so. On this day in 1542, Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex, died quietly after a life of high-stakes politics, military glory, and fierce loyalty to Henry VIII. From disgraced heir to trusted royal insider, Radcliffe navigated the Reformation, royal marriages, rebellions, and thrived. Join me for a fascinating look at a noble who helped make Tudor England, and lived to tell the tale. Watch, like & subscribe for more Tudor insights. Comment below: what surprised you most about Robert Radcliffe's career, his military service, his marital alliances, or his role under Henry VIII?   #RobertRadcliffe #EarlOfSussex #TudorNobility #Dissolution #PilgrimageOfGrace #GreatMatter #LordGreatChamberlain

On this day in history, 25 November 1467, Thomas Dacre was born; a man who rose from the turbulent Anglo-Scottish border to become one of Tudor England's most influential northern magnates. Soldier, strategist, landowner, and power-broker… his story is far richer than the brief mentions he usually gets in the history books. From a dramatic marriage to a pivotal role in one of Henry VIII's greatest military moments, Dacre helped shape politics and warfare far from the royal court. Join me as I explore the life of a man who deserves far more attention than he gets. If you enjoy deep dives into lesser-known Tudor figures, don't forget to subscribe and ring the bell. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ThomasDacre #BattleOfFlodden #Tudors #HenryVIII #BritishHistory #HistoryYouTube #TudorEngland

On this day in Tudor history, 24 November 1542, England and Scotland met in one of the most chaotic and consequential clashes of the 16th century, the Battle of Solway Moss. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today I'm taking you to the Anglo-Scottish border to explore how a feud between Henry VIII and his nephew James V of Scotland erupted into disaster… and helped shape the future of both kingdoms. In this episode, discover: Why James V refused to meet Henry VIII How pride, politics, and border raids spiralled into war Why the Scottish army collapsed despite outnumbering the English six-to-one How the bog and the River Esk turned battle into catastrophe The shockwaves that followed - the death of James V, and the rise of Mary, Queen of Scots How Solway Moss sparked the violent era known as the Rough Wooing With 1,200 Scottish nobles captured and a king dead within weeks, this muddy clash altered the course of British history. If you enjoyed this deep dive into Solway Moss, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor history. And tell me in the comments - would James V have survived if Solway Moss had gone differently?   #TudorHistory #SolwayMoss #HenryVIII #JamesV #MaryQueenOfScots #Tudors #ScottishHistory #OnThisDay #HistoryShorts #BritishHistory

We all think we know Henry VIII. A huge man in cloth of gold, hands on hips, staring down from a Holbein portrait. Six wives. Two beheaded. Monasteries destroyed. Rome defied. But the real Henry is far more complex — and far more frightening. In this Beginner's Guide to Henry VIII, I take you from his birth in 1491 to his death in 1547, exploring the rise of a charming Renaissance prince… and the fall into tyranny that changed England forever. You'll discover: How Henry went from second son to king at 17 His early talents — theology, music, languages, sport His achievements: the navy, Parliament, the English Bible, the break with Rome Why he didn't die a Protestant The truth behind the six wives and the politics of each marriage His darker side — executions, rebellions, monasteries destroyed, and the terror of the 1530s Why historians still argue about his legacy today Henry VIII's reign was a turning point in English history: religiously, politically, culturally. He is both a state-builder and a tyrant, a man of dazzling intelligence and devastating brutality. So… was Henry VIII a great king, a monster, or both? Let me know what you think in the comments. If you enjoyed this beginner's guide, please like the video, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Tudor history every week. You can view other videos about him in my Henry VIII playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrI08JG1cwz7UqUYNxFHsPRv

In 1921, builders in the quiet Essex village of St Osyth unearthed a chilling sight: Two female skeletons. Buried deliberately. With iron rivets hammered into their knees and elbows - a brutal, centuries-old method used to stop a witch from rising from the grave. For a hundred years, villagers have whispered the same names: Ursula Kemp. Elizabeth Bennet. Two women hanged for witchcraft in 1582. But who were they really? In this episode of my Tudor True Crime series, I uncover the dark world behind the St Osyth witch trials, a story of neighbourly grudges, grief, superstition, and a magistrate hungry for fame. You'll discover: How a fallen-out friendship sparked a chain of accusations Why Ursula Kemp was both a healer… and feared How an eight-year-old boy was persuaded to testify against his mother The terrifying role of magistrate Brian Darcy, who wanted a sensational trial What really happened at the Chelmsford Assizes Why two women ended up at the gallows And whether the skeletons found in 1921 really belonged to them… This is not just a witchcraft story, it's a story about fear, power, and the dangerous consequences of a single accusation in Tudor England. If you'd like to explore more Tudor witch trials and the wider Essex witch-hunt, I've added related videos below. • The Essex Witches - https://youtu.be/hpmkvJyc6x8 • The Tudor Witch-hunter - https://youtu.be/E7fbjYHVeGU • Witchcraft in Tudor Times - https://youtu.be/4XqRVOnsvps If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor true crime, superstition, and the stories that get left in the dark, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. Because Tudor history isn't just kings and queens… It's the shadows too.   #TudorHistory #TrueCrime #WitchTrials #EssexWitches #StOsyth #UrsulaKemp #ElizabethBennet #DarkHistory #HistoryMystery #WitchcraftHistory #TudorTrueCrime #TheAnneBoleynFiles

On this day in Tudor history, 21st November 1558, a devoted servant of both Queen Mary I and her husband, Philip of Spain, died tragically young. His name was James Bassett. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's video, I uncover the remarkable story of this scholar, exile, courtier, diplomat, and loyal servant of a queen and a king. Born around 1526, Bassett was connected to the royal bloodline through his stepfather, Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisle, an illegitimate son of Edward IV. His education was exceptional, taking him from Reading Abbey to prestigious colleges in Paris and St Omer, shaping him into a learned and refined young courtier. But loyalty came at a price. When his mentor Stephen Gardiner fell from favour under Edward VI, Bassett stood by him, even when it meant imprisonment and exile for his Catholic faith.  When Mary I ascended the throne, everything changed. Gardiner returned as Lord Chancellor, and Bassett's fortunes soared.  His personal life reflected the same devotion: he married Mary Roper, granddaughter of Sir Thomas More, forming a union steeped in faith and scholarship. Yet his promising career was tragically short.  James Bassett died on 21st November 1558 at Blackfriars, London, aged just about thirty-two. In this episode, explore: • His deep loyalty to Stephen Gardiner • His imprisonment and exile under Edward VI • His rise at the courts of Mary I and Philip of Spain • His diplomatic missions and political influence • His marriage into the family of Sir Thomas More • Why his life, though brief, reveals so much about Tudor politics and faith #TudorHistory #JamesBassett #MaryI #PhilipOfSpain #TudorCourt #OnThisDay #HistoryYouTube #TudorDynasty #StephenGardiner #SirThomasMore #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles

The Bizarre Death of Sir Marmaduke Constable   On this day in Tudor history, 20th November 1518, a seasoned soldier and loyal servant of four Tudor kings met one of the strangest deaths ever recorded: Sir Marmaduke Constable supposedly died after swallowing a frog or toad that had slipped into his drinking water. Yes… you read that correctly. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's video I reveal the incredible life, and legendary death, of this remarkable Tudor knight. Before the bizarre tale that made him a Yorkshire legend, Marmaduke Constable had lived a life of true service and courage. He fought in France under Edward IV, earned a knighthood at Berwick, served as Knight of the Body to both Richard III and Henry VII, and commanded the left wing of the English army at Flodden, one of the great military victories of Henry VIII's reign. But it was the story of his extraordinary death that captured imaginations for centuries. Local tradition claimed that a frog or toad lodged itself near his heart and killed him, and his tomb at St Oswald's Church, Flamborough, even includes a carving said to show the creature believed to have ended his life. Was this legend rooted in truth? A misunderstanding? Or just a macabre Tudor tale that grew in the telling? In this episode, you'll discover: • Marmaduke's rise through the great northern families • His service under four monarchs • His command at the Battle of Flodden • Why Henry VIII personally thanked him • How a strange rumour turned into a centuries-old legend • The real history behind “the knight who died of a toad” Join me as we dive into bravery, loyalty, and one unforgettable Tudor mystery. If you enjoyed today's story, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor history videos. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay  #WeirdHistory  #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles #StrangeDeaths #StupidDeaths

On this day in history, 19th November 1604, one of the most gifted churchmen of Elizabethan and early Jacobean England died - Richard Edes, Dean of Worcester, royal chaplain, poet, playwright, and one of the scholars appointed to help translate the King James Bible. Edes was only fifty years old when he died, and his death came just months after the great translation project began. He never lived to take part in the work that would define English religious life for centuries, yet his story opens a remarkable window into the world of late Tudor scholarship. In today's episode, I explore the life of this remarkable but often overlooked scholar: • His rise through Tudor academia • The plays and poems he composed as a young man • Queen Elizabeth's affectionate joke about her “three cousins” from the Isle of Wight • His church career and court connections • And the legacy he left behind at Worcester, Oxford, and beyond Join me as we remember Richard Edes, a man who stood at the crossroads of faith, learning, and language. If you enjoy discovering forgotten Tudor figures, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor history. #TudorHistory #RichardEdes #KingJamesBible #ElizabethI #JamesI #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles

The Ridolfi Plot Explained He wasn't a soldier, a spy, or a nobleman, but a Florentine banker who nearly toppled a queen.    In 1571, Roberto di Ridolfi masterminded one of the boldest conspiracies of Elizabeth I's reign, a plan backed by the Pope, Philip II of Spain, and Mary, Queen of Scots. His goal? To invade England, overthrow Elizabeth, and restore Catholic rule, all funded through secret banking channels. But one intercepted letter at Dover changed everything. Join me, historian Claire Ridgway, for the true story of The Ridolfi Plot, a tale of spies, Spanish gold, and the banker who talked too much. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #RidolfiPlot #MaryQueenOfScots #TudorConspiracies

How England Celebrated Accession Day Like a National Holiday   Every year on 17th November, England erupted in bells, bonfires, and jousting tournaments, all to celebrate Queen Elizabeth I's Accession Day. It wasn't just royal pageantry,  it was faith, theatre, and politics rolled into one. Knights broke lances before the Queen, the people burned effigies of the Pope, and Elizabeth became “England's Deborah,” the saviour of Protestant England. Discover how one day in 1558 became the biggest celebration in Tudor England, and how it lived on for centuries after the Virgin Queen's death. Listen now to uncover the story behind England's greatest royal festival. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #AccessionDay #Gloriana #TudorEngland #History

A thin, cautious man stepped onto a Welsh beach in August 1485 with fewer soldiers than his enemy, and more to lose than anyone in England. Three weeks later, he had killed a king, married his rival's niece, and founded a dynasty that still shapes Britain. He was Henry VII - quiet, calculating, and absolutely not boring. In this beginner's guide, I explore how the first Tudor monarch ended the Wars of the Roses, rebuilt royal authority, and quietly transformed England from chaos to stability. Forget the myth of the miserly king in his counting house, this Henry knew how to wield power, throw a party with dragons and castles on wheels, and plan dynasties like a master strategist. In this podcast: • How Henry won Bosworth and united Lancaster and York • His clever diplomacy, finances, and propaganda • The truth behind his “boring” reputation • The personal losses that reshaped his reign • How his quiet vision laid the groundwork for Henry VIII and Elizabeth I If Henry VIII was fireworks, Henry VII was the fuse, less flashy, but far more important. Recommended reading: Nathen Amin, Son of Prophecy Tell me in the comments: what surprised you most about Henry VII? #HenryVII #TudorHistory #WarsOfTheRoses #TudorDynasty #BritishHistory #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTube #BeginnerHistory

A jealous husband. A royal favourite. A queen held at gunpoint. On the night of 9 March 1566, David Rizzio, secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, was dragged from her side and stabbed over fifty times in Holyrood Palace, while the pregnant queen was forced to watch. But what really lay behind this shocking act? Was Rizzio Mary's lover? Or was her husband, Lord Darnley, jealous for a different reason? Or was Rizzio just a scapegoat? Join me as I explore the true story behind the Rizzio Murder, where court gossip, sexual scandal, and ruthless politics collided, setting Mary on the path to her downfall. Listen to uncover: - Why Rizzio rose so quickly in Mary's service - How Darnley's ambition and insecurity turned deadly - The truth behind those rumours of a royal love triangle - How one murder changed the fate of Scotland's most tragic queen History, passion, and power — Tudor and Stuart style. Subscribe for more true historical scandals and royal mysteries. #MaryQueenOfScots #LordDarnley #DavidRizzio #TudorHistory #StuartHistory #RoyalScandal #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgwa

The Martyrdom of Hugh Faringdon   On this day in Tudor history, 14 November 1539, a man of God was executed at the gate of his own abbey. His name was Hugh Faringdon, Abbot of Reading, a scholar, royal chaplain, and faithful servant of the Church, condemned as a traitor and hanged like a criminal.   Join me as I tell the powerful and tragic story of Abbot Hugh Faringdon, who tried to balance loyalty to King Henry VIII with faith in the old Church, and paid with his life. Discover: The rise of Hugh Faringdon from monk to abbot of one of England's greatest monasteries How he served Henry VIII faithfully before the Dissolution of the Monasteries Why refusing to surrender Reading Abbey made him a target of Thomas Cromwell's regime The brutal execution that shocked Tudor England And how, centuries later, he was beatified as Blessed Hugh Faringdon, a martyr of conscience. Today, the ruins of Reading Abbey still stand as a silent witness to his courage and conviction. #HughFaringdon #HenryVIII #DissolutionOfTheMonasteries #TudorHistory #ReadingAbbey #TudorMartyrs #OnThisDay #EnglishReformation #TudorFaith #TheAnneBoleynFiles #ClaireRidgway #CatholicHistory #TudorEngland

On this day in Tudor history, 13 November 1537, England mourned its queen. Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife and the mother of Prince Edward, was laid to rest in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Her death twelve days after childbirth plunged court and kingdom into grief. Join me as I retrace Jane's final journey from Hampton Court Palace, where she gave birth and died, to Windsor, where her body was borne in a grand procession of torches, banners, and black-clad mourners. Discover: Details on the procession and service Lady Mary's role as chief mourner The city-wide mourning in London, with bells tolling across every parish And the poignant detail that Jane's heart and entrails were buried separately. Jane Seymour's funeral marked the end of a brief, brilliant chapter - the queen who gave Henry VIII the son he longed for and, in death, secured her place beside him for eternity. #TudorHistory #JaneSeymour #HenryVIII #SixWives #WindsorCastle #HamptonCourt #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles

On this day in Tudor history, 12 November 1555, Queen Mary I turned back the religious clock. Parliament passed the Second Statute of Repeal, restoring papal authority and reuniting England with the Catholic Church after more than twenty years of upheaval. I explore how Mary achieved what had once seemed impossible: Undoing her father Henry VIII's break with Rome and her brother Edward VI's Protestant reforms Bringing England spiritually home to the Pope Balancing faith and politics by protecting nobles' monastic lands And why, intriguingly, she kept the title “Supreme Head of the Church” even as she restored papal power For three short years, England was once again Catholic, until Mary's death in 1558 and Elizabeth I's sweeping reversal. Was Mary's vision of unity ever possible in a country so divided by faith? Share your thoughts in the comments below. #TudorHistory #MaryI #CounterReformation #Reformation #QueenMaryI #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles

Today, 11 November, is Martinmas, the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours. In Tudor England, it was far more than a saint's day. It marked the great “winter slaughter”, when families across the realm, from manor to cottage, salted and cured their meat to survive the long months ahead. In this video, I explore the man behind the feast, St Martin, the Roman soldier who became a saint after cutting his cloak in half to clothe a beggar, and reveal how faith, food, and survival intertwined in Tudor life. Discover: The story of St Martin of Tours and why 11 November became his feast day How Tudor households prepared for winter by salting meat and preserving food The meaning of old sayings like “His Martinmas will come, as it does to every hog” Why salt was treasured as life itself And how Spain's La Matanza still echoes the traditions that fed the Tudors Martinmas was the Tudor turning point, the end of harvest, the beginning of winter, and a moment of gratitude for what the land and animals provided. #Martinmas #TudorLife #SaintMartin #TudorHistory #MedievalTraditions #HistoryOfFood #FeastDays #TudorEngland #TudorFeast #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles #TudorCustoms #TudorFarm #HistoryYouTube

He was handsome, daring, and utterly reckless, the man who stole the heart of England's greatest queen in her final years, and then broke it. Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was born on this day in 1565. He rose from ambitious courtier to Elizabeth I's beloved favourite - charming, bold, and impossible to ignore. But his pride and defiance would destroy him. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in this episode we'll trace the rise and ruin of the Queen's “darling of her old age”: his dangerous ambition, his disastrous rebellion, and the shocking betrayal that ended with an axe on Tower Green. Was Robert Devereux a tragic hero, or the author of his own destruction? Watch until the end to decide for yourself.   Subscribe for more Tudor history every week!   #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #RobertDevereux #EarlofEssex #TudorCourt #TudorScandal #OnThisDay #AnneBoleynFiles #BritishHistory #ClaireRidgway  

Power. Passion. Intrigue. Revolution. The Tudors ruled England for just over a century, but they changed it forever. In this Beginner's Guide to the Tudors, I explore how a Welsh courtier's secret marriage to a queen created one of the most fascinating dynasties in history. From the scandalous rise of Henry VIII and his six wives, to the tragedy of Lady Jane Grey and the genius of Elizabeth I, this is the story of how the Tudors reshaped religion, monarchy, and identity itself. You'll discover: - How the dynasty began with a forbidden royal romance. - How Henry VII built a new age from the ashes of civil war. - How Henry VIII's obsession for an heir changed faith forever. - How Mary I's struggle for unity divided a nation. - And how Elizabeth I turned survival into a Golden Age. If you think you know the Tudors, think again. This is your beginner's guide to the dynasty that changed England forever. #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #TudorDynasty

The Mystery of Arthur Dudley   A secret heir to the English throne… or one of the cleverest impostors in Tudor history? In 1587, a young Englishman was captured by Spanish sailors off the coast of San Sebastián. He called himself Arthur Dudley, and claimed to be the illegitimate son of Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Was he the Virgin Queen's hidden child, smuggled away in infancy to protect a royal scandal? Or a spy sent by Walsingham's network on the eve of war with Spain? Join me as I uncover the astonishing story of Arthur Dudley - his confession, his captivity, and the enduring mystery that still haunts Elizabeth's legend. Listen until the end and decide for yourself: heir, hoax, or Tudor agent? #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #ArthurDudley #TudorMystery #HistoryTok #AnneBoleynFiles #RobertDudley #TheVirginQueen #HistoricalMystery

On this day in Tudor history, 7th November 1565, Sir Edward Warner, soldier, courtier, Member of Parliament, and twice Lieutenant of the Tower of London, died at his Norfolk home. He was a man who lived at the heart of Tudor politics, serving four monarchs, guarding rebels and queens alike, and somehow surviving the shifting loyalties of an age where one wrong step could mean the scaffold. Warner fought in Scotland, helped defend Norwich during Kett's Rebellion, and rose high under Edward VI, only to fall when he sided with Lady Jane Grey and the Duke of Northumberland. Under Mary I, he found himself imprisoned in the very Tower he had once commanded. When Elizabeth I came to the throne, his fortunes reversed again, until another scandal erupted involving Lady Katherine Grey, sister of the “Nine Days' Queen", who somehow became pregnant while in his custody. Sir Edward Warner's story is one of duty, compassion, and danger, a Tudor survivor who lived through rebellion, imprisonment, and redemption. Join me, Claire Ridgway, as we uncover the life of this remarkable - and often forgotten - man of the Tudor age. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #TowerOfLondon #KatherineGrey #ElizabethI #HenryVIII #AnneBoleynFiles  

On this day in Tudor history, 6th November 1514, the streets of Paris glittered with banners, music, and colour. Eighteen-year-old Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII, had been crowned Queen of France the day before… and now she was the radiant heart of a lavish royal procession. Imagine it: a fountain flowing with a lily and a rose, pageants of goddesses and virtues, and Mary herself portrayed as the Queen of Sheba — the bringer of peace to France's King Louis XII. Every display was rich with meaning: divine unity, peace between nations, and the promise of a new era. But behind the splendour lay a fragile truth. Mary's marriage to Louis would last only a few months before his death, yet for that one November day, she was the embodiment of beauty, hope, and Tudor diplomacy: the rose of England entwined with the lily of France. Join me, Claire Ridgway, as I explore the story of Mary Tudor's triumphal entry into Paris, a breathtaking moment where art, politics, and pageantry met in perfect harmony. #MaryTudor #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #HenryVIII #QueenOfFrance #TudorDynasty #AnneBoleynFiles 

“Remember, remember the Fifth of November…” It's one of the most famous rhymes in English history, but behind the fireworks and bonfires lies a night of terror, faith, and betrayal that almost changed the course of Britain forever. On 5th November 1605, guards discovered Guy Fawkes in the cellars beneath the Palace of Westminster, surrounded by 36 barrels of gunpowder. His mission? To blow up King James I, the royal family, and Parliament in one devastating explosion. In this podcast, I uncover the gripping true story of the Gunpowder Plot — how religious tension, persecution, and broken promises drove a group of young English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, to plan the ultimate act of treason, and how it all started in Elizabeth i's reign. Discover how: - A secret undercroft was filled with gunpowder right beneath the Lords chamber - A mysterious letter betrayed the plotters' plan - And how one night's failure created centuries of tradition, from Bonfire Night to the cry of “Remember, remember the Fifth of November!” Recommended Reading & Viewing: – God's Traitors by Jessie Childs – Gunpowder (BBC/HBO mini-series, starring Kit Harington) #GuyFawkes #GunpowderPlot #BonfireNight #JamesI #RobertCatesby #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoryExplained #EarlyStuartHistory #TreasonAndPlot  

On this day in Tudor history, 4th November 1551, theologian, royal chaplain, and scholar John Redman, the first Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, died of consumption. Redman was one of Tudor England's most brilliant and balanced minds, a man who sought to reconcile faith, scholarship, and conscience in an age of division. Serving both Henry VIII and Edward VI, he defended traditional Catholic ideas while embracing elements of reform, earning respect from both sides of the religious divide. In this video, I explore the remarkable life of John Redman - from his early days at Oxford and Cambridge to his roles as Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, royal chaplain, and architect of Tudor theology. Discover how he helped shape the Edwardian Prayer Book, advised the crown on religion, and tried to hold England's faith together during one of its most turbulent transformations. On This Day in Tudor History brings forgotten Tudor figures back to life. Subscribe and ring the bell for daily stories from the world of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and the people who shaped their age. #TudorHistory #JohnRedman #TrinityCollege #Cambridge #Reformation #HenryVIII #EdwardVI #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd November 1568, a remarkable mind was lost to the world of learning. Nicholas Carr, physician, classical scholar, and Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge, died after a lifetime devoted to scholarship and teaching. Though his name is rarely remembered today, Carr stood among the generation of Tudor humanists who kept the flame of classical learning burning, following in the footsteps of John Cheke and Roger Ascham, and ensuring that Greek studies remained central to England's universities during the Reformation. In this video, I explore Carr's fascinating life, from his early education under Nicholas Ridley to his fellowship at Trinity College, his writings on learning and reform, and his later work as a physician supporting his family in turbulent times. Carr's quiet legacy reminds us that not all Tudor influence was forged in courtly intrigue. Love discovering the overlooked figures of Tudor England? Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor stories, and find out more about my forthcoming event, The Other Tudors: The Forgotten Figures Who Shaped a Dynasty: https://claireridgway.com/events/the-other-tudors-the-forgotten-figures-who-shaped-a-dynasty/ #TudorHistory #NicholasCarr #Cambridge #Humanism #TudorScholar #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

What inspired me to dedicate my life to Anne Boleyn and the Tudors? Why did I move to Spain? And yes — what do my tattoos mean? In this special behind-the-scenes interview, my husband Tim takes the interviewer's seat and asks me questions submitted by our amazing YouTube members. From my early fascination with Tudor history to the unexpected journey that led to The Anne Boleyn Files and The Tudor Society, we chat about how a lifelong passion turned into a full-time career sharing history with the world. You'll also hear about our move to Spain, what village life is really like, how we started our publishing business, and how I balance research, writing, and running online events with everyday life. Expect laughter, honesty, and a few surprises — including stories I've never shared publicly before. Member shout-outs: @emilykmichaelwriter, @NYCEllieMonster, @kathrynwicklund5880, @lpatter5440, @carmeloreilly5908, @petricat666, @Elvertaw, @kimcarlisle1510, @Odanti #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTuber #Interview #BehindTheScenes #TudorSociety #TheAnneBoleynFiles

When Queen Jane Seymour gave birth to Prince Edward on 12th October 1537, and sadly died on 24th October. From celebrations to tragedy in just 12 days. For centuries, a dark rumour has followed this story: that Henry VIII ordered surgeons to cut Jane open to deliver their son, sacrificing his queen for an heir. It's a tale that fits Henry's reputation for ruthlessness perfectly… but did it ever happen? In this episode, I dive into the real Tudor evidence — from Nicholas Sander's anti-Henry propaganda to 17th-century historians and historic ballads — to uncover how this myth was born and why it still persists today. We'll look at what the contemporary sources actually say, how the story evolved, and why it just can't be true.   If you enjoy uncovering myths, scandals, and true stories from Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell, it really helps more people find the channel. And if you missed my podcast, Jane Seymour's Death – A Deep Dive into the Causes, watch that next for the full medical picture - https://youtu.be/S6pFV6l6Vxg   #TudorHistory #JaneSeymour #HenryVIII #TudorEngland #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoryUncovered #TudorMyths #BritishHistory #TrueHistory

Forget pumpkins and plastic skeletons, in Tudor England, Halloween was sacred.   On 31st October, All Hallows' Eve marked the start of Hallowtide, a three-day festival blending pagan Samhain customs with Christian devotion: - All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) – ringing bells, lighting bonfires, wearing masks to ward off spirits, and “souling” for cakes to pray for the dead. - All Saints' Day (1 November) – honouring every saint and martyr in heaven. - All Souls' Day (2 November) – remembering all the departed, especially those in Purgatory. In this episode, I step back into Tudor England to uncover: - The origins of apple bobbing and “Nutcrack Night” - How souling became the forerunner of trick-or-treating - Why Hallowtide was both festive and deeply spiritual, a time to bridge the worlds of the living and the dead So if you've ever wondered what Halloween meant before horror films and sweets, this is the story of how the Tudors honoured the dead, celebrated life, and kept the darkness at bay. #Halloween #TudorHistory #HalloweenHistory #Hallowtide #OnThisDay #AllHallowsEve #AllSaintsDay #AllSoulsDay #AnneBoleynFiles

On this day in Tudor history, 30th October 1566, Queen Elizabeth I's former tutor, Roger Ascham, wrote her a long, heartfelt letter of praise and moral guidance. Centuries later, this same letter would be twisted into something sensational, supposed proof that Elizabeth secretly married Robert Dudley and bore a child… the future philosopher Francis Bacon. But what did Ascham actually write? And how did a pious letter about kingship, learning, and virtue become “evidence” for a royal scandal? In this episode, I uncover: - Who Roger Ascham really was — Elizabeth's beloved tutor and humanist scholar - What his 1566 letter truly says (and doesn't say) - How Victorian writers and Baconian theorists turned scripture into scandal - Why the so-called “secret pregnancy” theory falls apart when you read the text Ascham's Divae Elizabethae isn't confession or gossip, it's devotion: a dying scholar's tribute to the queen he'd once taught. So let's separate Tudor truth from centuries of speculation. Listen now to discover why this misunderstood letter reveals more about our obsession with the Virgin Queen's image than about her real life. #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #RogerAscham #RobertDudley #FrancisBacon #TudorMyths #HistoryDebunked #AnneBoleynFiles

On this day in Tudor history, 29 October 1586, Parliament met to decide the fate of Mary, Queen of Scots, just days after she was found guilty of conspiring to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. Their verdict was clear: the queen's own cousin and fellow sovereign must die. But more than four centuries later, the question still burns: was Mary a martyr, a tragic heroine, or a traitor? I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's episode we'll revisit the tense weeks between Mary's trial at Fotheringhay and her execution in February 1587. Elizabeth hesitated, torn between mercy and survival, while her councillors pressed for action. Meanwhile, Mary, an anointed queen held captive for nineteen years, insisted she was dying for her faith, not her crimes. So who was she really? A dangerous conspirator caught by her own hand… or a doomed queen sacrificed to politics, religion, and fear? #MaryQueenOfScots #ElizabethI #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #Tudors #QueenOfScots #TrueHistory #BritishHistory #TheAnneBoleynFiles

On this day in Tudor history, 28 October 1479, a man was born who would rise to the highest offices of state, and somehow survive the reigns of four Tudor monarchs. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today I'm talking about Sir John Gage: soldier, administrator, and courtier to Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I. Gage's life was a masterclass in cautious loyalty. He held the keys to the Tower of London, helped dissolve the monasteries, investigated conspiracies, and stood at the heart of Tudor power through decades of religious and political upheaval. But what was he really: a man of faith and duty, or a shrewd survivor in a dangerous age? Join me as we explore the extraordinary life of Sir John Gage, the Tudor who managed to keep his head while those around him lost theirs. Tell me in the comments: Was Gage's careful loyalty wisdom… or opportunism? #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #SirJohnGage #TowerofLondon #HenryVIII #MaryI #EdwardVI #HenryVII #Tudors #TudorCourt#TheAnneBoleynFiles

Imagine trying to stop a book so hard… you end up funding its next edition. On this day, 27 October 1526, Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall ordered copies of William Tyndale's English New Testament to be burned at St Paul's Cathedral. The goal: to stop heresy and control what the people could read. But Tunstall's crackdown had an unexpected twist. To destroy the books, he had to buy them first, money that reportedly paid for Tyndale's next, improved edition. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's On This Day in Tudor History, we'll explore how one bishop's bonfire turned into the best publicity Tyndale could have asked for, and how, just a decade later, English Bibles would appear in every church by royal order. Was Tunstall defending the faith, or did he help spread the very thing he feared? #TudorHistory #Tyndale #Reformation #OnThisDay #PrintingPress #HenryVIII #History #EnglishBible

He was handsome, charming, and one of Henry VIII's most trusted courtiers, until he fell from grace with Queen Catherine Howard. But whispers survive of a darker story: an accusation of violence, a royal pardon, and a crime that seemed to vanish from the record. Was Thomas Culpeper guilty of a shocking offence, and did Henry VIII himself protect him from justice?   Or was this just dangerous Tudor gossip, muddled by the existence of two Thomas Culpepers at court? Join me as I investigate one of Tudor England's most disturbing mysteries — where power, privilege, and silence could decide a man's fate.   Sources: - Letter from Richard Hilles to Heinrich Bullinger, Original letters relative to the English Reformation: written during the reigns of King Henry VIII, King Edward VI and Queen Mary, chiefly from the archives of Zurich, ed. Rev. Hastings Robinson, https://archive.org/details/originallettersr01robiuoft/page/226/mode/2up? - New Insight on the Accusation Against Thomas Culpeper, Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, Jonathan McGovern, Notes and Queries, gjaf112, https://doi.org/10.1093/notesj/gjaf112Published: 17 October 2025. - "Katherine Howard: The Tragic Story of Henry VIII's Fifth Queen" by Josephine Wilkinson - "Young and Damned and Fair" by Gareth Russell - “Catherine Howard: The Queen whose adulteries made a fool of Henry VIII” by Lacey Baldwin Smith